Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting - February 26, 2026
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting - February 26, 2026
The Heritage Preservation Commission met on February 26, 2026, to consider local historic landmark nominations for two properties, review four National Register of Historic Places nominations, and discuss a historic certificate initiative. The meeting included a public hearing on the Professional Arts Building, a first review of Emerson Elementary School, and unanimous support for all four National Register nominations.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of January 29, 2026 Special Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously by a show of hands.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Item 26-0063 – Professional Arts Building (Mayo Campus, St. Francis School of Nursing, 615 10th Street South): Public hearing held. Speakers in support included Mark Zettler (President, Preservation Alliance of La Crosse), who argued the building is historically significant for its association with nursing education and its design by master architects Parkinson and Dockendorf. Barbara Coyman (former commission member and PAL board member) urged the commission to evaluate based on criteria, not potential future use. Speakers in opposition included Chris Hosse (Chief Administrative Officer, Mayo Clinic Health System), Tanner Holst (Admin Chair, Mayo Clinic), Tim Boskirk (Mayo Clinic, via Zoom), Matt Trudewell (Vice Chair of Administration, Mayo Clinic), and Jennifer Thompson (Director of Community Engagement, Mayo Clinic). They expressed concerns that local designation could hinder their ability to make timely modifications for patient safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency, potentially making continued investment cost-prohibitive.
Discussion Items
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Item 26-0063 (continued): After public hearing, Commissioner John Ryman moved to approve the nomination. Discussion noted that the designation would require a certificate of appropriateness for exterior changes, but staff indicated such approvals are rarely denied and can be appealed to the city council. The commission voted unanimously to approve the nomination.
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Item 26-0222 – Emerson Elementary School (Hillview Orthopedic School, 2001 Campbell Road): First review of nomination. Nominator Mark Zettler presented the building as historically significant for its role as an early orthopedic school (over 50 years ahead of ADA) and its association with the Works Progress Administration. Superintendent Aaron Engel spoke in opposition, arguing that the orthopedic program was not unique, the building’s original features are gone, and WPA association alone is insufficient. He also raised concerns that historic designation could limit future reuse options, citing the Lincoln Middle School experience where interest dropped from eight parties to one bidder. After discussion, Commissioner Ellie McLoon moved to refer the nomination for 30 days to allow the commission to tour the building. The motion passed unanimously.
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Items 26-023, 26-024, 26-025, 26-026 – National Register of Historic Places Nominations: The commission reviewed and commented on nominations for four properties: Fire Station No. 4 (906 Gillette Street), City Hall (400 La Crosse Street), HSR Building (100 Milwaukee Street), and Congregation Sons of Abraham Building (1820 Main Street). Staff noted that National Register designation is honorary and does not impose local restrictions. The commission unanimously approved each nomination and directed staff to send letters of support to the state historic preservation office. Commissioner comments highlighted the historical and architectural merit of each property, with special recognition of the synagogue’s vulnerability and the significance of its mid-century modern design.
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Historic Certificate Initiative: Commissioner John Ryman presented a draft proposal for a voluntary certificate program to recognize property owners who make positive contributions to historic preservation. Discussion focused on keeping the process simple and flexible. Commissioners offered minor wording suggestions; the item will be revisited at a future meeting.
Key Outcomes
- Item 26-0063 – Professional Arts Building: Motion to approve the local historic landmark nomination passed unanimously. The property will proceed to the next step (final designation) after a public hearing.
- Item 26-0222 – Emerson Elementary School: Motion to refer the nomination for 30 days passed unanimously. The commission will tour the building and revisit the nomination at the March 26, 2026 meeting.
- Items 26-023, 26-024, 26-025, 26-026: All four National Register nominations were approved unanimously with letters of support to be sent by staff.
- Historic Certificate Initiative: No formal action; discussion continued, and a revised draft will be presented at a future meeting.
Meeting Transcript
You'll see the microphone turn red. Okay. And you want to make sure that when you're done speaking, you turn it off, because if somebody else turns it on, you're gonna get a lot of feedback and things like that, okay? This is just a test. Can you hear us okay? Okay, thank you. We just wasn't working for an earlier meeting. We just want to be sure it worked. Okay, thank you very much. Oh, one PM. I will call to order this meeting of the Heritage Preservation Commission. The first point I'd like to make is just for the committee. Remember to have microphones on so folks online are able to hear. First up, we have uh actually the roll call. We have all members of this body here in person except for Natalie Hennigan, who is excused for this meeting. Now to the approval of the January 29th, 2026 special meeting minutes. Any questions on the minutes? If there are no questions, Commissioner Goggin. Uh Gotton. I move to approve the minutes. Motion to approve, second by Jim Gallagher. Any discussion. Seeing no discussion, the motion on the floor is to approve the minutes. All those in favor, please say I. We can do just hand raise for this meeting. And that is uh approved unanimously. First item on the agenda is 26-0063, nomination of the professional arts building Mayo Campus, St. Francis School of Nursing, located at 615 10th Street South to be designated as a local historic landmark. You have before you the attachments. Again, this is the second part of the uh nomination process. The first month, the body reviewed the nomination uh for its merits. And the second month is on public hearing. Tim, do you want to add anything to that? No. Okay. The same rules of public hearing uh that apply for any other body apply for this meeting. So they're limited to 30 minutes, and there are only three minutes to speak per speaker. And public hearing is limited to 15 minutes if there are no opposing viewpoints. If they are opposed, public hearing is limited to 30 minutes. And we do give you a heads up when your three minutes is coming to an end. Uh speakers have to come to the podium. There's a little person button on the podium. You'll hit that button and see a red ring that will uh make speaking possible. And you must direct your comments to the chair only, not to the audience or other members. Any questions of the commission on that process? Okay, I need a motion to open public hearing. I'll make a motion to open a public hearing. That is a motion by Commissioner Goggin. Gotin, we have a Goggin too, and I always mess it up. Second by Commissioner Gallagher by unanimous consent.
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