Gateway Sports Academy

Challenge

Transform a large industrial shell within Mel’s Village into a first-class multi-sport facility that could operate year-round, attract tournaments, and serve local families. Required balancing program scale (45,000+ sq ft) with acoustics, MEP loads, spectator circulation, and durable finishes to support high-intensity use. Needed to open ahead of other district amenities to establish Mel’s Village as a viable destination and build trust with investors.

Solution

Catalyst managed construction of a multi-sport complex with:

• 4 basketball courts
• 6 volleyball courts
• 12 pickleball courts
• 9 shooting cages

Training rooms, sports medicine space, and a beer-garden lounge for families/spectators.

Coordinated specialty surfacing, equipment installation, and circulation planning to accommodate multiple tournaments simultaneously.

Partnered with the Pat Connaughton Foundation to integrate four new Connaughton Courts, extending programming into underserved communities and aligning the facility with broader social impact goals.

Phased delivery so Gateway could host its grand opening by May 30, 2025, marking the official launch of Northern Gateway’s recreational anchor.

Impact

• Established Gateway Sports Academy as the first operating anchor of Mel’s Village, generating immediate traffic and visibility for the entire Northern Gateway development.
• Provides a regional tournament venue, drawing athletes and families from across southeastern Wisconsin, stimulating local hospitality and retail.
• Added social value via the Connaughton Courts partnership, ensuring accessibility and community programs beyond private sports training.
• Reinforces Catalyst’s expertise in complex adaptive reuse, delivering a facility that blends sports, wellness, and hospitality.