The Madison Urban Design Commission will take up a proposal to construct an outdoor sand volleyball court near a State Street restaurant at their meeting Wednesday.
Greg Meyers, owner of BW-3, 529 State St., said he hopes to take over a portion of an adjacent parking lot during the summer months to construct the court and provide his patrons with an outdoor eating area.
He said the project, which was initially proposed and cancelled in 1997, would secure the area surrounding the court, allowing entrance only through the restaurant.
Meyers said he hopes to offer summer volleyball leagues and tournaments at the establishment.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said he thinks the court would be a worthwhile addition to State Street because other area courts have been successful.
“The Stadium Bar on Monroe Street always has hugely popular games going on,” Verveer said.
Though State Street visitors would be protected from flying volleyballs by a 25-foot high containment netting, Verveer said some might voice concerns about the court’s presence on the street.
“There will probably be a few people that think it won’t fit the street,” Verveer said. “But I’m pretty excited about it, and I think it will be a popular venue.”
All food and liquor sales would take place indoors and restaurant employees would closely monitor outdoor patrons, under the proposal.
Since Meyers originally planned the project in 1997, he obtained approval from the city’s Alcohol License Review Committee, and the restaurant’s liquor license currently permits the project to allow liquor outdoors.
Meyers must still receive approval from the Urban Design Commission and the Plan Commission but said he has considered their concerns about the project.
“I’ve met with members of the urban design commission and the plan commission, and they have said it looks like a great project,” Meyers said. “I hope I’ve addressed all their concerns.”
Verveer said he thinks the project would add an alternative entertainment option to State Street.
“I have every reason to believe the project would be a success,” he said.
The Madison Urban Design Commission will meet Wednesday at 4:15 in room LL-110 of the Madison Municipal Building.
