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Creating a ‘Third Place’ on Market Street
Habitat's ReClaim team gives new life to old materials. We've salvaged stuff from schools, hotels, businesses, and homes before they're renovated or torn down. It's a joy to reclaim items that would otherwise end up in the trash.
Lately, we've been excited about one project in particular: 1513 Market Street in La Crosse.
Meet the Endrizzis
Tracy and Joe Endrizzi have a big vision for the property at 1513 Market. Inspired by the idea of a “Third Place” – a gathering space separate from your home and work – the Endrizzis plans to raze the current house and construct a new building. The building will house an apartment for the couple and a storefront space for beloved local bakery, OPUS Bakehouse. Joe and Tracy already run artPOP and Twinkle & Twine Design, a vibrant gift shop and creator space right across the street.
They love this neighborhood. Market Street connects several residential neighborhoods, where families and students walk, run, and bike. People tend to gather at local businesses like Ranison’s Ice Cream and Candy shop or enjoy the outdoors at Weigent Park. “Our goal is to not only participate in [the neighborhood] but grow it too,” says Joe. Future tenant and OPUS Bakehouse owner Trevor Brown agrees. The neighborhood “just has a neat vibe,” he says. He likes the idea of nestling more local businesses in residential areas, rather than clustering them downtown or pushing to the edge of the community.
Giving new life to old materials
The current house at 1513 Market was built in the late 19th century home and has been a rental property for many years. As they decided to demolish the structure, Joe and Tracy wanted to make sure it all wouldn't end up in the trash. The ReClaim concept fits right in with their values of reuse and upcycling. Browse around their store, and you'll find lots of recycled goods and creative reuses of materials. Plus, they’re regular ReStore shoppers!
Our ReClaim team spent several weeks carefully removing trim, doors, flooring, windows, and appliances from the property. Tracy imagines all the beautiful materials from the home giving life to other places: "If we can give it to another home instead of giving it to the landfill, that's our goal."
A new home for OPUS
OPUS Bakehouse will be the anchor business in the new building. Bakery owners Trevor and Sarah Brown simply can’t wait to move into the new space. They have grown out of their 450-square-foot Onalaska location. Plus, they believe in the Endrizzis’ vision of a Third Place. Trevor believes “La Crosse is ripe for more of these spaces,” with good food and a comfortable atmosphere. They want to create a gathering place for neighbors, similar to the coffee shops and restaurants that provided them comfort when they first moved to the area.
OPUS uses only Wisconsin-grown and milled organic flour. Featuring small-batch, naturally leavened bread, their ever-changing menu offers sweet and savory items like cardamom morning buns, cheddar walnut scones, and classic croissants.
This top-notch quality is hard to beat, kind of like our ReClaim treasures.
They don't make them like they used to
Habitat ReClaim staff and volunteers bring all salvaged items to the Habitat ReStore. Then, shoppers can take advantage of low-cost, high-quality materials for their home improvement projects.
Many of the materials from 1513 Market cannot be reproduced in today’s world: hardwood pocket doors, oak flooring, custom millwork, and more. Made from old-growth wood and masterfully crafted over 100 years ago, these products are long-lasting, solidly built items with much more life to give.
One item that’s staying at its current address? An original stained-glass window gracing the house’s façade. Tracy plans to repurpose it in the new building. Details are yet to be determined - folks will just have to make their way to Market Street to catch a glimpse of it once the project is complete. Plus, you'll get to enjoy a fresh-baked, homemade treat.
Partner Family
Stories
Darshida has been working to become a homeowner for years. She is a passionate nurse, a dedicated mother to four boys, and a longtime La Crosse resident. After years of hard work and unforeseen obstacles, Darshida and her family moved into their new home in spring 2023.