Ballpark Commons site work to begin next week

The final land purchase for Franklin’s Ballpark Commons mixed-use development has occurred, with site preparation work to begin next week.

Zim-Mar Properties LLC, led by developer Mike Zimmerman, now owns four acres at 8200 W. Old Loomis Road.

Zim-Mar bought that vacant land from Savanna, Illinois-based FF&E LLC for $1 million, according to state real estate records posted Tuesday.

That purchase completes the development site for Ballpark Commons, Zimmerman said.

Much of Ballpark Commons is to be developed next to The Rock, an outdoor sports complex that Zimmerman operates north of West Rawson Avenue and west of West Loomis Road.

The development would be centered on a 2,500-seat ballpark. It would include a golf driving range, restaurants, stores and offices.

Ballpark Commons also plans for around 400 apartments south of Rawson Avenue.

Site preparation work, including the development of new roads, sewers and water mains, will begin next week, Zimmerman said.

Also, Zimmerman next week plans to announce information about the independent professional baseball team for the ballpark.

The Franklin Common Council in 2016 approved plans for spending up to $26.8 million to help finance Ballpark Commons.

A city study estimated Ballpark Commons would have property values totaling $101.2 million by 2021 if it is fully developed.

The new property taxes generated by Ballpark Commons would pay back the city’s funds by 2034, the study said.