LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Wisconsin Historical Society announces the listing of the HSR Building in the city of La Crosse (La Crosse County) on the State Register of Historic Places. This is the first earth shelter building listed in the Wisconsin State Register.
The architectural firm of Hackner, Schroeder, Roslansky & Associates (HSR) constructed the building at 100 Milwaukee Street, north of downtown La Crosse, as their company headquarters in 1972. The HSR Building is a unique example of earth shelter construction, constructed in two phases in 1972 and 1977, and remains in use by the architectural firm. The building was framed within earthen berms on all sides, featuring elevations composed of narrow clerestory windows, exposed concrete retaining walls that project from the elevations, and a low, horizontal roof with overhanging eaves. A freestanding concrete sign was designed to replicate the supportive retaining walls, installed in front of the primary entrance as part of the original design.
The HSR Building is likely the best and the only example of earth shelter construction in La Crosse. Secondary architectural styles that were popularized at the time are also highlighted in the design. Brutalist elements are present through the use of concrete and broad expanses of wall that project at angles and are void of fenestration. The Miesian style influenced the interior plan with a universal space along with glass and metal aluminum doors and floor-to-ceiling windows. The 1972 addition kept the concrete retaining walls within the interior space while maintaining the interior Miesian design.
Additional information for HSR Building is available here.
Click here to learn more about the State and National Register programs in Wisconsin.
About the Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.
