Preceded by .. Role Politician | Name W. Gilbertson Succeeded by Patrick Zielke | |
W. Peter Gilbertson was a La Crosse, Wisconsin area politician. He served as 37th mayor of La Crosse from 1971–1975. While a south sider when elected, Gilbertson was the first person to live on the north side while in office.
Mayor of La Crosse
Under Gilbertson's reign as mayor, downtown La Crosse saw changes. Gilbertson, who vetoed the first $2.7 million plan, was instrumental in revitalizing the riverfront by bringing in the new Harborview Plaza. The eventual plan cost the city over $30 million. Originally calling for a 14-story office building, a 12-story hotel, and a boardwalk/mall, the city eventually decided on a 10-story office building and an 8-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 Center constitute Harborview Plaza.