Proposal Could Replace River Falls Family Fun Center With Apartments

GREENFIELD, WI — A new apartment concept is being proposed to replace the River Falls Family Fun Center at 5401 Layton Avenue in Greenfield, according to documents submitted to the city's Plan Commission.

Ogden & Company, Inc. is proposing a 257-unit apartment development at the site called "Project Verde." The land has been inhabited by the River Falls Family Fun Center after the idea was unveiled in 1994, but according to Plan Commission documents, the owners of the center are now deciding to sell it because of health and family issues.

"I must have been nutty, to want to build a golf course," River Fall's late owner Loretta Kleczka told Patch in 2011. Since its opening, the center came to be well loved by plenty in Greenfield and beyond.

For many years, River Falls led golf tournaments to raise money for the Greenfield Partners of Parks, Patch had reported.

On Wednesday, the center announced that it is now closed through social media and voicemail. Patch reached out for comment multiple times.

After the news broke of River Falls' closing, Greenfield Mayor Michael Neitzke told The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel "I think that many people in the community may have strong feelings with the thought of replacing it with apartments."

SEE ALSO: Greenfield Business Owner's Generosity Benefits Parks Department

Ogden's team has "identified the property ... as one that they feel would be an excellent opportunity for new development," Plan Commission documents say.

The apartments would consist of two buildings, both four stories tall, with market-rate apartments, the initial proposal shows.

Developers say the project could incorporate green spaces, nature paths, and other amenities like a pool, pickleball courts, a dog area, outdoor grills, firepits, private workspaces and golf simulators.

The proposed 257 units could be broken down into studios, 1-bedroom, 1-bedrooms with a den, and 2-bedroom apartments. The Greenfield Plan Commission is scheduled to hear more and possibly give guidance about the conceptual plan during a meeting on Tuesday.