Walk-To-Work Housing: Historic Brewery Anchors Re-Emerging Neighborhood; Helps Residents...

Walk-To-Work Housing: Historic Brewery Anchors Re-Emerging Neighborhood; Helps
Residents Conserve and Economize
As gas prices soar and environmental concerns grow, lofts bring innovative,
affordable housing to the heart of Wisconsin community

LA CROSSE, Wis., April 17 /PRNewswire/ -- With the ever-increasing cost of
living, economic concerns continue to dominate headlines. Average Americans
are looking to trim expenses and save resources. With gas prices at an
all-time high and climbing, many are trying to reduce how often and how far
they drive. Others, like some residents of the newly renovated Historic Gund
Brewery Lofts in La Crosse, Wisconsin, have made a lifestyle change that is
keeping money in their pockets and reducing their environmental footprint, as
well.
The Historic Gund Brewery Lofts are an adaptive reuse of La Crosse's
former Gund Brewery by Madison, Wisconsin-based developer Gorman & Company.
In the early stages of development, Gorman & Company recognized the vacant
brewery's pivotal location, nestled among some of the region's largest
employers, and began its transformation into an innovative, affordable,
walk-to-work housing option.
One of the region's largest employers, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center,
has a major campus just south of the Lofts. Like many employers, Gundersen
Lutheran is challenged to attract and retain a quality workforce, and the
renovated brewery has given them a great tool for doing so.
"Living close to work has simplified my life and my budget. As a young
professional and mother, living here saves us money and gives us more time to
be a family," said building resident and hospital employee Emily Hiatt.
"Beyond the obvious benefits -- no commute, reduced gas costs,
flexibility -- living close to work has changed the way I feel. Gundersen is
not just my employer; they're my neighbor and an organization I feel invested
in."
The proximity of the Lofts to other major employers, such as the
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and Viterbo College, means reduced commutes,
less gasoline used, and less reliance on cars for residents in the
neighborhood.
"In an area targeted by the city as prime for redevelopment, the Lofts
have given the neighborhood a dynamic anchor," said Tom Capp, chief operating
officer for Gorman & Company. "The cooperative efforts of Gorman & Company,
Gundersen Lutheran, and the City of La Crosse to renovate this landmark
resulted in a win-win for all parties, as well as the broader community."
Gundersen Lutheran provided the land and the 58,000 square-foot building
for the project. The original structure, first built in 1903 as the Gund
Brewery bottling house, was converted into 41 spacious loft apartments. A new
addition holds another 45 units. Sixty-eight units are income-targeted and
rent-restricted, providing not only an innovative housing option but also an
affordable one.
"As the project developed, it was extremely important to us to work with
the City of La Crosse on their desire for affordable housing," said Capp. "We
had to be sure the Historic Gund Brewery Lofts would not only meet the need
for workforce housing in the area, but be accessible to those with varying
incomes." To accomplish this goal, the development utilized Low Income
Housing Tax Credits and Historic Tax Credits to subsidize the affordable
units.
In addition to the benefits gained for those living close to work, finding
a new use for a vacant building can be considered a major recycling project.
Gorman & Company utilized existing infrastructure, walls, concrete, and other
materials in the rehabilitation. In the old part of the building, as much
original brick as possible was saved and repaired. An old loading dock is now
a patio for residents.
Other efficient features include solar hot water, low-e windows, recycled
rubber mulch in the play area, above-code insulation, compact fluorescent
light bulbs, EnergyStar appliances, native landscaping in storm water
retainage areas, and the replacement of a parking lot with green space. In
addition, the Lofts are on a bike path that connects to the city's riverway
and downtown areas.
The reuse of the brewery also helped the community retain a strong piece
of the city's history. Maintaining its rich heritage, the development
features brewery artifacts and exposed brick walls while adding a mix of
modern amenities including a movie theater, community room, exercise studio,
shared patio and grill, and business center.
Gorman & Company, Inc., headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, was created
in 1984 with a mission to create high-quality housing opportunities. Through
its use of public and private partnerships, Gorman & Company specializes in
the renovation of historic buildings and renaissance of traditional urban
neighborhoods, and is renowned for its quality craftsmanship, dependability,
and sensitivity to building communities. For more information or to view its
portfolio, please visit http://www.GormanUSA.com.
Note to editors: Please contact us for a selection of photography and to
coordinate interviews with building residents as well as contacts at Gorman &
Company and Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.
SOURCE Gorman & Company, Inc.

Erin Nevicosi of 100 Monkeys PR, +1-414-443-0850, ext. 13,
enevicosi@100monkeyspr.com, for Gorman & Company, Inc.