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Board gives nonbinding OK to concept for immersive cricket-simulator entertainment venue at 604 N. Milwaukee
Summary
Hamrow Investment Group presented a concept to convert the former Buca di Beppo into an immersive cricket-simulator venue with a 4,950-square-foot addition; the board gave nonbinding, preliminary support to proceed with a formal site plan.
Hamrow Investment Group presented a concept plan to the Village of Wheeling on May 6 to convert the former Buca di Beppo at 604 North Milwaukee Avenue into an immersive cricket-simulator entertainment venue called a simulounge. The proposal would add a 4,950-square-foot west-side addition, rework parking and accommodate cricket simulators, a restaurant and lounge, party rooms, virtual-reality gaming and a video-gaming area.
The village’s concept-review process is nonbinding and designed to give applicants early feedback before a formal application. Community Development Director Ross Clicker described the proposal and noted plan-review concerns; petitioner Manish Chaudhry and the development team answered trustees’ questions about the market, floor plan, age access and the distinction between an arcade area and an adult video-gaming room.
Trustees raised questions about market demand, citing one existing similar operation in Dallas and asking how the venue will separate family-friendly simulator areas from adult gaming (staff and the petitioner confirmed plans for doors and layout changes and said bartenders would help enforce state rules for the gaming room). Following the presentation, the board was asked whether it was in favor of the major site plan; trustees indicated nonbinding support, allowing the team to proceed with a formal application and subsequent Plan Commission and board review.
