2023 Winner
The Hub on 6th
After serving as the La Crosse County Adminsitrative Building for almost 50 years, 360 Real Estate had a vision to repurpose this property into a downtown oasis for residents and the community to enjoy.
“Landscape design, stormwater retention, habitat creation, and food were all components of our original vision for this adaptive reuse project," said Marvin Wonders, owner of 360. "These components are part of our culture as a company and will continue to be our priority in building healthy communities."
The Hub on 6th property now produces virtually zero runoff pollution with the help of proper grading and downspout placement that directs rain and melting snow to multiple bio-filtration areas, filled with hundreds of different species of native plants.
360 Real Estate prides themselves on the importance of training and educating staff about the ecological benefits properties like The Hub on 6th have, to create more impactful result. Team members are proud to be part of a unique, purposful property that is bringing nature into the core of our communities.
"Our fundamental goal was to build a healthy community that residents could enjoy and have a healthy lifestyle. Bare minimum code requirements will never do that and are not a high standard for community health," says Wonders. "The built environment and how we build the environment has a huge impact on community health."
One of the features of The Hub on 6th is the pollinator prairie. The root systems of plants within this prairie go 12-14 feet into the ground, capturing hundreds of thousands of gallons of runoff and sequestrating simliar amounts of carbon to a rainforest. This pollinator prairie does not need to be mowed, does not need pesticides or insecticides, and does not require irrigation. It creates habitat for wildlife, in an urban environment.
Along with bio-filtration rain gardens and a pollinator prairie, this property also mitigates runoff pollution with designated pet waste and snow melt areas.
"This was very much a team approach to doing the right thing," says Marvin, "We hope others will learn and venture out by duplicating or improving our methods. The more people with connection and understanding, the better and greater impact we will have on sustainability."
La Crosse Area Waters’ annual Soak it Up! Award honors citizens who have completed a landscaping project that reduces stormwater runoff. Projects improve water management in our communities, the condition of local waterways, and livability of neighborhoods. Nominees lead by example, inspiring other community members to take on projects. Nominate a project for the next SOAK IT UP! award now!