LA CROSSE, Wis.—In a move not only to preserve local history but extend its space, Marine Credit Union plans to expand its headquarters operations to the former La Crosse Plow Factory here.
The project may also include a restaurant or tavern, the La Crosse Tribune reported.
The former La Crosse Plow Factory, located at 300 N. Second St., had been occupied by Wettstein’s furniture and appliance and Lighting Design, which recently moved.
“The Wettstein family has done significant work on the La Crosse Plow Factory since they purchased it in 1994,” Dan Wettstein, owner of the appliance store, told the Tribune. “Marine Credit Union is a well-respected, community-minded, local company, and we are confident they will be an excellent fit for our La Crosse Plow Factory. We are pleased Marine plans to maintain the current historic integrity of the building, while adding value to historic downtown La Crosse.”
“Marine is very excited to be able to grow our investment in the La Crosse community. It’s important to us, and to our community, to preserve our history and help develop businesses and employment in downtown La Crosse,” Marine CEO Shawn Hanson told the publication.
The $704-million Marine Credit Union, now headquartered at 811 Monitor St., will begin occupying the old plow factory at as early as the first part of 2019, Hanson said.
Marine’s long-term plans include restoring office spaces for about 150 people on the second through fourth floors and a restaurant, tavern or other public commercial tenant on the first floor, Hanson told the Tribune.