Signs of New Life Emerge in Blighted Area of Falls

The first glimpse of new life at the former Western Industries site in Menomonee Falls will begin its path through the village’s approval process Tuesday at Village Hall.

Ryan Companies is proposing to construct a 91,000-square-foot medical and wellness building on a 17-acre portion of the now demolished Western Industries site.

The proposed 47,500-square-foot wellness center would include an athletic club offering a variety of services. It would include an indoor and outdoor pool, fitness areas, steam rooms, massage rooms, and a 4,300-square-foot retail section.

The 43,500-square-foot medical center would include office areas for doctors, nurses, and support staff. Various services and treatments would be offered at the center.

Before the project moves forward, it will need to receive permits to allow it to open at 4 a.m. and operate a massage service. Tuesday’s round of approvals is just the first of several trips the project plans will take to various boards and committees at Village Hall before shovels hit the dirt.

If all goes well, Ryan Companies hopes to complete construction of the two-story, multi-use building by 2013.

The pending project falls within a taxing district created by the village in 2008 to redevelop a blighted and deteriorating part of the village. The taxing district is roughly 93 acres and is bound by U.S. Highway 41/45, Pilgrim Road, and Roosevelt Drive.

The village will invest roughly $30 million throughout the taxing district to spur development, and the village will reimburse its upfront costs over 27 years with incremental tax values generated from new construction. The entire taxing district is expected to add some $80 to $120 million in tax value once all development is completed in the district.

Most recently, the village for environmental remediation of the soil, which was contaminated with a metal degreasing solvent used on the site years ago. The remediation project is almost complete, and the village soon expects to begin its first phase of extending Richfield Way.