31B - CUP - ESPORTS ARENA - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

CUP Nos. 2014 -11 & 2014 -12 May 27, 2014 Page 2 The proposed use will occupy a significant portion of the Ramona Building, located in the Downtown National Register District. Constructed in 1922, the building is individually listed on the Santa Register of Historical Properties as "Key' due to its distinctive architectural style and quality and is characteristic of a significant period in the history of the City of Santa Ana and is a contributor on the National Register and California Register. Lastly, this property has a fagade easement with Ramona Limited Partnership and the Anaheim Historical Society that will preserve its historical character. No exterior fagade changes, other than signage, are proposed at this time. Project Description eSports Arena proposes to occupy the ground and mezzanine levels of the Ramona Building with a computer game and spectator facility. The total square footage of both levels is 12,663. The building has traditionally contained a mixture of commercial uses, including retail, office, and a banquet hall. These uses have vacated in conjunction with tenant improvements proposed within the building, the most significant of which will remove approximately 5,165 square feet of the mezzanine level, leaving 2,624 square feet of mezzanine level for computer game terminals and spectator seating during arena -style events. The ground floor, containing 10,039 square feet, will be configured in a similar fashion with computer game terminals and spectator seating, while also containing a control desk/welcome area, storage space, restrooms, a retail area for computer accessories, a vending machine and concession area, and a large, raised stage area with computer gaming terminals (Exhibits 4 and 5). The proposed computer gaming and spectator facility requires approval of a conditional use permit. The proposed operations of eSports Arena are divided into two operational styles: computer gaming (typical day) and spectator /arena (event day). Typical day operations will contain a mixture of gaming stations and seats, for a total capacity of 226. This operational style will allow patrons, who subscribe on a membership basis, to access computer game terminals to take part in a variety of computer games, playing for skill or competing individually or in groups against players across the globe. While this style will focus primarily on individual computer stations, a seating area on the ground floor near the front stage will allow patrons to observe others who are playing near the stage area. During event day configurations, 518 seats will be provided on the ground and mezzanine levels for spectator or arena -style viewing. Ten computer gaming stations will be provided on the ground floor stage. These events will allow patrons to view players competing against one another or against players from across the globe, similar to a traditional sports arena. Event day configurations are proposed 10 to 15 times per year. The facility proposes to operate from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight seven days per week during times when the facility is configured for computer gaming. The applicant will also utilize age restrictions to ensure that the facility remains in compliance with local curfew laws. These laws allow minors to access the site between 3:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday of each 31 B -4