La Crosse Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Summary – October 22, 2026

The La Crosse Heritage Preservation Commission met at 6:07 p.m. on October 22, 2026, and adjourned at 7:26 p.m. One commissioner was excused. The commission approved the previous meeting minutes, accepted the Joston House nomination for a future public hearing, approved the Ott House nomination, and approved a certificate of appropriateness for a sign at 200 Main Street.

Consent Calendar

• Prior meeting minutes were approved unanimously on a motion by Commissioner Gallagher, seconded by Commissioner Garland.

Public Comments & Testimony

• For the Joston House nomination, the commission voted unanimously to open an unscheduled public hearing because of the large audience. The chair announced a 30-minute total limit because opposing viewpoints were present and a 3-minute limit per speaker; nominator David Real and Aquinas representative Ted Knutson were allowed more time.
• David Real (nominator, former HPC commissioner, north-side resident) argued that the Joston House, 417 11th Street South, meets local landmark criteria through the family's economic, artistic, educational, and civic contributions. He cited Ernest Joston's hardware and metalsmith business, Margaret Joston's Art Institute of Chicago exhibition and listing in the 1923 Who's Who of Art, and Hazel Joston's 31-year teaching career and $10,000 University of Wisconsin scholarship bequest. He also said the house likely contains Sigelki Coal House millwork and has had only three families of owners, including the Beckstroms for 54 years.
• Ted Knutson (president of Aquinas Catholic Schools, representing Aquinas High School, the property owner) opposed the designation. He said Aquinas wants flexibility because educational programming is changing, has no definite plans for the property, would not use it as a parking lot, and would sell before doing so. He said the property was on the market for months, the owner approached Aquinas, and Roger Beckstrom wanted Aquinas to have the opportunity to buy it. He said a steering committee is studying options, including vocational/technical education, and that if Aquinas kept the house it would likely demolish it and build on the site. He argued designation should require owner consent and questioned whether the house is sufficiently unique.
• Gretchen Beckstrom (referred to as Gerson in the transcript; former resident) supported preservation, spoke about the family's love and care for the home, and expressed concern about Aquinas's record of removing nearby homes and unmet landscaping promises. She said another family is currently interested in the house.
• Amy Dummer (neighbor, 1019 Division Street) opposed demolition because La Crosse is short of housing and demolition would send building materials to a landfill.
• Monica Gorski (across-street neighbor) praised the house as beautiful and well preserved and recalled Roger Beckstrom's pride in surviving amid surrounding parking lots.
• Heidi Beckstrom Connelly (former resident, New Richmond) urged preservation, describing the home's cherry paneling, golden oak woodwork, and her parents' community contributions. She recalled that her father wanted Aquinas to use the home and was concerned about his neighbors and the block.
• Kelly Sulzbach (neighbor, 1117 Division Street) recounted Roger Beckstrom's hope that Aquinas might use the house for international students. After being called back up, Ted Knutson said that idea was not likely and asked the commission to focus on the property's historic significance rather than possible future use.

Discussion Items

• Joston House Nomination (26-116): The commission had the nomination and an objection letter in Legistar. Deputy Director Ackland said the nomination was complete. He explained that accepting it does not finalize designation; a class 2 noticed public hearing would be required, with the final decision at the next meeting. Staff said the commission has no jurisdiction over the interior after designation. One commissioner questioned why the nomination came about a year after the November 2025 sale and suggested deferring so Aquinas could explore options; other commissioners favored continuing the statutory process. The motion to accept the nomination passed 4-2.
• John and Elizabeth Ott House Nomination (26-115): David Real presented research on John J. Ott, president/superintendent of B. Ott & Sons Foundry, and the Ott family's business, welding, and civic contributions, plus likely Sigelki Coal House woodwork. Homeowner Michelle Anderson was present and supported the nomination. Staff called the nomination complete. The commission approved the nomination unanimously.
• Certificate of Appropriateness, 200 Main Street (26-119): Staff described a proposed non-illuminated acrylic blade sign about 4.5 by 2.5 feet and 3 inches thick, to be mounted above the storefront with two posts and a maximum of eight clips/fasteners. It met the design standards except that the acrylic composite material required commission approval. Staff recommended approval. The commission approved it unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved prior meeting minutes unanimously.
• Opened and closed an unscheduled public hearing for the Joston House nomination.
• Accepted the Joston House nomination on a 4-2 vote; the noticed public hearing and final decision will occur on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 6 p.m.
• Approved the Ott House nomination unanimously; it will also proceed to the November 17 public hearing.
• Approved the certificate of appropriateness for the sign at 200 Main Street unanimously.
• Received updates: four La Crosse properties were recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places (City Hall, the synagogue on Main Street at 18th and Main, the HSR office building north of the River Point District, and the former fire station on Gillette Street); the commission's property-recognition sign project was reported as well received. The next regular meeting is November 17, 2026, at 6 p.m. in council chambers.