IF the Milwaukee Bucks decide on Racine as the home for their planned Developmental League team, a new 38-hundred seat, $40-million dollar multi-use event center could be created on the former Wisconsin Electric site, along the lakefront. The venue could also house a minor league hockey team as well as a 7-story hotel and a restaurant. In a study presentation to the Racine County Board last night, Rick Kozuback, with the consulting firm International Coliseums Company, said the original discussion was about a hotel project downtown, and what seasonal attractions were possible. Kozuback said projects they've done like this involve multi-use event facilities, which is what Racine needs. The new event center could compliment & incorporate Festival Hall & Memorial Hall into operations now run by VenueWorks, according to Kozuback. Kozuback said THIS is what many communities around the country have done for their downtowns the last 15-to-20-years. The study indicated plenty of nearby parking, including ramps, AND the potential for 160 Full-time equivalent and 250 part-time jobs with the project...IF it happens. The Racine County Board's Executive Committee will hear a pitch from the city of Racine about financially joining the effort next Tuesday evening. (Story courtesy of WRJN Radio)
