La Crosse, WI
Home MenuMost Endangered Historic Properties
La Crosse’s Heritage Preservation Commission annually identifies a list of threatened and endangered historic properties.
This list shares the threats facing La Crosse’s valuable historic resources. It sheds light on important examples of La Crosse’s heritage that are at risk of destruction or irreparable damage due to neglect, redevelopment, or natural disasters. La Crosse has lost numerous valuable historic buildings, many of which were demolished without the community's knowledge of its historic significance.
La Crosse has several truly special, nearly one-of-a-kind treasures, but they shrink in number every year. Once they are torn down, they can never be recovered. This list aids the community in protecting our historic resources before it is too late. The hope is that it can prevent major losses like La Crosse has suffered in the past and inspire more citizens to advocate for historic preservation.
For more information, or to nominate endangered historic properties for future lists, please contact Tim Acklin at acklint@cityoflacrosse.org.
2021 Most Endangered Historic Properties
2022 Most Endangered Historic Properties
2023 Most Endangered Historic Properties
2023 Most Endangered Historic Properties Table of Contents
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William Zurn Beverage/Stokke Oil Service Station, 324 4th Street S.
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La Crosse School District Buildings (Hogan and Lincoln Schools)
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600 Block of 4th Street S. (J.P. Koller Building and John Halverson House)
1. William Zurn Beverage/Stokke Oil Service Station, 324 4th Street S.
Historic Overview
- Today’s Glory Days Sports Pub encompasses two historic buildings: William Zurn Beverage (brick section overlooking 4th Street) and Stokke Oil Service Station (longer section facing King Street).
- Stokke Oil Service Station was designed by La Crosse architect Otto Merman.
- These Art Deco influenced buildings were both built ca. 1934 and were combined in approximately 1999.
Why It's Endangered
- Building suffered damage related to a catastrophic fire and subsequent collapse of the neighboring Mueller building in April 2022.
- Issued a “Rehabilitate or Raze and Remove” order
Why It's Worth Saving
- Designed in part by prominent La Crosse architect Otto Merman.
- Unique buildings, contain “Wall of Fame” signed by Green Bay Packers, beloved by local sports fans.
- Eligible for La Crosse Local Historic Landmark designation.
2. La Crosse School District Buildings (Hogan and Lincoln Schools)
Historic Overview
- Architect Otto Merman designed the Hogan School in 1920 and Lincoln School in 1924. They’re both well-preserved examples of school buildings designed in the Neoclassical/Beaux Arts style.
- Both eligible for La Crosse Local Historic Landmark designation and National Register of Historic Places.
Hogan School, ca. 1920. Source: UWL Murphy Library Special Collections/ARC.
Lincoln School, 1924. Source: UWL Murphy Library Special Collections/ARC.
Why It's Endangered
- La Crosse School District plans to close these buildings as part of a city-wide consolidation.
- Both buildings are 98+ years old and have experienced deferred maintenance.
Why It's Worth Saving
- Best remaining examples of Neoclassical/Beaux Arts style school buildings in La Crosse.
- Similar to the former Roosevelt School, these buildings could be converted into apartments and provide much needed housing.
3. 600 Block of 4th Street S. (J.P. Koller Building and John Halverson House)
Historic Overview
- J.P. Koller Building (Grocery & Saloon), built ca. 1898.
- Owner John P. Koller moved to La Crosse in 1867 (at age 4). Became a businessman and Alderman for the 13th Ward.
- John Halverson House, built ca.1891.
- Owner John Halverson, born in 1825, was a superintendent with Mons Anderson & Son Co. He worked there at least 31 years, from around 1866 until 1897.
J.P. Koller Building (Left). John Halverson House (Right). Ca. 1977. Source: Wisconsin Historical Society.
Why It's Endangered
- The only historic buildings remaining on the entire 600 block of 4th Street S. Both buildings in danger of redevelopment.
Why It's Worth Saving
- Both are unique examples of Victorian architecture, both eligible for LaCrosse Local Historic Landmark designation.
- J. P. Koller Building still displays original advertising “ghost sign”, ornamental brickwork and other historic features.
- John Halverson House is a rare example of a residential home remaining downtown.
4. Rublee-Washburn House, 612 Ferry Street
Historic Overview
- Italianate style, built ca. 1856.
- First owner: Francis M. Rublee, La Crosse County Treasurer
- Started first sawmill, the La Crosse Lumber Co.
- Second owner: Cadwallader C. Washburn, Major
- General in the Civil War, organized the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry Regiment
- Served as US Congressman for five terms, Wisconsin Governor, on UW Board of Regents
- Founded flour mill in Minneapolis which later became the General Mills Co.
Ca. 1890. Source: UWL Murphy Library Special Collections/ARC.
Why It’s Endangered
- Damage to various historic elements. Requires maintenance, falling into disrepair
- Facing neighborhood redevelopment
Why It’s Worth Saving
- Considered first architect-designed home in the city, unlike anything else at the time
- Built when only five families lived in La Crosse
- Rublee and Washburn were both prominent early citizens of La Crosse
Ca. 2009. Source: Wisconsin Historical Society.
5. MacMillan Apartments, 709 and 711-713 Cass Street
Historic Overview
- Neoclassical influence, strong examples of period apartment design.
