Zimmerman Ventures, which developed The Rock sports complex in Franklin and is led by Michael Zimmerman, is asking the city to borrow $10.5 million to finance construction of a minor league ballpark at The Rock, according to a proposal submitted to the city.
Under the proposal, the ballpark would be leased by a minor league baseball team, which would make lease payments to cover debt service costs for construction of the stadium and maintenance costs for the stadium.
The Rock is the former Crystal Ridge ski hill, a Milwaukee County Park property northwest of South 76th Street and Loomis Road, which Zimmerman has revitalized with improvements to the ski hill and by adding baseball fields, a BMX track, downhill bike trails and other amenities. Zimmerman says he has invested about $10.5 million in improvements to The Rock property.
Now, Zimmerman also plans to bring an independent minor league baseball team to the complex from the Frontier League, a league with 14 teams based in the Midwest. The league attracts players not signed with a major league organization or affiliated minor league franchise.
The proposed ballpark at The Rock would have 1,800 fixed seats and grass berm seating for another 500 spectators. It would also have six premium suites, two party suites, an umbrella bar area, a retail store and vendor carts. The ballpark would have an artificial turf playing surface and would be able to accommodate larger crowds for outdoor concerts of other special events.
Zimmerman hopes to obtain city approval of the ballpark plans soon so construction can begin in time for a new Frontier League team to be playing there for the 2015 baseball season.
