Underscoring its focus on economic development, the Iowa West Foundation has joined forces with the city of Council Bluffs in announcing a $30 million-plus development proposal for the Mid-America Center area.
Pending City Council approval, construction is expected to begin next year on a sports recreation complex featuring eight hardwood courts as well as a full-service hotel near the MAC. The Iowa West Foundation will serve as the master developer.

The proposal was unveiled during a press conference at the MAC Tuesday morning and calls for construction of a FieldhouseUSA indoor recreational facility featuring 12 volleyball and eight basketball courts along with construction of a 130-room full-service Courtyard by Marriott hotel that will feature room service, an in-house restaurant and bar. The hotel will be connected to the Mid- America Center.

……The projected total construction cost for FieldhouseUSA is $13.7 million, while the projected total construction cost for the full-service Courtyard by Marriott hotel is $17.5 million. Tulipana said he anticipates an expansion of convention business as well as subsequent development in the surrounding area.

“These developments will serve as a stimulus for a currently underutilized but high-potential area in Council Bluffs,” he said.

The hotel will be approximately five acres in size and constructed in two phases, with 130 rooms initially and a goal of 250 to 300 rooms upon full completion. Each Fieldhouse USA tournament typically drives 375 hotel stays.

The FieldhouseUSA facility will cover more than 100,000 square feet and feature youth and adult year-round sport leagues, including basketball and volleyball. It will also offer sports academies, camps, group outings and corporate events.

Fieldhouse USA’s Oliver said he anticipates the new facility will draw from Omaha and the surrounding communities in Nebraska as well as from Council Bluffs. He noted that in 2015, the Texas facility’s tournaments have drawn teams from 44 states……

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By Jon Leu jleu@nonpareilonline.com