Falls Continues Emergence as Major Wisconsin Community

The past few years have been some of the most difficult economically for families, businesses, and communities. In midst of a syrupy-slow economy, development remained on a strong upward trend in Menomonee Falls.

In 2012, Falls continued to solidify its status as a powerhouse community in the state of Wisconsin. A report from the Community Development Authority detailed the activity on the development front.  

Once again, Falls ranked third in the state for overall manufacturing value behind only Milwaukee and Green Bay. In 2012, manufacturing value grew by 2.39 percent as compared to 5 percent declines in both Milwaukee and Madison. The manufacturing value is now assessed at $307 million in the village.

“Falls isn’t just a minor community in the state of Wisconsin,” said Community Development Director Matt Carran. “We are one of the biggest players in the state when it comes to manufacturing.”

The growth in manufacturing is fueled by several major projects that went forward last year. to its current facilities. to its facility on Bobolink Avenue, and Dynamic Tool and Design has major expansion plans.

But manufacturing wasn’t the only sector that thrived in Falls. Residential also saw an uptick, and continues to trend upward into 2013. A total of 608 residential permits were issued in 2012 as compared to 573 in 2011. The village ranked third in Waukesha County in terms of total housing starts.

“We are already ahead of our 2012 pace this year when it comes to residential totals,” Carran said.

The oft-discussed taxing districts in Menomonee Falls also fared well in 2012. The village has nine total taxing districts, which are used to spur development by advancing funds in return for revenue generated from increased tax values. The village’s districts ended 2012 with more than $200 million in positive incremental value.

Recently, Froedtert Health and the Wisconsin Athletic Club broke ground on a $14 million health club and sports rehabilitation facility in one of the village’s larger taxing districts. The club will be constructed near Pilgrim Road and Roosevelt Drive, and the village will begin a road extension this year on the site.

“For 17 years we’ve said that area needs to be an image piece for Menomonee Falls, and we are on our way,” Carran said.

Here’s a brief look at the other major projects that moved forward in 2012:

• Falls Chiropractic 11,000-square-foot building along Appleton Avenue near the high school is now open.
• Pick’n Save on County Line Road will undergo a large-scale renovation, which will relocated the grocery store toward the middle of the center. A retail space will be left over by Pick’n Save will be remodeled for a future tenant.
• Big Lots and Jo-Ann Fabrics will move to renovated spaces at the North Pointe Shopping Centre.
• Community Memorial Hospital will undergo a facelift on the facades of its facilities.

“We are experiencing significant development without losing that village flavor that people moved here for,” said Village Trustee Michael McDonald.