As the city continues its pursuit of a Milwaukee Bucks D-League franchise, Oshkosh officials are revealing more information about their arena plan.
In recent months, the Bucks’ search for a home for their forthcoming D-League franchise has been focused on three Wisconsin cities: Oshkosh, Racine, and Sheboygan. Racine has floated a plan for a downtown arena that would include an adjacent hotel, while Sheboygan officials have been mulling a proposal to renovate the Sheboygan Armory.
Oshkosh has confirmed that it is setting its sights on constructing a new arena. The site under consideration for the venue is that of the former Buckstaff Furniture Company Building, which is currently in the process of being demolished.
Once the building is gone, it would clear the way for the site to be developed, possibly offering a solution for a group of investors looking to attract the team. Officials view it as a logical location for the arena, which would play a key role in redevelopment efforts. More from WBAY.com:
“Right now we have been told that there’s going to be no decision on the determination of a Bucks D-League team anywhere for quite a while, so the folks who are the investor group locally are wanting to move forward on this thing, and they’ve indicated they would like to have an interest in this property,” said Oshkosh City Manager Mark Rohloff.
The city has already invested money towards the cost of tearing down the existing building and site cleanup.
Once that’s complete by next spring, the city expects to acquire the land.
Mayor Steve Cummings said, “It really is kind of the focal point of our south shore redevelopment. I think it’s 7.8 acres. That’s a lot of land in an area that’s just ready for redevelopment.”
One variable that remains unknown is the Bucks’ timing. Previous indications were that the team would settle on a location for the franchise around Thanksgiving, but the team later said it was holding off on a decision.
Still, Oshkosh is clearly working to line up its case, regardless of when the Bucks select their host city.
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