Founded in 1975, the La Crosse Society for Historic Preservation began meeting in 1976 in an effort to preserve historic buildings in La Crosse. This organization spent time raising awareness of the advantages of preserving historic buildings and made an unsuccessful attempt to save the 19th century Post Office Building at 4th and State Streets in downtown La Crosse.

Beginning in 1978, the society held their first annual Heritage Awards banquet during which they honored selected business and homeowners for their efforts to preserve their historic properties. In 1979 the first walking tour was developed so participants could study and develop an appreciation for La Crosse area architecture.

In 1983, the society changed its name to the Preservation Alliance of La Crosse. Fund raising projects have included the sale of buttons and Christmas ornaments with funds used for historic preservation.

In November of 1994 the La Crosse City Council adopted a Historic Preservation Ordinance, which gave recognition for the need to preserve the historic buildings of La Crosse. Buildings designated as local historic sites could be renovated if the owner's plans received a Certificate of Appropriateness from the La Crosse Historic Preservation Commission.

An annual Architectural Treasure Hunt was organized in 1998 to help further raise awareness of the wide variety of styles of architecture in La Crosse. Participants identify area buildings from a partial view pictured in the La Crosse Tribune.

In 1998, the Preservation Alliance received a donation of a "farmer's house" from Western Wisconsin Technical College which was moved from 422 N. Eighth Street to Cass Street behind the Hixon House on WWTC land and then renovated by the group.