Islamic Society of Milwaukee Expands with Land Purchase Near Planned Salam School

The Islamic Society of Milwaukee has purchased 11 acres of land for $1.45 million near its planned Salam School expansion site in Franklin.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Islamic Society of Milwaukee (ISM) has purchased 11 acres of land for $1.45 million near its planned expansion of the Salam School in Franklin. This comes after ISM purchased a 13-acre former movie theater property in April 2024 for $3.2 million to serve as the new location for the Salam High School. The Loomis Road parcel is located just southwest of the former theater property, providing additional space for the growing school.

Why it matters

The Salam School has seen significant growth in recent years, with around 1,200 students currently enrolled. The new land purchases will allow ISM to expand the school's facilities and accommodate more students, as the current space lacks key amenities like a middle school library, teachers' lounge, and adequate copy room. This expansion reflects the growing Muslim community in the Milwaukee area and ISM's commitment to providing quality Islamic education.

The details

ISM purchased the 11-acre parcel at 10525 W. Loomis Road on February 26 for $1.45 million. This comes after the organization bought the 13-acre former Showtime Cinema property at 8910 S. 102nd St. in April 2024 for $3.2 million. The Loomis Road land is located just southwest of the former theater site, which will serve as the new location for the Salam High School. The current Salam Middle and High School is housed at ISM's Main Center at 4707 S. 13th St. in Milwaukee, while the elementary Salam School is at 815 W. Layton Ave.

  • ISM purchased the 13-acre former Showtime Cinema property in April 2024 for $3.2 million.
  • ISM purchased the 11-acre Loomis Road parcel on February 26, 2026 for $1.45 million.

The players

Islamic Society of Milwaukee (ISM)

A non-profit organization that operates the Salam School and other Islamic community programs in the Milwaukee area.

Othman Atta

The executive director for the Islamic Society of Milwaukee.

Salam School

An Islamic school operated by the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, with an elementary school, middle school, and high school.

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What they’re saying

“In the near future, the high school will inshallah (God willing), move to a new campus being built in Franklin.”

— Othman Atta, Executive Director, Islamic Society of Milwaukee (Islamic Society of Milwaukee website)

“The current space has no middle school library, no teachers lounge and no copy room – right now a large printer/copier is placed in a stairwell.”

— Othman Atta, Executive Director, Islamic Society of Milwaukee (Islamic Society of Milwaukee website)

What’s next

The Islamic Society of Milwaukee plans to begin construction on the new Salam High School campus in Franklin using the recently purchased land.

The takeaway

The Islamic Society of Milwaukee's strategic land purchases and school expansion plans demonstrate the growing demand for Islamic education in the Milwaukee area and the organization's commitment to providing quality facilities and resources for its students.