By Kevin Boneske
Staff Writer
ASHWAUBENON – Plans to convert a portion of the former Gordman’s building at 2351 Holmgren Way into an indoor concert auditorium were backed Tuesday, Aug. 4, by the village Site Plan Review Committee and Plan Commission.
Community Development Director Aaron Schuette said Performa Inc., at the request of property owner Ash Investors LLC, requested a site plan review of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) amendment for the properties at 2325 and 2351 Holmgren Way.
Though both properties are included in the PUD amendment request, he said the site plan is only for improvements to the former Gordman’s building, where Ash Investors is seeking to repurpose the northern half into an indoor concert auditorium named The Epic, which would have the capacity for 2,000 people without seating.
Schuette said the amendment was requested because the PUD as currently written only allows retail uses.
“Additional flexibility to fill retail spaces is critical as the retail market in general is experiencing significant, rapid changes due to internet sales and the pandemic,” he said.
In addition to the increase in allowable uses, Schuette said the PUD amendment requests the addition of a projecting blade sign not to exceed 17 feet in height, nor project more than 6 feet from the building.
He said the amendment also seeks flexibility in the parking requirement to permit shared parking agreements with properties within 1,000 feet of the venue to attain the minimum parking standard of 667 spaces.
Schuette said there would be 436 on-site parking spaces.
“I want to make sure that we do provide opportunities for shared parking,” he said. “I think the village is trying to keep away from parking lots that are oversized to accommodate the 1 or 2 percent time of the year.”
Schuette said a public hearing on the PUD amendment will be held Aug. 25 when it will be up for final approval by the village board.