Historic Preservation Plan
Viroqua, Wisconsin
Preserving Viroqua’s past, planning for its future.
Studio GWA partnered with the City of Viroqua to develop its 2026–2036 Historic Preservation Plan (HPP), a proactive strategy to protect and celebrate the city’s architectural and cultural heritage while advancing economic vitality and community identity. The plan positions historic preservation as a proactive tool for sustainability, tourism, and quality of life—ensuring Viroqua’s unique character endures for generations.
The HPP builds on more than two decades of local stewardship and integrates with Viroqua’s Comprehensive Plan and other planning initiatives. It inventories historic resources, from 19th-century commercial blocks to tobacco warehouses, important residences, and even one tree! The plan outlines strategies for historic designation, adaptive reuse, and financial incentives. Community engagement was central to the process, with surveys, focus groups, and public forums shaping priorities such as protecting historic buildings from inappropriate alterations, encouraging adaptive reuse, and elevating public awareness.
The plan establishes a vision for a vibrant, inclusive future where historic heritage is preserved and celebrated. It identifies five strategic goals—survey and documentation, program administration, financial support, education and advocacy, and community revitalization—and includes actionable steps such as expanding the Viroqua Downtown Historic District, creating heritage tourism programs, and leveraging state and federal tax credits. By aligning with Certified Local Government requirements and best practices, the HPP ensures Viroqua remains eligible for preservation grants and technical assistance while fostering a strong sense of place.
