City council questioning $39 million to improve La Crosse Center

Center manager believes timing is right

Members of the La Crosse city council are questioning the reasoning behind renovating the La Crosse Center.

The civic center, built in 1980, is looking at $39 million worth in changes

Center manager Art Fahey presented a priority list to the council Tuesday night and says downtown activity makes this a good time for updating the building.

“I still think there’s momentum for it,” Fahey said. “I think there’s a lot of interest in La Crosse and the downtown.

“The emergence of four different hotels down here still has a lot of excitement and energy. And I think the economy is still strong. So, you put all this together and I think the timing is right.”

A second ballroom and a makeover of the building’s front on Second Street are among the top priorities identified by Fahey.  

He hopes the council will vote on plans in time to qualify for some state funding later this year.

The last major change at the La Crosse Center was the addition of the South Hall and a ballroom in 2000.