Busy Oak Creek: Top 10 Business Stories in Oak Creek in 2016

OAK CREEK -- It's impossible to talk about the top business stories without bringing up Drexel Town Square. From IKEA, to several new restaurants, this developing commercial and development hub has grown by leaps and bounds in 2016, and is poised for even more growth in 2017 as more retailers move in, and residential buildings are finished.

Here are the top 10 most-read, most-liked and most commented-upon business stories in Oak Creek over 2016.

1. It's Official: IKEA Coming to Oak Creek - The 1-story, 295,000 sq. ft. store is expected to be open by Summer 2018.

2. Drexel Town Square to get New Higher-End Marriott Hotel - Once Financing is Approved - Project estimated at $10.8 million. The developer is seeking $1.45 million in city financing assistance to move the project ahead.

3. As Drexel Town Square Rises, 27th Street Stagnates - As developments like Drexel Town Square rise up, a new survey by Milwaukee suggests that the 27th Street corridor could use some work.

4. Oak Creek Sonic Restaurant Closed, Rising Lease Costs Cited - Citing escalating land lease costs, The Oak Creek Sonic has closed.

5. BelAir Cantina, Oak Creek's Newest Restaurant, Set to Open Labor Day Weekend - Oak Creek's newest restaurant, BelAir Cantina, is set to open this Labor Day weekend in Drexel Town Square. They have lots of tequila.

6. New York Investor Buys Future Master Lock Site in Oak Creek for $16.8 Million. - Master Lock's future in Oak Creek appears to be secured for more than 15 years pending the move.

7. Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Potbelly Coming to Oak Creek - Two new restaurants have been announced for Drexel Town Square in Oak Creek

8. Froedtert's Announces New Details on Future Drexel Town Square Health Center - Patch.com reported that Aurora is planning a $17 million healthcare facility in Oak Creek. Now it's Froedtert's turn for some big news.

9. Massive Retail Destination Planned for 23 Acres Near IKEA Site in Oak Creek - The developer has plans for a "destination" quality retail shopping center with a big box store to break ground in 2017 or early 2018.

10. Oak Creek's Eder Flag is now 100 Percent Employee-Owned- Eder Flag was founded in 1887 and is one of the largest flag manufacturers in the U.S. Now they have another feather in their cap:

image via ikea