By Kylie Balk-Yaatenen - December 15th 2023
JANESVILLE
The Woodman’s Center is closer to reality as the city prepares to open bids from contractors as soon as Tuesday afternoon. Construction is expected to start in February.
Public Works Director Mike Payne said the total project cost remains at $50.3 million. The Woodman’s Sports and Convention Center is planned to offer a variety of sports and recreational opportunities.
The city is scheduled to close on the former Sears property Friday. If the project falls through, that property would revert back to RockStep Capital, the current owner.
Payne said that the project is on schedule. He said with the bids opening on Tuesday, the council will consider awarding a contract on Jan. 22. He said the city anticipates occupying the new facility in the summer of 2025.
He said that material delivery lead times have been improving in the construction industry, which is good news for the project.
Solar lease
The city council is scheduled to review a solar lease with Alliant Energy at the Jan. 8 meeting. If approved, the solar lease would generate an annual revenue source for the facility.
On the private side, Christine Rebout, co-chair of the Friends of the Woodman’s Center, said the group has exceeded its original goal of raising $9 million and they aren’t going to stop there.
“The Friends are going to continue to raise funds to help support the success of this transformational community project,” she said. “This is Janesville’s largest private fundraising campaign to date for a project like this and the Friends are so proud of the work and partnership behind the project. We are truly grateful to have so many supportive businesses who have contributed as well.”
She said that the group was able to overcome challenges such as the pandemic and inflation by expanding community connections and going beyond just Janesville as the center will benefit the county as a whole.
“This effort paid off big time with our Together We Can campaign, where we raised more than $500,000 in private pledges in just a few months. Our outreach even grabbed the attention of an anonymous donor who dropped an extraordinary $1 million gift to the Friends this summer.
She said that the project has been thoughtful about diversifying funds. The project landed a massive $15 million from the state, and sponsors keep stepping up, such as Woodman’s which upping their game from $2 million to $3 million in late 2022.
“Heading into 2024, we’re riding this wave of success, ready to do even more with the same energy and determination,” she said.
She said that the group has focused on raising private donations and applying for grants to come up with funds.
Last April, the friends group held an informational event at the former Sears building in Uptown Janesville. She said that over 1,500 participants came out to learn more about the center. She said they also sponsored a jump pad at the 4-H fair this summer that informed people about the center.
She said that they are also connecting with local groups with recent sessions with the Edgerton Rotary Club and the Rock-Green Realtors Association.
She said more events they are hosting include a free open skate on Dec. 31 from 11 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. at the Janesville Ice Arena. All community members are invited to attend a “Noon Year’s Eve Celebration.”
She said the event capacity is limited to the first 300 attendees and the skate rental capacity is about 150 people. She said people should bring their own skates if they have them.
She said there will be a New Year’s countdown and balloon drop at noon to celebrate the New Year.
“This will be a great chance to keep everyone excited and informed about the Woodman’s Center as we move into 2024,” she said.
The direct result of community feedback that the group received and shared with the design tean was adding turf in the flex area.
“Our focus on leading this type of outreach is simple: listen to the community and act on what we hear,” she said.
She said that they will continue to keep the community updated on the project through regular posts on their website and social media.
“This ongoing communication ensures the Woodman’s Center project aligns with and exceeds community expectations,” she said.
Rebout said that the group is determined to turn hurdles into opportunities to spread our message even more.
“Our community’s support has been strong, with stakeholders contributing in various ways and fundraising goals exceeded,” she said. “The facility benefits everyone, not just direct users. It promises to boost Janesville’s economy, create jobs, enhance the tax base, and foster a healthier, more vibrant community. We’re focused on realizing these benefits for all.”
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