Kneeland-Walker House Facility Use Guidelines
Thank you for considering our historic Kneeland-Walker House as the perfect venue for your upcoming event or gathering. Below are the guidelines for the use of our facility.
House Capacity:
Mix/Mingle Event Public Areas of First Floor: 60 people
Table Seating Public Areas of First Floor (Dining table and up to 5 of the 6ft tables with 6-8 seats): 40 people
Set-Up: A floor plan and/or map of the grounds will be provided and discussed during the initial walk-through. Same day set up and take down of an event is required, unless prior arrangements are made with WHS. Early access is not permitted – all set up and take down must occur during rental hours.
Outdoor events require set up and take down of tables and chairs by the renter within the rental timeframe. Tables and chairs can be rented from an outside vendor or use of WHS’s limited inventory is permitted. Rental company deliveries must also be pre-arranged with WHS. The Wauwatosa Historical Society is not responsible for items left overnight. All truck or van deliveries can be made from the driveway south of the porte-cochere or from the side drive off 74th Street.
Indoor event set up will be completed by WHS staff, using tables and chairs supplied by WHS. No vendor furniture rentals are permitted indoors. Permanent furnishings of WHS may be rearranged but must not be removed from the first floor. Use of nails, screws, tape, wire, or any other device which could damage the Kneeland-Walker House is not allowed.
Tents: Any tent 400 ft. or greater (20×20) requires a permit from the City of Wauwatosa. Please discuss specific instructions about installation with WHS staff. Vendors providing tents for the renter must provide proof of insurance. The renter assumes liability for damage to the Kneeland-Walker property by the tent company, if the company hired by the renter does not hold adequate insurance.
Access/Entrances: The Kneeland-Walker House and bathrooms are not handicapped accessible. The back porch door (northwest) should only be used for personnel setting up prior to the event and after for the purpose of clean-up. Guests should be directed to enter the Hillcrest Drive front door for indoor rentals. The front and back doors are required to be unlocked in the normal course of use of the building to meet fire codes. Doors cannot be propped open and left unattended.
Kitchen: WHS has a kitchen area containing sink, refrigerator, microwave, and food prep set up/clean up area. There is no cooking allowed on the premises but crockpots and roasters/Nescos are welcome. Any use of sternos must be supervised by caterers but WHS has two electric warming trays, each 16”x20”, that are available upon request. There is no access to a dishwasher or oven/stove. Any items needed for serving must be supplied by the user. WHS does not provide napkins, China, glassware, or flatware. Vintage Tablecloths for indoor House rentals only can be made available upon request. Renters may provide their own food and beverage or utilize a professional caterer. All excess food and beverages from an event must be removed from the kitchen immediately following the event and all kitchen furnishings and fixtures shall be cleaned and wiped down after use. Renters or caterers must bag and remove all trash from the premises.
Alcohol & Catering: While alcohol is permitted, NO red wine is allowed inside the Kneeland-Walker House. NO cash bars are allowed – WHS does not hold a liquor license therefore the sale of alcohol on the premises is not permitted. All caterers must be approved by WHS and must provide WHS with a copy of their license and a certificate of liability insurance. Any use of sternos must be supervised by caterers.
Decorating: Glitter or confetti may not be used in the House, Coach House, or on the grounds. Nothing may be nailed, tacked, taped, or pasted to any wall throughout the House to accommodate decorations for any event. Artwork may not be removed from the walls to accommodate decorations.
Open Flames and Firearms: NO candles (this includes birthday candles and unity candles) or open flames (other than sternos supervised by caterers) are allowed anywhere on the WHS premises. Fireplaces are for decorative use only and cannot be used. There are no firearms allowed on the premises.
Smoking/Vaping: NO smoking or vaping on the premises. This includes all areas – the Kneeland-Walker House, the Coach House, the shed, all porches, and 1.5-acre grounds.
