Plan commission approves rezoning for former Train Plant site to allow Borton Construction office and warehouse

The City Plan Commission on June 29 approved an ordinance to rezone the southern portion of the former Train Plant site so Borton Construction can build a mixed‑use development including an office, warehouse and operations facility at 1325 Saint Andrew Street.

Director Train told the commission the parcel is a former brownfield that the La Crosse Industrial Partnership (Lipco) helped acquire and clean before it was sold to a private developer, Stizzo. Borton has developed apartments on the northern portion of the site and now proposes redevelopment on the southern half; staff recommended approval of the general planned development district rezoning contingent on final engineering approvals.

Council member Trost asked whether the site has seen other proposals since about 2012. Director Train said earlier concepts — including a proposed housing development that did not receive low‑income housing tax credits, a planned grocery store and other uses — stalled because they lacked concrete plans. He said this request differs because Borton has a specific development proposal.

Commissioners discussed a planned Wood Street extension that would divide the parcel and be constructed under a separate development agreement that, if approved by the council, would be repaid through tax‑increment financing. Staff said engineering has a few outstanding items to resolve before final plan approvals.

A motion to grant the rezoning, made and seconded as recorded by the commission, passed unanimously with Commissioner Yeager recusing herself from that item. The commission approved the general rezoning; the developers must return for specific rezoning and final design and engineering review before construction begins.

The commission did not set a construction start date; staff said timing will depend on completing engineering items and council action on the development agreement.