Oak Creek Mayor likens an IKEA store to getting an NBA franchise

Iconic Swedish home design company IKEA is looking to make Oak Creek a destination.

It expects to draw people from far and wide just as it has with its 44 other locations in the U.S.

Most are on the east and west coast.

IKEA representatives said Thursday at a groundbreaking ceremony that it was about time they get to Wisconsin. 

"We're on a world stage," declared Mayor Dan Bukiewicz . "We landed an equivalent of an NBA or an NFL franchise. Right here in the city of Oak Creek!"

Some $5 million in infrastructure was invested along with providing special tax financing to bring IKEA to the property along Drexel Avenue near I-94 that was owned by Northwestern Mutual.

It will feature thousands of items for living rooms, bathroom and the kitchen.

Plus, a 300 seat restaurant and children's area.

The store is expected to open next summer.

It's part of what some have described as a building boom in Oak Creek which includes the shopping and apartment development at Drexel Town Square.

"Ikea is serving as that catalyst for the additional 125 acres that Northwestern Mutual owns," explained Oak Creek City Administrator Andrew Vickers. "We're looking forward to that continued partnership with Northwestern Mutual."

The IKEA store is expected to bring some 250 jobs that range from sales to food service.

For employment information click here