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Board approves indoor ‘Village Clubhouse’ entertainment complex at Malcolm Bridge with 10:30 p.m. closing time
Summary
Commissioners granted a special-use permit for a fully enclosed family entertainment center at Malcolm Bridge (P25-0081) — including bowling, simulators, arcade and a restaurant — with standard site conditions and an added condition limiting operating hours to 10:30 p.m.
The Oconee County Board of Commissioners approved special-use application P25-0081 on July 8 to allow a fully enclosed family entertainment center — the “Village Clubhouse” — at 2421 Malcolm Bridge Road, subject to standard conditions and an additional operating-hours limit that requires the facility to close by 10:30 p.m.
Staff described the application as a special-use request for “other amusement and recreation uses” under the Unified Development Code. The applicant, Lynn Roode Development LLC, presented a concept that retains the existing building on the site and converts it to an indoor entertainment venue with 10 bowling lanes, three golf simulators, an arcade and a full-service restaurant; the project also includes seating and event space the owners said will serve residents of nearby neighborhoods.
Local business owners and project partners spoke in favor. Dawn Brinkley, owner of Small Cakes Cupcakery and Creamery located in the same complex, said the clubhouse would bring more pedestrian traffic to the development and help sustain small, family-owned businesses there. Hank Randolph, the managing broker and a co-owner of the clubhouse project, described a facility positioned toward “nicer finishes” and family-friendly amenities he said would draw local residents and encourage walking from surrounding subdivisions. Naomi Abres, representing a nearby restaurant tenant, said the venue would keep teenagers and families closer to home instead of traveling to barns further afield for similar entertainment.
Board members asked questions about outdoor activities, alcohol service and hours. Applicants confirmed all activities would be indoors and there is no gun range; the restaurant portion would offer beer and wine as allowed under county ordinances. Commissioners and applicants agreed to an added condition that the facility close at 10:30 p.m. on typical nights; applicants reserved the right to request exceptions for special events if necessary and as permitted by applicable alcohol regulations.
The planning commission and staff recommended approval with three standard conditions; the board approved the special-use permit with those conditions plus the hours restriction. The permit allows the entertainment use within existing code requirements; the project will proceed to site development review and permitting under county rules.
Why it matters: the decision authorizes an indoor entertainment and dining venue intended to increase pedestrian activity and business at the Malcolm Bridge commercial complex while restricting late-night operations to address neighborhood concerns.
