State grant approved for $3.1 million Onalaska dance studio, performing arts campus

A new performing arts facility under construction in Onalaska will get a boost with a $240,000 grant from the state.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) grant was announced Monday on the site of the new home for Misty’s Dance Unlimited on 12th Avenue, which will be the new International Performing Arts Campus.

The $3.1 million project, built across the street from Misty Lown’s current studios, is expected to be a big draw when it opens June 15.

The new place will be 21,190 square feet, house three different business and have additional room for future growth.

“There’s a lot of opportunity,” owner Misty Lown said, “and there’s a lot of need for growth and development, especially in the youth arts space. We’re seeing the need and we’re moving forward on it.”

It will also be home to a business that provides training for other dance studios around the world.

“It’s fair to say that Misty’s dance alone wouldn’t be enough to build this international performing arts training campus,” Lown said.

Estimated local tax and visitor impact from the center is forecast at $2 million per year.