UW-La Crosse Wittich Hall

La Crosse, WI

Wittich Hall is an adaptive re-use of a former gymnasium building built in 1916 and on the National Register of Historic Places. The last significant work was a partial renovation completed in 1971, which included removal of the pool from the original building and construction of an office suite in its place. Its new purpose is the home of the College of Business.

River Architects was hired as the Historic Preservation Architect on the renovation. Along with a team of engineers, consultants, and historic researchers, River Architects conducted an analysis of the entire building as part of the Historic Structure Report completed for the project. River Architects studied the current condition of the building and made recommendations for the adaptive reuse of the space. The recommended treatment approach was rehabilitation, which allows for the modernization of the interior while still preserving the significant architectural and historical character.

River Architects developed the design and construction documents for the exterior envelope and collaborated with the prime architect for the construction administration services.