Brewing Building Transformed into Apartment Complex
A part of La Crosse's rich brewing history has new life.

www.wxow.com
September 6, 2007

The former Gund brewery building has been transformed into an apartment complex. The Sara Lee company donated the property to Gundersen Lutheran in 2003. The building is part of Gundersen Lutheran's plan to expand its campus.

This is the first home for Emily Hiatt and her one year old son Rex. Emily is employed by Gundersen Lutheran and says the building's location made it an ideal place for her to set up home. Hiatt says, "Convenience, being close to Gundersen Lutheran where I work and the Gundersen Lutheran daycare where Rex goes to school each day was just the determining factor."

The apartment complex is right down the street from the hospital. Many of the residents, like Emily, are employed by Gundersen Lutheran. Gundersen Lutheran Professional Jeff Thompson says, "Somewhere between 40 to 60 percent will be Gundersen Lutheran employees."

But, the housing is available to anyone… the building has a total of 86 units. Thompson says, "This was an opportunity to provide for the area a boost up that is nice housing, but at very affordable level." Besides being affordable, the building is also historical. Built in 1903, it is listed on the national register of historic places. Hiatt says, "The room that we are sitting in is actually part of the historically preserved part of the building. So, this room is more than 100 years old and it's been turned into a modern apartment.

Architects went to great lengths to feature the history of the building. There are display cases set up throughout the halls showing off bottling artifacts. There is also exposed original brick walls. Hiatt says, "It really brings a sense of unexpected hominess to a 100 year old brewery building." Thompson says, "It has retained the character of a loft, but it has many amenities, an inside car wash, movie theater." There is also an exercise room, community space, patio and grill. Hiatt says, "We plan to stay here indefinitely. This has become our home." While the Gund Brewery lofts may have a great history, it's occupants will be building a history of their own.

About 49 rooms are still available. They range from 515 dollars for a one bedroom to a 830 dollars for a three bedroom.

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