POWELL — It’s about to be game over for boredom in Powell as plans take shape for a new arcade at 110 S. Liberty St.
The Powell Planning and Zoning Commission got its first look Tuesday at preliminary plans for a mixed-use building proposed in front of the Liberty Green Townhomes.
More than an arcade
City Planning Manager Claudia Husak said the arcade would occupy only part of the potentially three-story building. The remainder of the first floor could house a restaurant or another business that complements the arcade.
“Sean Hughes, our economic development director, has been working a lot to try to find people that might be interested in renting out space here or moving into the space,” Husak said.
The second floor could be used for events or office space, while the third floor remains less defined.
Architect Michael Schulte of Creative Studio Architects said he’s exploring the possibility of a rooftop space similar to Lani Rooftop Lounge, though the concept is still preliminary.
“We’re still exploring having a rooftop space actually very similar to what was done on the COhatch space, where it’s set back a little bit from the street, so at least from the street, it still appears as a two story structure,” Schulte said.
The arcade theme would extend to the building’s exterior, with Pac-Man characters etched into the front and a large Pac-Man mural planned for the back.
“I think the client would love to have the building forever, but if someone else would move into the building, we still think it’s appropriate to have that little nod of what was there, reinforcing that history,” Schulte said.
Planning Commission members responded positively to the early plans.
“This is something that’s outside of the box. It’s more of an experience, which I know we’re dying for here, especially with younger residents and clientele,” Commission Member Shaun Simpson said.
Commission Member David Lester also encouraged the developers to lean into the arcade theme.
“The Pac-Man reference is sort of funny, so continue with that,” Lester said. “We’ll see how it goes.”
Development was a long time coming
In April, the commission approved the final development plan for 14 new townhomes directly behind the proposed arcade, in what is now a large grassy field.
That approval also included parking, but Schulte said the arcade plans also add eight additional spots.
In 2014, the original plan for the townhomes site also intended to preserve a historic structure along South Liberty Street and add commercial frontage.
However, the structure was significantly damaged in 2025 and later demolished with approval from the planning and zoning commission.
That demolition now allows for the now proposed mixed-use building to occupy more space.
Schulte and the developer will eventually return to the commission with a final development plan, which must be approved before the project can move forward.
