Company makes pitch to city to open downtown, first-ever distillery in La Crosse

Buildings downtown would need to be torn down to make way 

What could be La Crosse’s first-ever distillery is planned for downtown. 

Nick Weber, from the newly formed La Crosse Distilling Co., says his new place would add to the tourism draw to downtown La Crosse.

A plan seeking approval from the La Crosse’s city council next month would men tearing down a couple of buildings downtown and building something completely different, as pictured above.

The two-story complex is planned for the corner of 2nd and Vine streets and could be open by spring.

It would not only make booze – vodka, gin and whiskey – but serve it in a tasting room.

“We want to be part of the revitalization of downtown La Crosse and add to the culture and scene that already exists and continues to grow,” the company wrote in the city proposal. “Once developed, we want to bring that vibe and culture to the world beyond.”

The tasting room and restaurant would be open fairly regular hours but the distillery could run round the clock, according to plans filed with the city.

La Crosse Distilling also plans to source its ingredients from local farms.