Design Review Board approves frosted glazing for members-only golf simulator at 26 N. Fort Thomas Ave

The Fort Thomas Design Review Board on Jan. 2 approved plans for a members-only golf simulator at 26 North Fort Thomas Avenue, voting to accept the applicant’s proposed frosted glazing despite discussion about local glazing guidelines.

Daniel Cropper, the applicant, told the board the business will operate like "a members only golf simulator" and said members will "have a door code" to enter, comparing the model to a 24-hour gym. He said the frosting is intended to give members privacy while maintaining natural light: "the frosted glass is just so people have some privacy while they're in there to socialize with their guests and play golf," he said.

The board’s discussion focused on whether the film or frosting should be counted as signage or graphics under the district rule that generally encourages clear storefront glazing to promote interaction with pedestrians. A staff member noted the district’s general regulation prefers clear glazing and cited prior approvals that interpreted the 30% limit on applied graphics, while a board member estimated the proposed frosting currently covers about 55% of each window.

Several board members and attendees weighed aesthetic and precedent concerns. One resident, Bill Hoover, told the board he welcomed a new downtown business and suggested design adjustments such as blinds or banded frosting to meet percentage limits. Cropper said the film can be removed by a future tenant and that the proposed finish would be "white-ish" and translucent so it would still let light in.

After discussion about alternatives and how the frosting compares to opaque signage or drapery, a board member moved to approve the application as submitted; a second followed and the motion carried by voice vote. Meeting minutes record the outcome as approved "as submitted." The board did not record a roll-call tally of named votes in the transcript.

Next steps: the approval allows the applicant to proceed with the approved glazing treatment; any future tenant or altered business model would have to return to the board if storefront treatments change.