The updated plan, led by developer Jim Bergman of WDM Entertainment LLC, now features a 6,000-seat amphitheater and is slated for the 226-acre site near the MidAmerican Energy Co. RecPlex, with construction potentially beginning in late 2027.
Project Scope and New Additions
The Grand Experience has evolved significantly since its initial proposal in 2024. The current plan centers on a 45,000-square-foot indoor water park, a 120-room water park hotel, and a 20,000-square-foot family entertainment center. A major addition to the project is a 30,000-square-foot conference center paired with a 142-room, full-service business-class hotel.
The most notable change is the inclusion of a 6,000-seat covered amphitheater. According to Ryan Moffatt, the city’s director of community and economic development, the amphitheater is expected to cost between $35 million and $40 million. Moffatt noted that the facility is designed to compete with large-scale entertainment venues in cities like Kansas City and Cleveland, offering premium luxury seating and integrated dining concepts. The development also includes at least 150 workforce housing units alongside a mix of multifamily residential, retail, restaurant, office, and medical space.
Financial Incentives and TIF Adjustments
To support the project, the city council approved a revised financial package that increases the maximum Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance from $85.5 million to $105.5 million. This adjustment accounts for the capital requirements of the new amphitheater.
Under the revised terms, the developer is eligible for property tax rebates totaling 90% of the annual tax increment generated by the project, capped at a 23-year duration. This represents a reduction from the 100% rebate level previously discussed. Additionally, the city has removed all hotel/motel tax rebates from the incentive package. The city has also decoupled public infrastructure projects from the development agreement. The reconstruction and widening of Grand Avenue are being handled independently by the city, meaning TIF revenues will not be used to fund those specific road improvements.
Timeline and Required Approvals
While the council’s 4-0 vote marks a milestone, several regulatory and financial hurdles remain before ground can be broken. The developer must still finalize the acquisition of the property located between South 60th Street and South 88th Street.
Remaining administrative steps include:
- Completion of the planned urban development (PUD) zoning process.
- City approval of formal site plans and subdivision plats.
Riley Hogan, a broker with CBRE representing the developer, described the project as a “transformational” effort that leverages the city’s existing investment in the RecPlex. The developer is collaborating with the Heart of America Group to execute the hotel and conference center components of the site. If these remaining milestones are met, city officials estimate that construction could commence by late 2027.
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