Community Schoolhouse Inc. (CSI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and adaptive reuse of the LaCrosse school building. Established in 2023 to safeguard this important local landmark, CSI is committed to transforming the building into a sustainable, multi-use community center that serves residents all across southern LaPorte County.

Our Mission

Through strategic restoration and responsible stewardship, CSI is working to create accessible space for educational initiatives, health care resources, civic engagement and nonprofit partnerships. By preserving the building’s historical integrity while adapting it to meet modern needs, CSI aims to support long-term economic vitality, foster local connections, and ensure this historic landmark remains a cornerstone of the community for generations to come.

Impact Statement

Community Schoolhouse Inc. is addressing the lack of community-driven programming and access to essential resources in southern LaPorte County by transforming a vacant historic building into a centralized hub for education, health, and community resources. This initiative preserves a significant local landmark while expanding access to social services that strengthen community well-being and long term regional vitality.

Statement of Need

Southern LaPorte County has limited access to centralized, affordable space for community-based programming and nonprofit services. As rural populations face increasing barriers to healthcare access, educational opportunities, and civic engagement, the need for a shared accessible facility has become more crucial than ever.

The former LaCrosse school building, once a cornerstone of the community, has remained unutilized for that past six years, representing both a loss of historic infrastructure and a missed opportunity for local investment. Without intervention, the building risks continued deterioration, while the surrounding community continues to lack adequate space for essential services and programming.

Together, this effort represents a meaningful investment in both historic preservation and the future of southern LaPorte County, ensuring that a once-vital community landmark is restored to active use and positioned to serve generations to come.