Construction begins on North Liberty’s Palestra sports complex

The weather may have been overcast, but it was all golden shovels and smiles at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Palestra sports complex on Thursday, Aug. 3. The 36,000 square foot building, which will be located between West Penn Street and Hayes Lane in North Liberty, will house four basketball/volleyball courts, 12 pickleball courts and […]

The weather may have been overcast, but it was all golden shovels and smiles at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Palestra sports complex on Thursday, Aug. 3. The 36,000 square foot building, which will be located between West Penn Street and Hayes Lane in North Liberty, will house four basketball/volleyball courts, 12 pickleball courts and two community spaces. Included will be a large concession stand that sells gourmet coffee and smoothies, as well as Pizza Ranch pizza. “Here, we work, live, and play,” said Brandon Pratt, co-owner of the Palestra and owner of the Lion Development Group. Mr. Pratt, who grew up in North Liberty, said building the sports complex was a way to “give back to the community.”

“This allows our community to continue growing,” said North Liberty Mayor Chris Hoffman of the complex, “current and future residents will benefit from this being in our community.” Dave Lane, co-owner and operator of the Palestra and owner/program director of the Prairie Trail Sports Complex in Ankeny, envisions the Palestra as being a place where kids can hang out and enjoy safe activities. The complex will be open to traveling sports teams and clubs and house community events for both North Liberty residents and the surrounding community. The estimated $9.5 million building is part of a broader development called Solomon’s Landing, which covers a total of 80 acres. Mr. Pratt is the lead developer and envisions an entertainment district within the development that will include not only the Palestra, but also a 16 lane bowling alley, a Pizza Ranch, a 5,600 square foot arcade and office  space.The commercial aspect of Solomon’s Landing will encompass eight of the 80 acres. Ben Hur Construction, based out of St. Louis, Missouri, is building the complex, which was designed by Dan Levi of Levi Architecture in Cedar Falls. The Palestra Sports Complex has an estimated completion date of March 1, 2024.