Future of the former Janesville Ice Arena
Summary
The city owns a 4.75-acre site with a 35,000+ sq ft empty arena building near Lions Beach and Rotary Gardens, and has to decide whether to sell it now or study redevelopment first. The council chose a free planning process that will bring concept plans and community input by year's end, with at least six parties still interested in the property.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 24, 2026.
Impact analysis
The planning process costs the city nothing (EPA grant funded), and the property will likely still be sold eventually to eliminate ongoing city costs.
Residents get a say in what replaces the arena, and prospective buyers get clearer council priorities before bidding.
Buyers hoping for a quick sale face a three-to-four-month delay, and some councilmembers remain frustrated the earlier sell directive wasn't followed.
Mentions & discussions (2)
City Council Meeting - Aug 24, 2026
The city owns a 4.75-acre site with a 35,000+ sq ft empty arena building near Lions Beach and Rotary Gardens, and has to decide whether to sell it now or study redevelopment first. The council chose a free planning process that will bring concept plans and community input by year's end, with at least six parties still interested in the property.
City Council Meeting - Aug 10, 2026
The council was told a no-cost KSU/EPA partnership is underway to study reuse of the 4.75-acre former ice arena site on Beloit Avenue, but several council members say the 2025 directive to sell the property was ignored. Expect a decision at the next meeting on whether to list it for sale or continue the community-visioning process — a choice with real tax-levy implications given the $690,000 demolition cost avoided if a buyer takes it.
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