Just over a month ago, a Colorado-based developer publicly unveiled plans to build a restaurant and entertainment venue on the corner of Jesse Jewell Parkway and West Academy Street. Next week, a rezoning request for the project goes before the Gainesville Planning and Appeals Board.
B Entertainment, which owns and operates Bourbon Brothers Smokehouse and Tavern in Colorado Spring, CO, wants to open a similar business in downtown Gainesville, investing up to $12 million in the project. The proposed project would include a 15,000 square-foot concert and special event venue, a 9,000 square-foot restaurant and an 8,000 square-foot outdoor patio area. Approximately 100 to 120 ticketed shows and an additional 100 events such as weddings, conventions, proms, sporting events, church and corporate events are planned per year.
The City of Gainesville owns the property, which consists of five lots, and has asked the planning board to rezone the site from General Business to Central Business to bring the property in line with the zoning of other properties in downtown Gainesville's central business district.
City planning staff has approved the rezoning application with three conditions dealing with design of the project, lighting for the property and access points for the venue.
The property in question currently serves as the site for the Gainesville Midland locomotive, a popular photo spot for tourists. The city plans to move the engine to a new park in the midtown area.
The Gainesville Planning and Appeals Board will address the rezoning request at its monthly meeting, which is set for Tuesday, June 8 at 5:30 p.m. in the Municipal Courtroom of the Gainesville Public Safety Complex at 701 Queen City Parkway.
Follow this link to read AccessWDUN's article from April 29, 2021 on the initial announcement about the project.
