An escape room company that’s planning its entrance into Naperville near the new Block 59 development has received one green light so far — from the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission.
An Escapology franchise run by Samuel Stockton plans to open an appointment-only entertainment center at 2603 Aurora Ave. in the Westridge Court shopping center, right next to the new and under-construction shops and restaurants of Block 59. The facility would have 12 themed rooms, challenging guests to solve puzzles or riddles, seek clues and find a way out — all within one hour.
But first, the international chain of 93 locations needs a conditional use and a zoning variance in order to find its way in to Naperville.
The conditional use would allow an entertainment venue in an area zoned B2 for community shopping centers. The variance lets Escapology provide 28 parking spots, instead of the 63 required by city code, based on the size of the 6,284-square-foot space.
Because Escapology would welcome customers by appointment only and has franchise data supporting its low demand for parking, city staff supports both the conditional use and parking variance, said Therese Egner, with the planning services team.
Stockton said his business optimally would run eight of its 12 escape rooms at a given time, with appointments starting every 15 minutes. Guests typically arrive for each room come in an average of 1.5 cars, according to company data. Counting his employees, that would add up to a parking demand for 17 or 18 spaces at peak times — well below the 28 spots that Westridge Court would reserve for his business.
“Every 15 minutes, we’d be flipping rooms, so it’s a continual rotation,” Stockton said. “So as people are coming, people are leaving. Parking spots stay available.”
Requiring appointments and starting games at different times “prevents large gatherings and minimizes traffic,” Egner said. Plus, Escapology’s locations, including two others in the suburbs, have a reputation for being “quiet, clean and professionally operated.”
All of this gave staff confidence that allowing this form of entertainment in a shopping area — with less parking than typically required — will not cause disruptions or congestion, she said.
Commission members agreed, unanimously endorsing both requests and recommending their approval by the Naperville City Council.
“I Iove the business,” Commissioner Mark Wright said. “I think Naperville has always needed more experiences for our children so I’m very excited to see this come in.”
In his petition to the city, Stockton said Escapology customers are likely to stop at nearby retail and restaurants before and after their escape room experience, helping bring more business to the area.
“Rather than being a nuisance, the business will provide a safe, engaging amenity for local families, students and professionals, supporting a vibrant neighborhood experience,” the petition said.
If approved, Escapology would require minimal structural work to its facility, mainly to build separate spaces for each game room, a reception lounge and restrooms. All guest activities would take place indoors “in sound-insulated, private rooms, with no outdoor noise, lighting or amplified sound that could affect neighbors or adjacent businesses,” the petition said.
Marie Wilson is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
