A rendering of the proposed restaurant and entertainment center for Solomon’s Landing in North Liberty. (North Liberty City)
A rendering of the proposed entertainment center for Solomon’s Landing in North Liberty. (North Liberty City)
Interim site plan for Solomons Landing in North Liberty. (North Liberty City)
North Liberty — A proposed $20 million development at North Liberty will bring a range of amenities to the growing city and create a “much-needed new entertainment district” just north of Penn Street.
The proposed development, called Solomons Landing, will include a 33,600-square-foot indoor recreation center and a 32,909-square-foot bowling entertainment center with an adjacent Pizza Ranch restaurant.
Lion Development Group’s Brandon Pratt told the North Liberty City Council last week that the city needs to be a place where residents can “live, work and play.”
“The next step is for the City of Northern Liberty to close the play element gap and, equally importantly, keep those money in our community,” Pratt said at a Jan. 24 meeting. said.
The approximately 9-acre project is located on the northwest corner of Penn Street and Jones Boulevard and extends west to Saratoga Place. The four parcels of land are owned by Pratt Real Estate Management Inc.
Pratt said the proposal would result in $30 million to $40 million in annual spending within North Liberty.
“Making the Solomons Landing entertainment district a reality requires the support and involvement of the city,” Pratt said.
The North Liberty City Council didn’t need to take action last week, but expressed interest in hearing more concrete financial proposals on how it could partner with the city to advance the financing of the tax increase.
City officials will work with developers to sign economic development agreements, which must be approved by Congress.
indoor recreation center
A proposed indoor sports and recreation center – called The Palestra – will be used for a variety of indoor sports and community events, Pratt said. Palestra was to be located on the west side of the site at the corner of Saratoga Place and Hayes Lane.
Possible activities include basketball, indoor soccer, football, volleyball, pickleball, wrestling and e-game tournaments. Other features include indoor inflatables, birthday parties, and opportunities for seniors to have a place to walk indoors.
Pratt said the building will remain full throughout the week. It hosts club sports tournaments on weekends, community events on weekdays, and local club and school teams on weeknights.
In addition to the sports area, Pratt said there will also be a mezzanine with artificial turf, office space, bathrooms and a small concession stand.
“The aim is to attract teams, clubs and people to the City of North Liberty for events and tournaments, get them involved in the community and spend money while waiting for the next event or game,” Pratt said.
Palestra alone could generate $30 million in new revenue over the next six to seven years, Pratt said.
Entertainment facility with restaurant
The entertainment complex and Pizza Ranch are to the east of Palestra, with a parking lot between the buildings, the site plan indicates.
There are 16 “luxury bowling lanes,” according to Pratt, with four lanes in private areas that can be used for work functions, birthday parties and family gatherings.
There is also a bar area, ax throwing, arcade, billiards and shuffleboard.
“It will bring a level of flair and quality that rivals almost all of Iowa, and will be a full-fledged family entertainment center that will draw miles and miles beyond just the city of North Liberty,” Pratt said. said.
The entertainment venues and restaurants on the east side will be equipped with TVs with live feeds of the games at the recreation center, so families can enjoy food and drinks while watching other teams play.
The land parcel east of the Entertainment Center and Pizza Ranch is currently undeveloped, Pratt said, but represents another opportunity to expand the project. There are currently no contracts in this area, but discussions are taking place, he added.
Make North Liberty a ‘destination’
At the January 24 meeting, council members expressed interest in the proposal to hear more about what the partnership would look like.
City administrator Ryan Heiar said the next step would be for city officials to work with Pratt and his team to explore potential agreements and ask, “What does he want, what does he need?” It is about truly understanding what is there and why.”
Council member Brent Smith said Pratt’s presentation was “very impressive.”
Council member RaQuishia Harrington added that she is excited to see what happens with the project. She said it is important for families living in cities to have entertainment areas.
Harrington added that he would like to see transportation options to the area to make traveling easier for families and young residents.
“You definitely touched on the fact that North Liberty has been a bedroom community for a long time, and we want it as a destination as well,” Harrington said.
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