Gund brewery being changed into housing

By Geri Parlin
La Crosse Tribune, February 23, 2007

Exposed brick walls, a theater, underground parking and a two-minute commute.

No wonder there are more than 60 people already signed up to get into the Gund Brewery Lofts at 2130 South Ave.
Michael P. Ash, development manager for Gorman & Company of Madison, the firm converting the former Gund Brewery into an 86-unit apartment complex, was in town Thursday to give a sneak peek at the project.

When word spread through Gundersen Lutheran about the apartments, employees were so excited that people started signing up before construction work even began. Joan Curran, executive director of external affairs at Gundersen Lutheran, said, said word spread quickly through the medical center about the project.

“We make sure all employees are aware of what we’re doing,” Curran said, and this was one project that interested just about everybody.

Just as important, Curran said, is how it will change the look of the neighborhood.

“It enhances the neighborhood. That was our key purpose.”

Work began in late October 2006, which included removing incompatible additions on the building and constructing a three-story addition. Ash says the entire project probably will be completed in July, but the first tenants will likely move into the project in June. “It was in pretty decent condition,” he said, which helped speed up the conversion.

In the old part of the building, as much of the original brick as possible is being saved and repaired.

“We like to preserve the fabric and the texture of the building as much as possible,” Ash said.

That includes converting what once was the loading dock into a patio for common use by the residents.

The project includes new construction also, Ash said, because there was space on the property for it and there was plenty of demand.

Want to know more?
WHAT: Gund Brewery Lofts, 2130 South Ave.
ABOUT THE PROJECT: There will be 86 units, ranging from efficiencies to three bedrooms. Rent ranges from $450 to $1,100.
WAITING LIST: Right now, there are more than 60 people on the list to rent an apartment. Many of them are Gundersen Lutheran employees, but apartment rentals are open to the public. To be added to the list, call 1-800-280-1188.
PARKING: Both above-ground and below-ground parking, with 46 spaces for underground parking and 86 surface-parking spaces
AMENITIES: Twelve-seat theater, community room, fitness center, business center and patio.

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