The Viroqua Public Record: April 7, 2026
Historic Preservation Committee with some heavy hitting topics
Your plain-English guide to what's happening at City Hall
The Big Takeaway
The Historic Preservation Commission is weighing a demolition permit for the Gott/Freddy Slack House, a property dating back to 1875 — making it one of the older structures in Viroqua. At the same time, the commission has the house on its list of endangered properties and potential landmarks. That means Monday's meeting could shape whether this 150-year-old building gets torn down or gets protected. If you have feelings about which historic buildings in town deserve saving, this is the meeting to watch.[1]
Money Watch
No direct budget votes are on the table, but the commission is considering sending members to up to four conferences this year, which would involve travel and registration costs paid from the city budget. The biggest trip: the NAPC Forum in Minneapolis, July 22–26, where Viroqua's commission has apparently been nominated for a Commission Excellence Award — a nice feather in the city's cap. Other conferences are in Sturgeon Bay (April 23–24), Spring Green at Taliesin (April 28), and Appleton (October 14–16). Expect the commission to discuss which trips are worth the expense.[1]
Coming Up
Historic Preservation Commission
Meets at City Hall Lower-Level Community Room, 124 W. Decker St. There are two public comment periods (one at the start, one before adjournment), so you'll have a chance to speak up.
Next Scheduled HPC Meeting
The Gott/Freddy Slack House demolition is listed for both discussion and possible action, meaning the commission could vote on it Monday — or could table it. If you care about this property, March 9 is the day to show up.[1]
The Quick Rundown
Opera House Update: Commission members Randy Skinner, Cyndy Hubbard, and Nate Torres have been meeting with the Opera House's owners (listed as "Josh and wife") about the old Mr. G's/Opera House building. This appears to be an ongoing conversation about potential landmark status.[1]
Viroqua Welcome Center (VWC): Updates expected on interior work, the fate of old City Hall doors, and a memorandum of understanding with the Chamber of Commerce. Sounds like the commission is involved in preserving historic elements as the building gets updated.[1]
Gilman Bur Oak Tree Plaque: Commissioner Aaron Parker is leading the effort to get a new plaque for this historically designated tree.[1]
Recognition Plaque for Gigi Macasaet: Commissioner Karen Innis is working on a plaque honoring Macasaet — no details on who they are, but expect more information Monday.[1]
City Website Overhaul: Chair Cyndy Hubbard wants to update the commission's page on the city website. Not glamorous, but it's how most people find out what the HPC is actually doing.[1]
The Landmark Wish List: The commission has a remarkably long roster of properties they're eyeing for potential historic designation — 13 in all — including Clyde's Grocery Store (now Rhythm Bakery), a Courthouse Lynching Tree Site (led by Eddy Nix), Mark Lee's childhood home, Olga Bennett's law office, the Delap Building, and the old PRWS Main building (led by Lucy Danforth). Don't expect votes on all of these Monday, but it shows the commission is casting a wide net.[1]
One More Thing
Buried in that long list of potential landmarks is item 11(d)(ii): the Courthouse Lynching Tree Site. Commissioner Eddy Nix is apparently researching this piece of Viroqua's history for possible recognition. It's a reminder that historic preservation isn't just about beautiful old houses — sometimes it's about making sure a community doesn't forget the harder chapters, either.[1]
Sources
The Viroqua Public Record is an independent community summary of public meetings. It is not affiliated with the City of Viroqua.