Planning commission recommends special-use permit for membership-only golf simulator at 727 Oakmont Lane

Dominic Whittard, the applicant for T Box, presented a proposal to convert Suite 50 at 727 Oakmont Lane into a membership-only health and fitness facility centered on five golf simulators and an ~800-square-foot gym. "We are known as Health and Fitness," Whittard said, adding the facility will also include a sauna, cold plunge, a putting green and club-fitting demos. Memberships would begin at about $250 per month and reservations would run 60–120 minutes.

Staff told the commission the new "health and fitness service" use category was added during the village's August zoning ordinance update and that the proposal fits that category because of onsite trainers, fitness amenities and the lack of food-and-beverage service. Planning staff noted the site’s parking meets the code standard (2.5 spaces per 1,000 square feet) and that staff provided findings of fact and recommended conditions in the packet.

Commissioners focused several questions on operations, safety and neighborhood impact. Whittard said the facility will operate 24/7 by reservation, limit concurrent occupancy to about 20 people (five simulators with guests), provide app-based access and 24/7 surveillance; he described an emergency "panic button" that would alert the owners first rather than police. Whittard also said the franchisor operates centralized off-site monitoring used across roughly 76 locations and that on-site staffing would be minimal.

Commissioner questions covered outreach to local schools (Whittard said he plans to meet with high schools and coaches), equipment availability (the facility will keep a limited number of demo club sets and provide club-fitting services), and signage (the applicant must work with the landlord). Planning staff confirmed there is no liquor license request and only vending and microwave amenities are proposed.

Commissioner Simpson moved to recommend approval of PCC 2-026, and Commissioner Thomas seconded. The commission voted unanimously to forward a recommendation in favor of the special-use permit; the village board will make the final decision.

The commission will notify the applicant when the item is scheduled before the village board.