La Crosse Center Expansion and Renovation: Q&A with Weston Gumbert
The La Crosse Center has been a staple for sports and events in the community since the 1980s. But 40 years later, it became clear that the building was ready for a facelift. Kraus-Anderson worked closely with the City of La Crosse and ISG through a lengthy planning process to renovate and expand the center into 120,000 square feet of multipurpose space, including new ballroom and pre-function space with a rooftop terrace that takes advantage of the beautiful Mississippi River views in Downtown La Crosse. As the project nears completion, Project Engineer Weston Gumbert talks through the new La Crosse Center, the project challenges, and how the new space will benefit the La Crosse community.
Can you tell us more about the scope of the addition and renovation project?
WESTON GUMBERT: The first phase of the project included renovating the existing arena. All of the seating was replaced and a higher quality sound system was installed. We also added railings and ADA-compliant platforms in the arena. We completely renovated the dressing rooms, locker rooms, restrooms, and concession stands. The second phase included demoing the existing entrance hall and exhibit hall, and building them back. The third phase included building the office mezzanine, which created new office spaces for the La Crosse Center staff. The fourth phase included completely renovating the existing staff office area and transforming it into the main concession stand, larger restrooms, and a corridor between the South and North sides of the facility. We also added grand stairs and escalators from the new entrance hall up to the new ballroom level.
How about the Riverside Ballroom? What sort of features highlight that space?
WESTON GUMBERT: The ballroom level consists of four meeting rooms (two of them with access to box seating that overlooks the arena), a rooftop terrace, a kitchen, a pre-function area, and a large ballroom that spans across Front Street to Riverside Park. We also added a mezzanine above the ballroom level that consists of three more meeting rooms. The Riverside Ballroom and adjacent pre-function area are two of the main features added to the facility. The ballroom features high ceilings, upgraded finishes, and high-tech AV capabilities. It can be utilized as one large room or divided into three separate rooms for different events. The pre-function area features full-height windows around the perimeter that lend spectacular views of the Mississippi River and the bluffs beyond. These spaces will be a hot commodity for weddings, conferences, trade shows, and many other events.
Any other features on the building that you would like to call out?
WESTON GUMBERT: The lobby is much more welcoming with a high ceiling and full height windows that allow natural light to filter in. The tile floor continues up the grand stairs to the ballroom level, which can also be accessed via the adjacent escalator. The lobby offers a great view of the historical downtown La Crosse The rooftop patio will be a popular hangout for attendees of all sorts of events.
What was the planning process like? How did you collaborate with the project team?
WESTON GUMBERT: The planning process was long – it took almost six years of planning before this project finally took off. The project team went through multiple design iterations before ultimately landing on the current design. This lengthy planning process meant that the KA team spent a lot of time with the owner and architect, which enabled us to foster a tight-knit relationship early on that benefited the project throughout the actual construction process.
Did you have any major project challenges? How did you work through them?
WESTON GUMBERT: Back in the 1800s and early 1900s, La Crosse was closer to the main channel of the Mississippi River. Damming of the river caused the water level to rise, which forced the buildings close to the river to be torn down or buried. When we were excavating for the large ballroom column footings, we encountered a lot of rubble including concrete footings, foundations, and brick walls from these old buildings. We had to over-excavate these areas until we encountered suitable soil, introducing the problem of groundwater. At some of these footing locations, we had to over-excavate more than 20 feet below grade (four to six feet below the water table) before we encountered suitable soil. At this point, we would verify with the engineer before backfilling with clear stone and suitable soil to bring it back up to footing bearing elevation. We even dug these footings in the winter to take advantage of the lower water table.
Can you talk about the “why” behind this project and how it will impact the La Crosse community?
WESTON GUMBERT: The original La Crosse Center building was more than 40 years old and long overdue for major renovations. Studies were conducted and it was determined that the facility would benefit from expanding – having a newer and larger facility would allow them to compete with other convention centers throughout the Midwest. The La Crosse Center expansion and renovation will not only have a positive impact on the La Crosse community, but also on the entire Coulee Region. The increased flexibility and capability to host larger events (and more events) will stimulate the local economy by bringing more people to the Coulee Region. The new La Crosse Center will also serve as a landmark that surrounding communities can be proud of.
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