Joshua City — At a special meeting Oct. 6, the Heritage Preservation Overlay District Commission approved a conditional use permit that allows Duckie’s Revenge to operate an indoor family amusement arcade at 107 North Main Suite A in the original town of Joshua City. The permit covers a 0.293-acre parcel identified in the application as Lot 4, Block 11 in Johnson County.

Douglas Hampton, one of the business owners, told the commission the arcade blends nostalgia with modern, collaborative games and a strong focus on pinball. "Pinball is the thing that we love the most," Hampton said, describing plans for tournaments, rentals and Stern-branded pinball participation. He said the venue will host family events and private birthday parties and will offer concession-style food such as hot dogs and nachos.

Hampton also said the venue will serve beer and wine but "not a full bar." He described operational details including sharing a grease trap with the adjoining Brick House restaurant and using rolling partitions in a back room to create party space and equipment storage. "If you're a guy that wants to watch a college football game and you have your kids, he would more than likely choose my spot because you could come in and watch your game, and only your kids could pay to play the games," Hampton said, describing a free-to-play option for adults who do not want to pay for games.

Planning staff told commissioners the property is within the Heritage Overlay District and that the conditional use permit process allows the commission to set conditions so a use that might not otherwise be permitted can be controlled for compatibility with the neighborhood. Staff noted the applicant submitted site, floor and elevation plans and a concept plan.

Commissioners briefly questioned the applicant about location and connections to neighboring businesses; Hampton confirmed the arcade would be physically connected to Brick House and would share kitchen equipment and grease-trap arrangements. No members of the public offered opposition during the hearing.

Commissioner Speaker 2 made a motion to approve the permit; Commissioner Speaker 5 seconded. The chair called for a voice vote and commissioners answered "Aye." No opposition was recorded and the motion passed. Earlier in the meeting the commission also approved minutes from its Oct. 7, 2024 meeting by voice vote.

The commission adjourned at 4:10 p.m. No additional conditions, appeals timeline or follow-up steps were announced during the meeting.