Council approves WEDC site-assessment grant agreement for Grandview Apartments conversion

La Crosse officials on Sept. 24 approved a development agreement that lets the city serve as pass-through applicant for a $150,000 site-assessment grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to support the Grandview Apartments conversion.

The agreement, presented by city staff member Julie, requires the developer to document eligible expenses and receive reimbursement through the WEDC process; the grant will pay for environmental work including asbestos abatement and lead pipe removal. "The grant itself is, is the site assessment grant, so it covers any environmental remediation that needs to be done on the site," Julie said.

Ari, the project's on-site project manager for Hamilton Real Estate, told the council demolition and interior work are already under way and that the site has yielded known asbestos that the grant will help address. "We are on schedule to open 04/01/2026," Ari said, adding that leasing marketing will begin in mid-October and that a groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. next Thursday.

The conversion will create 52 market-rate units (a mix of studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom units) while preserving the building's historic exterior, Ari said. Julie told the council the city will act as the applicant and pass-through agency for the award and that the grant is structured as a reimbursement grant that will require documentation of eligible costs before funds are released.

Commissioners asked about timeline and compliance; staff said the project is on schedule and recommended approval. Commissioner Rohrer moved the resolution approving the development agreement; Council president Dickerson (transcript also names "Dickinson") seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The council approved the agreement and authorization to receive and pass through the WEDC site-assessment award.