W. Peter Gilbertson
Encyclopedia
W. Peter Gilbertson was a La Crosse, Wisconsin
area politician. He served as 37th mayor of La Crosse from 1967–1975. While a south sider when elected, Gilbertson was the first person to live on the north side while in office.
constitute Harborview Plaza.
La Crosse, Wisconsin
La Crosse is a city in and the county seat of La Crosse County, Wisconsin, United States. The city lies alongside the Mississippi River.The 2011 Census Bureau estimates the city had a population of 52,485...
area politician. He served as 37th mayor of La Crosse from 1967–1975. While a south sider when elected, Gilbertson was the first person to live on the north side while in office.
Mayor of La Crosse
It was under Gilbertson's reign as mayor that downtown La Crosse saw its most significant changes. Gilbertson, who would veto the first 2.7 million dollar plan, was instrumental in revitalizing the riverfront by bringing in the new Harborview Plaza. The eventual plan would cost the city over 30 million dollars. Originally calling for a fourteen-story office building, a twelve-story hotel, and a boardwalk/mall, the city eventually went with a ten story office building and an eight story hotel. The boardwalk never materialized, but seven years after the original plans were approved, a new Civic Center was included in the Harborview plans. Today, the Radisson Hotel, La Crosse Players Statue and Mall, US Bank Place, the vacant former FirstLogic/Heileman Corporate Headquarters, and the La Crosse CenterLa Crosse Center
The La Crosse Center is a multi-purpose arena in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin, that was built in 1980. The arena can seat between 5,000 and 7,500 depending on the type of event it is being used for....
constitute Harborview Plaza.