Westfield selects developer for Grand Park District Ice Hockey Facility

Submitted by City of Westfield

The City of Westfield announced on Wednesday, March 4 it has selected Nicholas Family of Companies as the offeror for a new ice hockey facility in the Grand Park District, pending final contract negotiations. The project evaluation committee will provide the recommendation to the Westfield Redevelopment Commission for consideration as the city’s next step in the public process.

The facility is planned to include three ice sheets, with the ability to expand to four in the future. Envisioned as a primary winter attraction to complement Grand Park’s seasonality and promote year-round economic activity, the facility is expected to be a highly desirable destination for ice hockey tournaments and other winter sporting events. Local programming will help build a pipeline of youth athletes and include classes, youth sports organizations, leagues, and public skating.

The proposed location is at the northwest corner of Grand Park Boulevard and John Dippel Boulevard.

“We’ve built Grand Park into a destination, but visitation isn’t the same year-round,” Mayor Scott Willis said. “That seasonality affects the hotels, restaurants, and shops that serve visitors. This ice hockey facility adds a winter anchor and helps us build a 365-day destination. More consistent activity makes it easier for businesses to succeed and encourages more growth around the district.”

A June 2025 analysis by Hunden Partners estimates that over 30 years, the Westfield ice hockey facility could generate about $498 million in new spending, $220 million in new earnings, and more than 105 new full-time equivalent jobs, along with nearly $8.7 million in County Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue.

In its proposal, Nicholas Family of Companies emphasized its hands-on, family-led approach and experience with similar ice facilities, including work in the Chicagoland market. The team described an approach that keeps design, construction, and early operations closely coordinated, giving the city a clear point of accountability. The emphasis on customer experience, hospitality, and single point of accountability were all primary factors in the selection of Nicholas to lead this project.

“Nicholas Family of Companies rose to the top of a list of highly qualified offerors, with their intentional focus on experience and relationships exhibiting a history of success within their current portfolio,” says Jenell Fairman, Westfield’s Executive Chief of Economic and Community Development. “Their presence will establish a quality destination within the southern area of the Grand Park District, bringing a new level of hospitality to Westfield.”

“We are honored to be selected by the City of Westfield for this transformational project within the Grand Park District,” said Nick Papanicholas Jr., CEO and Managing Director for the Nicholas Family of Companies. “Our mission has always been to build and invest in communities, and this facility represents far more than sheets of ice. It represents opportunity, economic impact, and a home for youth athletes and families year-round. What excites us most is the alignment between Westfield’s long-term vision and our integrated, family-led approach to design, construction, and operations. By keeping every phase closely coordinated under one accountable team, we can deliver not just a premier tournament destination, but a welcoming, hospitality-driven environment that serves local programming as powerfully as it attracts regional and national events.”

The Westfield Redevelopment Commission anticipates executing a contract to begin design and predevelopment with Nicholas in early April. Design is expected to commence immediately with an anticipated opening date in 2028.