Development is moving forward on part of the ten-acre site just north-east of Menards in La Crosse -- a property known as being by the former La Crosse Rubber Mills and called “Former Trane Plant 6".

La Crosse City Planning Director Andrea Trane reported the northern-most four acres will see 146 market-rate apartments and 14 owner-occupied condos. 

The City created a TIF District [see explanation below] to help with developing the area. 

“We hope to begin October 4,” said Paul Borsheim, with Borton Construction at the NLBA meeting. Borton Construction is a partner in the development.

“This brings this land into play [vacated] since 2013 and gets much needed housing on the site,” said Trane.

Borsheim said they are researching the viability of senior housing for the southern-most portion of the land, “So far, it's looking favorable. The Northside has 22% of the population and only 3% of senior living.  Many people want to remain here. It's likely going to be a combination of types of senior-care units. We continue to look for ideas and opportunities.”

Borsheim explained that Hagar Street is getting extended to provide north and south access to the property. 

When asked by Jerry Swim with the Lower Northside Depot Neighborhood group about how they will communicate the information to residents around the property, Borsheim said they will hold neighborhood meetings.

PHOTO COURTESY: WKBT

* TIF EXPLAINED

A TIF is a tax-incremental-finance district. It is one of the City's few tools to encourage development of commercial properties within set areas.  As properties improve, their tax base increases. While the pre-improvement property taxes still go into the City's general fund, the community places increased revenue due to improvements into a segregated account for a period of time (ex. 20 years). The City uses these funds to pay back infrastructure improvements (roads, sewer, parks, etc.) or other improvements in the designated district.