Developers propose indoor golf simulator in former Princess Theater space; community urges marquee restoration

Local entrepreneurs seeking to convert the long-vacant former Princess Theater storefront into an indoor golf-simulator venue with bar service presented a conditional-use application to council after planning commission recommendation.

Planning staff described the conditional-use review as addressing potential nuisance impacts and compatibility with nearby properties; the planning commission recommended approval. “This is a consequence of a very outdated zoning code, which we’re working on rewriting,” a planner said, adding that the code’s conditional-use process is designed to review potential impacts and mitigation.

Applicant and operations: Architect Scott Webb, representing the tenants, said the space has been vacant for years and the new operators — who also run other local businesses — plan a nine-bay simulator venue with indoor bar service and no theater operation. “We really appreciated the support from planning commission. Excited to represent Jackson and Tyler who are here tonight … we're anxious to start a new venture, and we're happy to see somebody invest in the vacant building,” Webb said.

Public comment and historic concerns: Residents and staff praised the proposal as a positive step to reduce long-term Uptown vacancy. Several councilors and members of the public urged owners to reinstall the Princess Theater marquee, which had been part of earlier development agreements when the building was redeveloped a decade ago. "I will not support this without a new marquee on the building," one councilor said, noting the marquee's cultural importance and a prior agreement to restore it during earlier redevelopment.

Why it matters: The project represents an attempt to activate a highly visible vacant property in Uptown Oxford and expand local entertainment offerings. Councilors cited the value of new tenants to downtown vibrancy while acknowledging the site’s contested history and local attachment to the Princess Theater legacy.

Next steps: Planning commission recommended approval; council discussion favored the conditional use. Owners and applicants were asked to address the marquee question and report back by the second reading or an upcoming meeting. Several councilors and staff encouraged the operator and property owner to coordinate on marquee restoration while moving the conditional-use request forward.

Ending: Councilors welcomed the investment in an old Uptown vacancy and urged swift action to resolve the marquee restoration question.