Planning Commission approves Epic Systems’ buried lecture hall at 1979 Milky Way

The Verona Planning Commission on March 3 approved a site plan for Epic Systems Corporation to build a buried lecture hall as part of its "Deep Space" campus expansion at 1979 Milky Way. The commission voted to approve the site plan, with Commissioner Powers abstaining.

Planning staff described the addition as built into the hillside and consistent with the existing Deep Space architecture. "The addition would accommodate a 750-person lecture room with a dining space beneath it," a planning staff member said during the presentation, and staff recommended approval after reviewing elevations and how the new structure fits the campus contours.

Commissioner Touche moved to approve the site plan; Commissioner Hankard seconded. The commission approved the motion by voice vote with one abstention. The motion was recorded as passed; Commissioner Harrison was absent.

The approved plan was presented as an immediate expansion adjacent to Deep Space; staff noted that the design uses the existing hill contours and continues the campus aesthetic. Seth, a staff reviewer, was noted as having no concerns about the proposal. The applicant is listed as Epic Systems Corporation and the addition was described in staff materials as the "Deep Space expansion."

Next steps identified by staff include any required building permits and continued coordination on final elevations and grading. The commission did not receive public comment on this item during the meeting, and no amendments to the site plan were recorded during the vote.

The commission’s action authorizes the site plan as submitted; permit-level reviews and inspections remain subject to subsequent administrative approvals.