May 13, 2026
VIROQUA Wis. – The Viroqua Historic Preservation Commission (VHPC) received the 2026 Award of Excellence for a Historic Preservation Commission by the Wisconsin Association of Historic Preservation Commissions (WAHPC) in a ceremony held at the restored Door County Granary in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, on April 23, 2026. The award is given to a commission that has made a significant difference in the outcome of a particular property or project. The VHPC played a major role in the restoration and renovation of Viroqua’s 1936 WPA Bathhouse into the soon-to-open Viroqua Welcome Center. Cyndy Hubbard, chair of the VHPC, accepted the award on behalf of the commission.
The VHPC was created by a City of Viroqua ordinance in 1996. Since then, the commission has designated 33 Local Historic Landmarks including the Vernon County Courthouse, the Sherry-Butt House, the Viroqua Historic Warehouse District, the WPA Bathhouse, and the Hotel Fortney. This past year, they worked with the City of Viroqua to create a citywide Historic Preservation Plan (HPP) that will be integrated into the City’s new Comprehensive Plan. The HPP will provide a framework for identifying and preserving historic properties, sites, and districts in Viroqua, as well as setting long-term goals that support a preservation ethic in the community.
Preserving a city’s historic buildings and sites fosters a sense of place and saves what is unique about a community. Many historic buildings are re-purposed for housing that will last many years longer than new construction while also being environmentally friendly. Historic preservation also benefits the local economy by attracting heritage tourists who travel to areas with historic sites and buildings.
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