Lawler School Lofts Invites you to it's Ground Breaking

The First Stage of the Wyalusing Ft. Crawford development starts today!

Join us as the historic Wyalusing Academy and St. Mary's College transitions into 40 Apartments

You are cordially invited to the groundbreaking of Lawler School Lofts.
When: August 24, 2017
Where: 601 S Beaumont Road Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
Time: 2-3 PM

River to Valley Initiatives


Wyalusing Academy


The Commonwealth Companies

http://www.rivervi.com/

After a 45 year run as Wyalusing Academy, the former treatment center for emotionally disturbed children and adolescents has been vacant since 2014. Wyalusing Academy has been located in Prairie du Chien since 1969. The historic building, however, will begin a new chapter with River to Valley Initiatives (RVI), a not-for-profit located in the region intent on repurposing the building and land for a new chapter in its history.

David Fritsch, Clinicare CEO, the former owner, states that “Although we continue to operate throughout the region and in Prairie du Chien, we believe the historic importance of the building and the site itself is extraordinary and deserves a chance to continue on, rather than being torn down. In regard to the history of Prairie du Chien and the settlement of Wisconsin and the west, we believe to preserve this building and develop the site thoughtfully will require the multi-faceted approach and expertise that RVI can provide. We believe RVI is the best organization that can bring together the necessary development concept and financial structure to develop the site positively for the community.”

Judith Wall, a local business and property owner in the business district of Prairie du Chien, as well as Treasurer for RVI, agrees. “It is a very old building, dating back to the late 1860s, and a historic landmark of significant proportions. I cannot emphasize enough what a positive impact that appropriate development on this site could mean to the residents of Prairie du Chien, as well as stimulate further development for the community and the region. We believe that with thoughtful development, we will gain the support to make a positive difference—that is our mission, and we are uniquely equipped to take on this challenge.”

Vice President of RVI, and former development specialist with the state, J.D. Milburn believes that the potential for the building and its site can be very positive for the community with a comprehensive plan, and partnering with the right private developers. “Our goal is to make this property sustainable financially and beneficial to the community. Exactly what that looks like will begin now, as we prepare and vet concepts and secure partners to make this site development ready.”

“The project will require a number of supportive entities to succeed”, added Julia Henley, President of RVI. “Developing property, and particularly this historic property, is both a big opportunity for the Driftless Region and surrounding communities, but with very real challenges. It will require a careful eye and respect for architecture and history, partnering and gaining the support of local, state, and federal economic development and government entities, as well as partnering potentially with other organizations and private investment. We are excited about what can happen here, and we are ready to work with others towards a positive outcome and sustainable future for the property. ”

The property is the second site of the former Ft Crawford, (1832-1856), and was established as the second outpost in the territory of Wisconsin primarily with a peacekeeping mission to protect trading routes through Prairie du Chien. The site of notable settlement milestones that saw the passing of explorers, medical breakthroughs, presidents, fur trade, and major treaties, Wyalusing was an important site as a foothold to the expansion of the United States. In 1870 the Catholic boarding school of St Mary’s Institute was built on the site from the backing of local businessman John Lawler, and until 1968, was a school for young women. In 1969, Clinicare assumed ownership and opened Wyalusing Academy.