JANESVILLE Janesvilles city council recently questioned why city staff had not formally put the vacant former city ice arena up for sale despite the councils direction to do so months ago. Now, city staff has returned with a slew of options for the property at 821 Beloit Ave.
The ice area operated as the communitys ice arena for the last 50 years. In September 2025, the Woodmans Sports & Convention Center opened, and the ice arena closed its doors.
After closure, the city fully decommissioned the old ice arena, shut off its utilities and scuttled materials for use elsewhere, with an intention to ready the facility for sale or potential demolition.
In October 2025, the city proposed demolition of the building its 2026 capital improvement program work that could total $690,000.
The council opted not to demolish the building, in part so the city could funnel spending for $2 million in improvements at the city-run Oak Hill Cemetery.
The council directed staff to scuttle a demo of the ice arena in favor of potentially selling the property as is, with a caveat: if sold, the building could not be reused as an ice facility.
The council asked staff to pursue sale of the property through July 31, asking the staff to return to the council for direction if it could not find prospective buyers.
Staff later got direction from former city manager Kevin Lahner to contact consultant Stantec for possible public-private grants that could aid in redevelopment prospects, a strategy Lahner viewed as a play to spur interest and plans between the city and potential buyers.
Lahner and the staffs shift in gears brought about proposals by Kansas State Universitys Technical Assistance to Brownfields program and Stantec for a study of the propertys existing condition and potential re-use prospects.
That work would include assessment of the old ice arena and the site alongside a market analysis, community engagement forums involving neighborhood focus groups and local business stakeholders, and a workup of two possible redevelopment concepts the council could review.
The city could pay for Kansas State work through federal Environmental Protection Agency funds, which means the consulting would not cost the city.
City staff would bring concepts and community feedback to the council before moving forward with any formal requests for proposals on the ice arena property.
The city meanwhile launched a preliminary environmental review of the site, which staff says would cost $4,000 or less. That review marks the only direct planning cost by the city that could benefit a future buyer.
City council members earlier this month questioned why staff veered onto a consulting and public outreach track rather than actively marketing the old ice arena site for sale as the council had directed months ago.
Staff is now bringing the issue back to the council on Monday.
The city says despite no active work by the city to list or sell the property, city staff now says the city has seen inquiries on purchase price plus interest in reuse the facility or property as a recreational amenity including reuse for pickleball and other indoor recreation.
The city says nonprofits and businesses have asked about possible partnerships to reuse the property.
In a memo, staff indicates it has reached out to interested parties over the last week. Staff said it has fielded some interest over prospects including leased space, multifamily housing, a family entertainment center, or indoor soccer or pickleball.
City staff said an RFP for a potentially grant-funded consulting plan like the one Kansas State and Stantec proposed could remain an open track for the city as it decides the future of the old ice arena site. Staff indicated a study would fold together outside expertise and public engagement at no extra cost to the city.
I think its going to give you more context, Jennifer Petruzzello, the neighborhood and community development director said at a previous meeting. Its going to be a more open and transparent process for the community.