La Crosse Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting — October 7, 2026

The Heritage Preservation Commission of La Crosse, Wisconsin, met to review a downtown sign application, a local landmark nomination, property recognition awards, a state grant application, and historic preservation outreach strategies. The minutes identify the meeting date as Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM, but the metadata provided with this summary lists October 7, 2026; the October 22, 2026 public hearing referenced during the meeting supports the earlier date. No agenda was available. Four of six commissioners were present (Eric Garland, Jim Gallagher, John Reiman, and Branden Yates); Natalie Heneghan and Ellie McLoone were excused. With no chair or vice chair in place, Commissioner John Reiman volunteered to temporarily chair. Council Member Lisa Weston attended but was not yet a voting member. All motions passed 4-0 by voice vote.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the May 28, 2026 meeting minutes — moved by Eric Garland, seconded by Jim Gallagher, passed 4-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Cameron and Corey, property owners and nominators of the George Howard House, testified about the home's history: George Howard was La Crosse's first druggist, originally from England, and the house was originally built downtown before being moved to 320 8th Street S around 1911–1912; they noted it is listed among the 10 oldest buildings in La Crosse by local historian Harry Hirschheimer. They expressed full support for preserving the city's older homes and character. A commissioner also noted that the nomination narrative states Howard opened the first drugstore between Dubuque and St. Paul.

Discussion Items

• Certificate of Appropriateness, 120 4th Street S (Downtown Historic District): Staff described a proposed Bodega sign measuring roughly 12 feet high by 4 feet wide, mounted 11 feet above the ground, with an aluminum casing, internally lit acrylic composite face, and through-wall metal plate attachment. Staff found it consistent with district standards and recommended approval, noting the district has no sign size limits. The commission approved the certificate 4-0, with a condition that the sign must meet the city sign code.
• George Howard House Local Historic Landmark nomination, 320 8th Street S: Staff reviewed the nomination as complete. A public hearing was opened and closed (both 4-0). Commissioners discussed the two proposed criteria; several members expressed concern that the American Four Square architecture had been altered by vinyl siding and additions, while the house's association with George Howard was strongly supported. The commission amended the motion to approve under the first criterion (association with a significant person) only, then voted 4-0 to approve the nomination and schedule the formal public hearing for October 22, 2026. Note: the minutes state the nomination was approved "as submitted," while the transcript reflects the amendment limiting approval to the first criterion.
• Property Recognition Nominations and Notification Letter: Commissioner John Reiman presented the Heritage Award initiative — surprise letters and yard signs recognizing owners who make historically appropriate exterior improvements to properties 50 years or older; the commission has purchased 25 signs. The commission unanimously approved the letter template with direction to make clear the award is not a historic designation. It then approved two nominations: 445 Losey Blvd N (a yellow-and-green home with white trim and a green roof, recently repainted) and 1820 Cass St (a Tudor English-style home with a new roof), each 4-0.
• 2027 Wisconsin Historical Society Grant Cycle: Staff explained the Certified Local Government grant process and past applications. A prior request for roughly $35,000 to update the City's Architectural and Intensive Survey Report (currently current to 1996) was not funded; the Wisconsin Historical Society recommended splitting the city survey into phases. Staff recommended applying again. The commission voted 4-0 to direct staff to apply for a grant to update the survey; a letter of intent is due September 11, with a full application in December.
• Outreach & Education Strategies: Staff debriefed the Common Council's overturn of the Emerson Elementary designation appeal and expressed concern that more education is needed for the public and elected officials. Commissioners discussed separating preservation from property-rights infringement, tailoring messages to different audiences, highlighting lost buildings such as the old library, federal courthouse, and Sider hotel, and explaining the "why" behind preservation. No formal action was taken; staff will continue developing the strategy.

Key Outcomes

• All substantive motions — minutes approval, sign certificate, landmark nomination, and grant application direction — passed 4-0, as did the Heritage Award letter template and the two property recognition nominations.
• A public hearing on the George Howard House nomination is scheduled for October 22, 2026.
• Staff was directed to apply for the 2027 Wisconsin Historical Society grant to update the City's Architectural and Intensive Survey Report.
• A commissioner requested an update on the demolition delay ordinance at the next meeting; staff noted it remains pending in the city attorney's office.
• The outreach and education strategy discussion will continue at future meetings.