Local developers and city officials have reached an agreement that would bring a new $14.1 million, three-rink ice- skating facility to Fort Wayne's north side.

The agreement, expected to be announced this morning, would also see the older of two rinks at McMillen Park converted to other uses, with the remaining rink - which opened in 2000 at a cost to the public of $5 million - operated by the owners of the new site.

Developer Todd Ramsey said the new facility will be managed by Canada-based Canlan Ice Sports, the world's largest private operator of skating rinks, and is expected to open by next September between Wells and Northrop streets just west of Glenbrook Square. The new building also will feature a restaurant and could be joined by other businesses, including a hotel, gas station, Sonic restaurant and a Dunkin' Donuts, said Ramsey, whose proposal was first reported by The News-Sentinel in January.

Putting all four rinks under one management group will benefit both the developers and the city, both sides agreed.

“Ice has been a signature program for the city for 40 years, but it has become apparent that it would be difficult to operate (McMillen) at a profit going forward,” said Parks Director Al Moll, noting that McMillen's ice facility generally breaks even financially and would have required about $2 million in repairs to its older, '70s-era rink.

Ramsey's investment and development group - which includes Jerry Henry, brother of Mayor Tom Henry - will benefit because Canlan's management of McMillen means the new facility will not have to compete with a city-run rink. The private owners will operate McMillen at no cost to the city and will be responsible for up to $50,000 in maintenance per year. The agreement prohibits the cost of ice at McMillen from increasing by more than 5 percent per year.

“I hope they do make a profit (at McMillen),” said Moll, adding that Canlan and Ramsey's group should have more resources to devote to the promotion of ice skating than the financially strapped Parks Department. A task force will be created to develop new uses for McMillen's old ice rink.

To protect the public, Moll said the new rink's backers must pay the city $150,000 a year for 10 years if they cannot meet terms of the agreement.

Ramsey doesn't think that will be necessary, however. Unlike McMillen, the north-side location is close to numerous restaurants, shops, highways and hotels and is expected to host leagues and at least nine hockey tournaments in its first year alone. When the facility is booked with tournaments, regular league games can be shifted to McMillen, Ramsey said.

John Urbahns, the city's director of development, said the new ice facility may qualify for tax abatements. The city and Councilman Tom Didier, R-3rd District, will provide a total of $250,000 in economic development income taxes for sewers and trails through the site.

Ramsey, 43, a partner in RCI Development, played hockey in high school and has visited rinks throughout the Midwest as a “hockey dad” - knowledge he used when envisioning what kind of facility he wanted to bring to Fort Wayne. Canlan operates 65 rinks in the U.S. and Canada.

Randy Brown, general manager of Memorial Coliseum - whose ice rink is not normally used for youth tournaments and recreational purposes - said demand for ice peaked 10 years ago. But Brown said the availability of more ice at more-desirable times could increase the demand. The new rink's proximity could also help the coliseum attract events, Brown said.

“It is clear neither (the coliseum nor McMillen) is operating in a way that meets the needs of the existing community user groups,” a Canlan analysis concluded last year. “This will create a terrific opportunity for the Fort Wayne sports complex.”


- Sportswriter Blake Sebring contributed to this story.