Lakeland rec room plans 3000 square foot expansion for additional bar and arcade space

The City of Lakeland Planning and Zoning Board has approved an expansion for the popular barcade, The Rec Room, located at 202 North Massachusetts Avenue. This decision, made during the meeting on January 22, 2025, will allow the establishment to grow from its current 4,000 square feet to an additional 3,000 square feet, enhancing its offerings for local patrons.

The Rec Room, which combines a bar with arcade games, has been a staple in the downtown area since its initial approval in 2019. The expansion aims to create more entertainment options, including potential additions like table tennis and duckpin bowling, while maintaining the existing outdoor seating area. The owners have already begun preliminary work on the expansion, including modifications to the entrance and the construction of a knee wall to enhance customer experience.

During the meeting, board members evaluated the expansion against several criteria outlined in the Land Development Code. They considered the potential impact on the downtown area's growth and revitalization, proximity to sensitive land uses such as schools and churches, and the overall appropriateness of the establishment's size and scale. The Rec Room is notably the only bar not located on Kentucky or Main Street, which helped alleviate concerns about over-concentration of similar establishments in the area.

The board found that the expansion would not negatively impact nearby facilities, as the closest church and park are sufficiently distanced from the barcade. Additionally, the existing bars in the vicinity have not caused issues, suggesting that The Rec Room's expansion will be a positive addition to the downtown landscape.

As the city continues to develop its entertainment offerings, this expansion is expected to attract more visitors and enhance the vibrancy of downtown Lakeland. The next steps will involve finalizing the expansion plans and ensuring compliance with all city regulations, paving the way for The Rec Room to become an even more integral part of the community.