Ceremonial Groundbreaking for Cabela's

CREATED Jul. 18, 2012

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  • Governor Scott Walker and Packers President Mark Murphy were both on hand Wednesday to help break ground on a new Cabela's store in Ashwaubenon. Video by nbc26.com

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ASHWAUBENON, WI - Governor Scott Walker and Packers President Mark Murphy were both on hand Wednesday to help break ground on a new Cabela's store in Ashwaubenon. Murphy says the outdoor retailer is the perfect way to jump start development along Lombardi Avenue.

"This is a huge catalyst," said Governor Scott Walker of the new construction.

The governor says the 100,000 square foot store, paired with the Lambeau Field expansion project, will send a strong message to future developers.

"To see the groundbreaking here, I think that tells other would-be developers that this is real. This is not just something on paper. This is not just a bunch of cool plans and pictures. This is a real development, and I think that you're going to start to see more fall in line as they see these two things go forward," he said.

Cabela's will lease a plot of land at the intersection of Lombardi Avenue and Argonne Street directly from the Packers organization.

"I envision that we'll see further development. Primarily, our focus is going to be between here and Lambeau Field," said Mark Murphy.

Over the next year, Murphy says the Packers will look for new opportunities for stadium district growth.

"I know one of the real keys is what do we do with Brown County Arena, and could we put an exhibition hall in there. I think that would be a real key move, as well," he said.

Ashwaubenon's Village President says the store's impact will be felt community-wide.

"It gives the tourism trade a kick, it gives the retail trade a kick, and it gives our property taxes a kick. So, all the way around, it's winning," said Michael Aubinger.

The store is expected to employ close to 200 area workers. Construction is scheduled to be complete by this time next year.