Grand River Station
The Opportunity
Downtown La Crosse needed a new transit hub, and the same location offered room for housing, retail and creative live/work space. Combining those uses could turn infrastructure into a place rather than a stand-alone facility.
The Challenge
The project had to integrate a working regional transit center, parking, commercial space and mixed-income housing in one downtown development — each with different operating and financing requirements.
The Approach
Build vertically and mix uses deliberately: transit and commercial activity at street level, parking integrated into the structure, and 72 apartments above, including live/work housing and amenities for artists and entrepreneurs.
The Result
Grand River Station combines the downtown transit center with retail, parking and 72 mixed-income apartments. It remains an active downtown community with artist work lofts and direct access to transit and city amenities.
Why It Matters
Public infrastructure can catalyze downtown life when mobility, housing, work space and street activity are designed as one development rather than separate projects.