In a gesture to pay homage to local pioneers, the Menomonie Plan Commission has proposed a significant change: renaming Lookout Road from Schneider Avenue to US Highway 12 as Hoffman Street.
The decision was steeped in honoring the lasting contributions of Dr. Paul R. Hoffman and Mary Ann Hoffman to the fabric of Menomonie. Dr. Hoffman, remembered for his influential roles as a Professor and Executive Director at the University of Wisconsin-Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute (SVRI), played a pivotal part in establishing the Stout Technology and Business Park. Meanwhile, Mary Ann Hoffman, known for her tireless advocacy for the disabled community, notably attended the historic signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act at the White House in 1990 during her tenure as a Peer Advisement Coordinator for the Center for Independent Living.
The resolution, dated October 23, 2023, was unanimously adopted by the Plan Commission of the City of Menomonie. The proposal is currently undergoing further deliberation and public consultation before any final decisions are made regarding the renaming of Lookout Road.
It's worth noting that Dr. Hoffman's pivotal contributions were recognized during SVRI's 50th Anniversary Celebration in October 2017, where he was honored with a memorial bench and plaque in the Technology Park of Menomonie, WI. His visionary leadership led to the establishment of the Stout Technology and Business Park, a testament to his commitment to fostering the growth of Menomonie's workforce and economic landscape, through the harmonious integration of university and community.