Menomonee Falls-based Continental Properties Co. Inc. and the Milwaukee Wave announced they will build a 60,000-square-foot indoor soccer training facility at the Cudahy Station development, which is being built on the site of the failed Iceport development.
Previously, Continental Properties also announced plans for a 130,000-square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter store in the development. In addition, the development also could include a hotel.
The soccer training facility will be the training home for the Milwaukee Wave and will also be the home of the Premier Training Academy. The academy will be directed by Michael King, the Wave’s all-time leading scorer. The academy’s curriculum will be aimed at improving ball skills, technical development, fitness, mental strength and nutrition. The academy is intended to attract serious soccer players of all ages.
"Soccer coaches from all around the country have been clamoring for just this kind of facility," said Mike Lafferty, chief operating officer of the Milwaukee Wave.
The facility could attract players from outside of the metro area.
"We are excited to develop a destination that has long been a part of Cudahy’s long-range planning," said Steve Wagener, senior vice president of the retail group at Continental Properties. "The Milwaukee Wave will be an excellent partner to complete the development plan of Cudahy Station."
The Iceport project also was expected to attract athletes from outside of the area. The Iceport was a proposed $29 million hockey and skating rink complex that was to be built on a 26-acre site near East Layton Avenue and South Nicholson Avenue. It was only partially built, and in 2004 construction was halted because of financing problems. Later, city officials declared the project in default of a development agreement with the city.
In August, the city and Sportsites LLC, the Iceport developer, signed an agreement to end the project. Sportsites also agreed to sell the entire 26-acre site to Continental Properties.
