Wildwood Weighs Historic Landmark Status for Pre-1873 Log Cabin and Century-Old Barn Tonight
Two of Wildwood's oldest structures — a log cabin dating to before 1873 and a circa-1901 barn — could land on the city's Historic Register after public hearings tonight.
Two of Wildwood's oldest structures — a log cabin dating to before 1873 and a circa-1901 barn — could land on the city's Historic Register after public hearings tonight.
The Historic Preservation Commission meets at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 16860 Main Street, to hear testimony on both nominations. Residents can also join via Zoom or watch the city's YouTube livestream.
The Horstmann Log Cabin
The first case, H.R. 1-26, involves the Horstmann Log Cabin at 4981 Fox Creek Road. The Wildwood Historical Society dates the cabin to before 1873, making it what the society considers one of the oldest known structures in the city. The property also includes a restored 1890 barn and a smokehouse.
Owner Tim Shocklee of TP Investments received a variance from the Board of Adjustment in December 2024 allowing him to keep the cabin as a second dwelling while building a new home on the same lot. That variance came with a condition: Shocklee had to apply for historic designation. He plans to use the cabin as a private guest house for extended family, according to the meeting agenda.
The Rosenbaum Farm Barn
The second hearing, H.R. 2-26, concerns a dogtrot-style barn at 3602 Allenton Road on the former Rosenbaum Farm. Owner Randy Mulcahy is seeking historic designation with the intent to restore the circa-1901 structure to its original condition. No city incentives have been requested, according to the public hearing notice signed by City Clerk Colleen Lohbeck.
Both hearings were ordered by the commission on April 2.
How to Weigh In
Residents who want to comment but can't attend tonight can submit written testimony to the Historic Preservation Commission at City Hall or online at cityofwildwood.com/comment.
The commission, chaired by Debbie Quarternik, is also working to finalize the city's first standalone Historic Preservation Plan — funded in part by a federal grant through the U.S. Department of the Interior — with the commission targeting City Council adoption by June, according to its work program update. A citywide moratorium on demolition of surveyed historic elements remains in place until that plan is adopted.
