ECDC approves development agreements for Chalmers redevelopment at former La Crosse Tribune site

The Economic and Community Development Committee on June 25 approved phase‑by‑phase development agreements for the Chalmers redevelopment, a multifamily housing project on the former La Crosse Tribune site at 215 Pine Street and 401 Third Street North.

Project overview and changes since term sheet

Julie, the staff presenter, told the committee the project — presented earlier in a term sheet in January 2023 — has progressed through design and financing discussions and now comes to the committee as three separate development agreements (one for each phase) at the developer’s request for financing clarity. Julie said the project scope remains largely as previously presented, but the phase line moved slightly, shifting some units and commercial space from phase 1 to phase 2 and adding one additional residential unit overall.

Finance, tax increment and value estimates

Julie said the completed project is currently estimated at approximately $42,000,000 in total development cost and that the projects would create more than $39,000,000 in new tax value on that site. The city’s total TIF/PAYGO commitment across the phases is just under $6,000,000, she said; the agreements are structured as PAYGO consistent with established TIF policy. Julie also noted that shifting dates and the TID’s expiration affect the aggregate public support amount, reducing the originally proposed assistance by roughly $735,000 in aggregate compared with earlier figures because of lost payback years.

Developer presentation and parking

Jake Bunce, project manager with Tual Enterprises (the developer on the project), said the developer plans to use the adjacent Pine Street parking ramp and is pursuing a skywalk connection from the third story of the new building into the ramp under a revocable occupancy permit. "It will give our residents more covered parking and hopefully save us money by not [having to dig a deeper structure]," Jake said. Jake outlined a fall demolition start and phased construction with roughly one phase per year; he described the building as higher‑end multifamily with brick and stone exterior detailing and residential and commercial components.

Vote and next steps

The committee moved and seconded the development agreement approvals and passed them by voice vote. Julie said staff will continue to work with the developer on permit and construction sequencing. Project manager Jake Bunce and staff were available to answer commissioner questions about ownership transfer, parking and timing; commissioners confirmed the plan still contemplates sale of the property to the developer and use of the adjacent public ramp for resident parking.

Context and public benefit

Julie cited the project’s role in reactivating a blighted downtown property, adding residential units and commercial space and increasing tax base. The agreements delegate implementation tasks to the developer with standard city oversight through the development agreement process.