Local
La Crosse’s “Pink Palace” gone soon
An architectural landmark is now almost a memory.
Demolition began Monday of the building known as the Pink Palace, which sits along Main Street near the La Crosse Public Library.
About half of the structure is now a pile of rubble as the site is cleared for new construction.
Last fall, the city gave the go-ahead to demolish the building and replace it with a new affordable housing development called Haven on Main. It’s a multi-unit apartment complex that’s inclusive and accessible for people with disabilities.
Before the end began Monday, there were a few final uses for the building, which still featured many of the touches from when it was styled in the 1960s-70s. The main building that grew into the Pink Palace was originally constructed in the 1890s.
Habitat for Humanity volunteers went through the eclectic structure and salvaged items including cabinets, fixtures, and furniture for sale at its store.
Back in December, Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Area executive director, Kahya Fox joined WIZM’s La Crosse Talk and discussed the process of gutting the Pink Palace.
La Crosse Talk airs weekdays at 6-8 a.m. Listen on the WIZM app, online here, or on 92.3 FM / 1410 AM / 106.7 FM (north of Onalaska). Find all the podcasts here or subscribe to La Crosse Talk PM wherever you get your podcasts.
Read more about Habitat’s efforts in salvaging the interior of the palace here.
The La Crosse Fire Department used the empty building for several days as a training site for its members to practice their rescue and other techniques.
Haven on Main is set to open in 2026. Designs for the building include 70 units of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments with half the units designed for disabled residents.
nick
March 18, 2025 at 9:02 am
This is probably needed . However, more apartments are not the answer to a housing shortage. The people who have run this city have to get creative with construction and type.
This area’s problem is that it is way to parochial and close minded to individuals who have lived elsewhere and may have good ideas.
Mike Hochertz
March 18, 2025 at 11:08 am
The affordable housing in not contributing to the American dream of home ownership. Look at the vast numbers of apartments being built. These rent for $1,500 per month. That is $18,000 per year or $90,000 in 5 years. Then you move with zero equity.
The young generation needs to purchase a starter home build equity and keep that $90,000 for their selves. In addition the home will appreciate in value providing more to put down on the next home. There is also tax deduction that home ownership provides.
Research who is building these massive apartments. These are who the city is enriching by allowing permits. Then when individuals can’t afford the rent, they will apply for section 8 or other tax payer funded support. So these are not affordable.
Adam
March 19, 2025 at 11:09 am
Was this building checked for asbestos before taking it down?