A business owner intends to turn a vacant retail store on Aurora’s far East Side into a “family-friendly” arcade.
Aldermen on the City Council’s Building, Zoning and Economic Development Committee on Wednesday recommended a conditional use for a recreational purpose for a 17,000-square-foot building at 4304 E. New York St., in the Pacifica Square mall.
The facility would include two themed party rooms, two other party rooms, a dance area, an arcade, pool tables, a gift shop and a small restaurant. It also would include displays people could use to take photos in front of without buying anything.
“The idea is for a family-friendly environment where everybody can enjoy themselves,” said Homan Wong, of Chicago-based Dearborn Architects, who is designing the facility.
The displays would include a spinning cube that plays music with lights that “is great for young people to take photos,” Wong said.
He added that other than a new sign, the exterior of the building would not change.
Wong said the owner would be owning and operating a party-arcade facility for the first time, but has operated several restaurants for years.
She owns several restaurants in Chicago, and one in Pacifica Square, Wong said.
When asked if the facility was part of a chain, he quipped, “It’s independent – that’s the best kind.”
Aldermen unanimously recommended the conditional use for the property.