Parking: There is limited parking in the two WHS driveways. Guests may use residential street parking, taking care to comply with posted City of Wauwatosa parking signage. Please be courteous to neighbors when arriving and departing.
Noise: WHS is in a residential neighborhood, as such, renters must limit any outdoor noise. Live and recorded music is allowed, pending approval by WHS, but any amplified music must end by10:00 pm.
Vacating: Renters and guests must vacate WHS no later than 11:00 pm. This is firm. Keep this in mind when you schedule your event end time to allow yourself time to clean up after your event.
Minors: Minors must be supervised by a designated adult from the renter’s party, both in terms of enforcing the laws of the state of Wisconsin, and to ensure that behavior is respectful toward the facility. Minors and supervisors not complying with this policy will be asked to leave. It is the responsibility of the renter to enforce this policy and action.
Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the Kneeland-Walker House. Pets must be leashed and supervised on the property. Pet waste must be picked up and properly disposed of.
Damages & Liability: Any damage to the facility or loss of equipment must be reported to the Guardian immediately. A complete inspection of the facility will be undertaken immediately following an event and the renter will be liable for any damages exceeding the security deposit. The group, individual, or organization using KWH will agree to compensate WHS for all damages to facilities, equipment, furnishings, or other WHS property made by the renter, guests, or by the renter’s vendors, if there are musicians, florists, etc., who are hired by the renter. Such vendors shall provide the renter with a certificate of insurance, copies of which shall be given by the renter to the Executive Director. The renter further assumes all liability for any personal injuries, including death, caused by participants during the scheduled event.
Supervision: A representative (Guardian) of WHS will be onsite for the duration of any rental. WHS Guardians cannot help unload, carry, unpack, set up, or clean up items being brought in for rental. They do not give tours but can answer general questions about the House. Security cameras are in use both inside and outside.
Refunds: Rental fees and other charges are completely refundable if WHS cancels the use of the venue for any reason other than violations by the user. In the event the renter requests cancellation, a 100% refund of money paid will be issued for cancellations more than eight weeks prior to the scheduled date. A 75% refund will be issued if cancellation occurs within three to eight weeks prior to the event. No refund will be issued if cancellation occurs fewer than three weeks prior to the event.
Bookings: All bookings must be accompanied by a signed and completed rental agreement, as well as rental fees, to hold the date. Rentals are done on a first come, first serve basis. Dates will not be held without contract and payment.
FEE STRUCTURE
| House | $125 per hour (2 hour minimum)* Cleaning Fee: $50.00 | Includes Public Areas of 1st Floor. Max of 60 People or Table Seating Max of 40. Ideal for baby or bridal showers, meetings, parties, or smaller weddings or group gatherings. |
| House & Grounds | $225 per hour (2 hour minimum)* Cleaning Fee: $50.00 | Includes use of 1st Floor Coach House as well as Public Areas of 1st Floor. Ideal for weddings or large catered events. |
| House 2nd Floor Add-on | $25 per hour when added to a House or House & Grounds rental Cleaning Fee: $25 | Includes Public Areas of 2nd Floor – Board Room, Bedroom, Bathroom. Increases capacity of House to Max of 80 People. Ideal for weddings or large catered events. |
| Grounds + Kitchen & Bathroom | $150 per hour (2 hour minimum)* Cleaning Fee: $25.00 | Includes use of 1st Floor Coach House as well as House 1st Floor Kitchen & Bathroom. Ideal for outdoor graduation parties or weddings. |
*Contracted hours must include set-up time and clean-up time.
50% of the rental fee, a $200 Security Deposit, and the cleaning fee (for indoor rentals only) are due with the signed contract to secure the date. Balance of rental fee is due 60 days prior to the event. If a rental agreement is signed fewer than 60 days prior to an event, the total rental fee is due at time of signing.
The Wauwatosa Historical Society reserves the right to waive or modify the stated policies and prices.
All rentals must be accompanied by a signed agreement to adhere to these guidelines.
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