- Built by La Crosse-born architect Andrew Roth between 1912-1915.
- Distinctive two-story front porches with capped, brick piers.
- Owned by Daniel G. MacMillan, a prominent businessman, industrialist, and civic leader in La Crosse history.
Ca. 1985. Source: UWL Murphy Library Special Collections/ARC.
Why It’s Endangered
- Encroachment by expanding road and high-traffic roundabout. Facing significant neighborhood redevelopment.
- In need of maintenance/restoration.
Why It’s Worth Saving
- Noteworthy historic apartment design in a pronounced location.
- Designed by a skilled local architect.
- Potentially eligible for National Register of Historic Places designation and Historic Tax Credits for restoration.
Ca. 2019. Source: Google Maps.
6. W. C. Will House, 503 Caledonia Street
Historic Overview
- Queen Anne style, built ca. 1894 by La Crosse-born architect Andrew Roth.
- Rare example of a Queen Anne built with red brick in North La Crosse.
- Gable roofed, two-story house with a three-sided bay on the lower-level, stained glass and half-round window in cross-gable.
- Owned by William C. Will, inspector with the Chicago, Burlington & Northern Railways.
Ca. 1977. Source: Wisconsin Historical Society.
Why It’s Endangered
- Sits in-between the Monitor Street district and the Amtrak Train Station parking lot.
- Facing neighborhood redevelopment.
Why It’s Worth Saving
- Unusual architectural example.
- Designed by a skilled local architect.
- Retains many historic building elements.
- Eligible for La Crosse Local Historic Landmark designation.
Ca. 2019. Source: Google Maps.
7. Hegge House, 1339 Caledonia
Historic Overview
- Queen Anne Style, built ca. 1894 by La Crosse-born architect Andrew Roth.
- A typical example of an ornate Queen Anne home in North La Crosse. House retains decorative shingles, ornate woodwork, and stained glass windows.
- Owned by Christian Hegge, a Norwegian immigrant who came to La Crosse ca. 1878.
- With his brother Halsten, he started Hegge Bros. Meat Market at 732 Rose Street. It operated continuously in North La Crosse for several decades.
Ca. 1977. Source: Wisconsin Historical Society.
Why It’s Endangered
- Original historic features (shingles and ornamental woodwork) falling into disrepair.
- In danger of neighborhood redevelopment.
Why It’s Worth Saving
- Unique Queen Anne example. Retains important architectural features like two-story gable roofed porch, elevated railing carved posts and stained-glass.
- Designed by a skilled local architect.
- Eligible for La Crosse Local Historic Landmark
Ca. 2019. Source: Google Maps.
8. A. L. Maltman House,1218 Vine Street
Historic Overview
- American Foursquare, ca. 1918.
- One in a row of three similar homes, possibly constructed by the same builder.
- Distinctive entrance with gabled roof supported by brackets. A two-story bay on the West side.
- Retains its original siding and upper-level shingles. Owned by Arthur L. Maltman, a stock clerk at the La Crosse Tractor Co.
Ca. 1983. Source: Wisconsin Historical Society.
Why It’s Endangered
- Only three historic buildings remain on this block, encircled by modern apartments.
- Used for student housing, facing severe neglect and falling into disrepair.
Why It’s Worth Saving
- Retains many historic elements.
- Porch can be restored to original appearance.
- Only a finite number of American Foursquare homes in La Crosse.
- Eligible for La Crosse Local Historic Landmark designation.
Ca. 2019. Source: Google Maps.
9. E. J. Weimar House,1222 Vine Street
Historic Overview
- American Foursquare, ca. 1918.
- One of three similar homes in a row, possibly constructed by same builder.
- Hipped roof with broad overhang. Two-story side bay. Retains original upper-level shingles and lower-level siding.
- Owned by Edward J. Weimar, an employee at the National Bank of La Crosse.
- Edward, wife Edna, and 3-year-old son Ray moved in around March 1918.
Ca. 1983. Source: Wisconsin Historical Society.
Why It’s Endangered
- Only three historic buildings remain on this block, encircled by modern apartments.
- Used for student housing, facing severe neglect and falling into disrepair.
Why It’s Worth Saving
- Retains many historic elements.
- Porch can be restored to original appearance.
- Row of three American Foursquare homes possibly designed by well-known builder.
- Eligible for La Crosse Local Historic Landmark designation.
Ca. 2019. Source: Google Maps.
10. H. J. Putman House, 231 13th Street N.
Historic Overview
- American Foursquare, ca. 1918.
- Listed as 1226 Vine in 1922 City Directory.
- One of three similar homes in a row, possibly constructed by same builder.
- Distinctive and less common layout.
- Retains original bracketed side entrance covering. Owned by Henry J. Putman, a sales manager at the La Crosse Rubber Mills.
Ca. 1983. Source: Wisconsin Historical Society.
Why It’s Endangered
- Only three historic buildings remain on this block, encircled by modern apartments.
- Used for student housing, facing severe neglect and falling into disrepair.
Why It’s Worth Saving
- Vinyl siding detracts from appearance and might be hiding original elements.
- Row of three American Foursquare homes possibly designed by well-known builder.
- Eligible for La Crosse Local Historic Landmark designation.
Ca. 2019. Source: Google Maps.