Aug. 14, 2026
By Tim Hundt
VIROQUA Wis. – Viroqua residents gathered on August 13 to review a new concept plan for a public park at the corner of Decker and Main streets, where the historic old City Hall once stood.
The landmark building was demolished in 2024 because of safety concerns caused by trucks heading south on Main Street turning the corner onto West Decker and knocking down one of the traffic lights. The city council approved the demolition after the pole on that corner was knocked down numerous times causing city staff and elected to officials concern that someone could be seriously injured. The demolition of the building allowed the public works department the ability to widen the corner and move traffic signals away from the corner.
The decision followed the completion of a new $3.2 million City Hall facility on Decker Street, which administrative staff occupied in May 2022. Rather than accepting bids to buy and renovate the deteriorating property, the Viroqua Common Council voted to clear the prominent corner to make way for a community green space.
To launch the project, the city initially worked with a designer provided free of charge by the state in early 2025, but his early plans carried an estimated construction cost of $150,000. Viroqua officials tabled the project to focus on comprehensive planning before applying for a $50,000 Vibrant Spaces grant through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. The city then finalized a $20,400 contract with the consulting firm Parkitecture in June to deliver a refined concept that would satisfy state grant requirements.
During the public session, Tourism Commission Chair Cyndy Hubbard provided a detailed historical summary of the property, explaining that the prominent corner holds immense cultural significance. Hubbard explained that the corner sits directly along an ancient Indigenous trade route and was the location of Viroqua’s very first boarding house.
“Moses Decker built right beside that trail in 1846,” said Hubbard. “And later his friend Rufus Dunlap built on what is the old City Hall site.”
Hubbard noted that the Common Council recently designated the corner as a local historic site. This designation allows the city to place historic markers and safely return the Moses Decker monument currently held in storage by Public Works.
Landscape architect Blake Theisen of Parkitecture explained that his design aims to create a highly visual gateway that naturally invites travelers to stop and gather.
“My job is very easy when I get good, clear direction,” said Theisen. “It’s all about finding ways to get people together and socialize.”
Theisen’s final layout features a Great Lawn on the north end to host public art, craft shows, and small musical performances. The south side of the park will feature an elevated three foot rolling berm planted with native aspens and regional limestone outcroppings. The design also incorporates low level 30 to 40 inch bollard safety lights, a stone seat wall with blue picnic tables, and a dedicated space for food truck parking. The Viroqua Lions Club has pledged to plant and maintain a permanent holiday tree on the central berm, which will be visible from Main Street throughout the year.
Attendees at the meeting offered feedback and suggested additional ways to integrate the community. Resident Kim Littel, suggested involving local students in painting the benches.
“This is really exciting,” said Littel. “One of the things I am excited about is that it will potentially be a mural.”
Kim Ward, who owns a neighboring building, praised the layout and expressed her hope to coordinate landscaping along the wall of her historic building, which was built by John Henry Bennett, the father of Wisconsin’s first elected female judge Olga Bennett.
“It would be lovely to get something on the side of the building,” said Ward. “This is pretty open now without the building.”
Resident Aaron Parker raised safety concerns about vehicle traffic, recalling that the old building was demolished partly to improve visibility for trucks turning the tight corner. Parker suggested utilizing the proposed limestone blocks to protect pedestrians.
“We recently tore a building down because there were people on City Council that were concerned about trucks turning the corner and knocking things over,” said Parker. “I like the idea of putting the limestone blocks along the berm.”
Theisen addressed these traffic concerns, clarifying that the design includes concrete planters, utility poles, and mature trees to shield visitors.
Hubbard also pointed out that the new park would be an ideal home for a volunteer themed sculpture donated by local business person Dian Krause.
“She has a sculpture that she wants to go to the city,” said Hubbard. “She wants it dedicated to volunteers.”
The state officially accepted the city’s pre-application on August 12, paving the way for the full grant submission. If the state formally awards the funding, Viroqua will complete final engineering and open the project to public construction bids, with building scheduled to begin next spring.
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