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Solidly built at the very foot of Main Street in downtown La Crosse you’ll find Powell Place, one of this city’s largest and stateliest historic buildings. With 2 ft. thick brick exterior walls, unique brickwork, and cast iron columns that soar nearly two stories, the building projects an ambience of elegance and timeless tradition that reflects well on tenants. Powell Place is occupied by a carefully selected group of compatible small businesses that include upscale retailers, professionals, and a restaurant.
The expansive main floor interior is designed as a warm, intimate interior streetscape with many tall, broad windows, wide ceramic walkways leading to retail and restaurant entrances, dramatic antique signs, and wrought iron seating. Businesses and professionals on the upper floors enjoy historic building features such as large windows and beautiful woodwork.
Timber baron and businessman Benjamin B. Healey proudly erected the commercial building in 1876 for a cost of $45,000. Early tenants include dry goods retailers, a small brewery, artisans, small businesses, and professionals such as colorful and well-liked La Crosse mayor and physician, Dr. Frank Powell, also known as “White Beaver,” Medicine Chief of the Winnebagos.
Photo courtesy of Murphy Library, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
“Doc” Powell opened his medical practice on the second floor of the building in 1884. The fees he charged patients were based on ability to pay. In addition, he manufactured a product described here in an 1885 advertisement: “White Beaver’s Cough Cream. Heals diseased lungs and cures coughs and colds. Made only by Dr. Frank Powell, Medicine Chief of the Winnebago Indians, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Sold by all druggists.” At about the same time, he served one term as mayor of La Crosse, followed by three more terms in the 1890s.
Photo courtesy of Murphy Library, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
This showplace has been restored over a period of more than 10 years by the corporate owner, Gerrard Companies. They continued restoration efforts begun by previous building owners.
Peter Gerrard
608-782-4488
The Gerrard Companies
420 Fifth Avenue South
La Crosse, WI 54601
peter@gerrardcompanies.com
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