Patrick Zielke, a La Crosse resident and Trane Co. employee, was first elected to the La Crosse Common Council in 1964. He became alderman of the 7th ward in 1966. In 1975, he was elected mayor of the City of La Crosse, Wisconsin. He served in this capacity for 22 years, the longest time ever in La Crosse history.
Being pro-business and industry, Zielke’s accomplishments during his administration include riverfront restoration and redevelopment of the downtown area. The Harborview project, which includes the La Crosse Center, Radisson Hotel and the former G. Heileman Brewing Co. headquarters, as well as the construction of First Bank Tower (now U.S. Bank) and parking ramp are part of Zielke’s legacy. Some of La Crosse’s most historic and oldest buildings were destroyed using federal money so that vast tracts of land could be utilized in this project in an effort to revitalize the downtown.
Zielke also assisted with the development of Valley View Mall, a new Logan High School, Shelby Mall, and the Market Square parking ramp and apartments. Other improvements made during 1975-1997 dealt with transportation projects such as bridges. In addition, an airport terminal and airport industrial park were created during his tenure.
