Historic 800 Rose Building

800 Rose Street Through the Years

Historical Details

Details from the Wisconsin Historical Society

“Corner bank with Masonic Temple constructed around the rear and north side. Wooden corner octagonal bay over the corner entrance covered with an octagonal conical roof topped by a finial. Metal bracketed cornice underlined by a band of decorative brick; segmental arched windows with radiating brick and stone voussoirs with larger round arched windows at intervals; iron Corinthian column frame entrance; doors and windows of Masonic Temple have been filled with concrete block on lower story.

The most prominent 19th century structure remaining in the Rose Street commercial district was constructed in 1884 on a corner site, the McGill Brothers Bank, better preserved than the adjoining Masonic Temple, is the most elaborate North La Crosse commercial structure influenced by the 19th century Queen Anne style.

The bank building at 800 Rose had offices on the second floor. At 802 Rose (attached and connected) was a grocery store with the Masonic Hall above. The brothers E.B. and H.P. Magill began the Exchange Bank of North La Crosse in July 1884 at 541 Mill St. with a branch at 301 Main St. (see p. 79, 1885-6 La Crosse City Directory). By 1888, they are at 800 Rose. E.B. Magill began as a messenger for the Batavian Bank and rose to bank clerk before beginning the Exchange Bank. Magill also was associated with the Wisconsin Telephone Company and the Security Bank of La Crosse.

The Exchange State Bank was important for citizens of North La Crosse. It was the only bank located in north La Crosse.

Bank building constructed by local contractor F.X. De Lorean for $4000 and the Masonic Temple for $6000.00.

A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation-Public History.

2016 UPDATE - Building has lost rear/east portion where most of the Masonic Temple was located. The bank portion is intact.”

Source: Wisconsin State Historical Society

Channeled Message from Historic Building

In October 2019, Intuitive Annette channeled a message from the historic 800 Rose Building. Here’s what she brought through:

“As the GreenHouse team assembles and creates positive vibes for the earth and man/womankind, it will create a positive flow. The good that is vibrating within these walls bring a ‘I’m going to pay it forward mentality.’

The gifts you all bring to the table are unique. See yourselves as transformers of change, not only for yourself, but for others too. The change you see within yourself will inspire others to do the same.

(Obviously in different ways because everyone’s story is different.)

The changes you are going through can be felt and witnessed by me. I will feel the soul of everything and everyone who enters here. The love and true desire to help people be their best self is going to be contagious along with allowing others to love themselves for who they truly are. It’s a gift to me, that I help facilitate that. The joy it brings me is a long culmination of a desire to be utilized for positive change. I will house the hurts and sorrow others are experiencing. The outcome is a transformational gift that is given within these walls. Celebrate those transformations within yourself and others.

Celebrate all that you are my loves. The passionate desire in your soul to help to others, is true Beauty.”

With that, GreenHouse Founder Emilene Anna reflected:

“Receiving this message did not come to a complete surprise to me. From the very first moment visiting this space I knew it was for me, us. Its energy was inviting and breathtaking. We very quickly formed a energetic bond and the history was welcomed. I did not sage to remove, rather commune. Our building from 1887 is here to hep us heal, spread love and kindness. To hold a home away form home.”

800 Rose Street in the News