Partners Break Ground on the Haven on Main Accessible Housing Development in Downtown La Crosse

La Crosse, WI – Haven for Special People, Couleecap, and the Gerrard Corporation have started construction on a $23.5 million inclusive and accessible apartment complex in downtown La Crosse where adults with disabilities will live and thrive alongside non-disabled residents.

Haven on Main will include 70 units of 1,2, and 3-bedroom apartments of which 59 will be set aside for income qualifying residents. Designed with accessibility in mind, half of the units will be leased with priority given to individuals with a disability.

The Haven on Main housing development marks a major step in addressing the city’s urgent need for affordable housing, especially for more vulnerable populations like those with disabilities and seniors, as well as downtown housing that is affordable for the local workforce. For adults with disabilities who currently live with family members, Haven on Main will offer a healthier, community-based option besides an institution or having to reside at home with parents who will eventually age out of caregiver abilities. 

The building will feature many opportunities for tenant engagement and connection. Haven on Main amenities include a gym with a basketball court, fitness center, library, salon, community rooms with kitchens, outdoor recreational area with community garden space, and indoor parking and bike storage. The building will be solar powered and built with high efficiency standards. Therefore, all utilities including heating, cooling, internet and water will be included in affordable rents. This approach helps to ensure residents are not only secure in their housing but also energy secure, as energy poverty is a challenge for many low-to-moderate income households in the Coulee Region.

Haven on Main was the vision of Haven for Special People, a local group of parents, educators, and community supporters of adults with disabilities. After seeing a similar development in New Glarus called Prairie Haus, they knew it was a model that would work in La Crosse. Haven for Special People partnered with Couleecap, a nonprofit affordable housing developer, and Gerrard Corporation, to execute their vision for housing in an integrated setting for individuals with a wide range of support and behavioral needs.

“As we talked with the leaders of Prairie Haus, we discovered that there were other families from our area that were looking to do the same thing. Like us, several families had also reached out to find out how Prairie Haus could be replicated in the La Crosse area. That’s when we knew we were on to something. It was providence,” said Rick Diermeier, Board President of Haven for Special People.

“The Haven on Main project demonstrates what is possible when you listen to community and build solutions from that starting point. This is more than housing, it is a neighborhood-building asset that reflects our values and will strengthen our social connectedness,” said Hetti Brown, Executive Director of Couleecap.

The project has received support from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), La Crosse County, City of La Crosse, La Crosse Area Community Foundation, Our Sheltered Friends Foundation, Mayo Health Clinic, Michael and Brandy Rea Family Foundation, Cinnaire, Old National Bank (formerly Bremer Bank), Merchants Bank, and many donors.   

“When passion, partnership, and resources come together, amazing collaborations can happen. Everyone in this community deserves a safe, secure place to call home, and we are elated to participate in today’s groundbreaking,” said Elmer Moore, Jr., CEO and Executive Director of Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA).

“Haven on Main is a powerful example of what can be achieved through public-private partnerships,” said Chris Jillings, SVP Business Development at Cinnaire. “By aligning government resources, nonprofit vision, and private charitable investment, we are able to create housing that goes beyond affordability to prioritize accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability. This project reflects what is possible when we come together to ensure every person—regardless of income or ability—has a safe and supportive place to call home.”

Project partners are hopeful the success of Haven on Main will inspire other communities to consider accessible and inclusive housing development designs to meet the growing demand for affordable housing across the country. Paul Gerrard of the Gerrard Corporation sees firsthand how many areas struggle with housing needs, especially for those with disabilities.

“No matter how large or small the community in Wisconsin, housing is a need. When I ask municipal leaders about housing inventory that is also affordable and accessible for people with disabilities, there are very few options,” says Paul Gerrard, Gerrard Corporation. “I could build Haven on Main over and over again and the buildings would fill.”

The Gerrard Corporation specializes in affordable housing development throughout the state, addressing housing shortages through community and nonprofit partnerships. In 2022 the company was recognized with the prestigious Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award for a housing development in River Falls, WI. In 2024, the Gerrard Corporation received recognition by the Wisconsin Community Action Partnership (WISCAP) for their efforts in the advancement of affordable housing through nonprofit partnerships.

Construction on Haven on Main will be completed in September 2026, and the building is expected to be open to residents by the end of the same year.

Haven on Main partners continue to fundraise to complete a capital campaign. With an overall fundraising goal of $4.2 million, $400,000 is still needed to help offset the additional costs of the development’s special design aimed to meet the unique needs of disabled residents with limited income. These costs include universal design features for ultimate accessibility, increased safety and security measures, on-site community services and programming space, as well as solar energy technology to allow residents to live without added utility costs. The development’s nonprofit ownership model through Couleecap and its Coulee Community Land Trust will also ensure affordability perpetually.

Anyone interested in making a tax-deductible contribution should contact Couleecap at contactus@couleecap.org or call Kadie Brueggen, marketing manager, at 608.424.2532 for more information.