Monona City Council approves Topgolf development agreement for $30M entertainment venue

Monona City Council has taken a significant step towards revitalizing the West Broadway area with the approval of a development agreement for a new Topgolf facility. During the meeting on December 16, 2024, the council unanimously supported the removal of a parcel of land to facilitate the project, which is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to the community.

The decision involves the removal of a commercial building assessed at just under $288,000, which was deemed non-blighted and outside the boundaries of the proposed Topgolf site. This move is part of a broader strategy to create a blight elimination district, ensuring that the area meets the necessary requirements for development. The council emphasized that this removal would not hinder the Topgolf project, which is anticipated to be a major attraction for both locals and visitors.

Steve Doorn, the developer from Galloway Companies, presented plans for the Topgolf venue, which will feature 72 outdoor hitting bays and is projected to attract around 200,000 visitors annually. The facility represents an investment of over $30 million and is expected to create approximately 300 jobs, including over 100 full-time positions. Doorn highlighted that Topgolf aims to be more than just a golfing venue, appealing to families and non-golfers alike, with over half of its customers typically not being avid golfers.

The council's approval also aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance the Broadway corridor, with Topgolf serving as a potential anchor for future developments in the area. Doorn expressed optimism about the project, noting that it could stimulate further investment and development in the surrounding land, which has been underutilized.

In addition to the Topgolf discussion, the council convened a closed session to further discuss the development agreement, indicating the importance of this project to the city's economic future. The meeting underscored the city's commitment to fostering growth and revitalization in Monona, with Topgolf poised to play a pivotal role in that vision.