Visitors to the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre may soon find themselves enjoying a thrilling round of indoor miniature golf and other engaging recreational activities before settling in for an unforgettable magic performance in the near future.
To enhance the overall experience, a significant two-story, 5,671-square-foot expansion is being meticulously planned for the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre, located at 100 N. Edwards Boulevard in the charming city of Lake Geneva. This ambitious project is set to take place on the west side of the existing theater building, providing a new dimension to the visitor experience.
In a move that underscores community support, members of the Lake Geneva City Council granted unanimous approval for a conditional use permit that paves the way for the proposed expansion on November 11.
Prior to the council’s decision, Lake Geneva Plan Commission members also unanimously endorsed the permit during their meeting on October 21.
During the discussion on October 21, Peter Juergens, the agent representing T.C. Productions, LLC, the theater’s ownership group, passionately presented the exciting features of the proposed project.
Juergens detailed that the forthcoming addition will showcase a state-of-the-art indoor miniature golf facility, complete with vibrant lighting and a uniquely designed space, alongside a variety of other interactive games. “The main driver of the indoor entertainment is the indoor miniature golf with lights and kind of a real cool space,” he shared enthusiastically. “We’re also having some axe throwing in the mix. It’s just all indoor-type uses.”
Also on the list of additions are inviting seating areas, a full-service bar, a cozy small performance area for live music, and a flexible party rental space, along with an upper-level mezzanine designed for guests seeking an elevated experience.
In an effort to create an inviting atmosphere, Juergens has envisioned a 500-square-foot outdoor seating area featuring picnic tables, allowing families to enjoy the outdoors while waiting for shows. “The intention is to just have an outdoor space so if parents are with their children they can sit outside on a nice day and sit at a picnic table,” Juergens explained. “It’s not meant for outdoor entertainment like bands; it’s just an outdoor greenspace with nice picnic tables.”
As part of this expansive project, plans also include a 500-square-foot building designated for the storage of props and equipment essential for the magic performances.
Furthermore, the project comes with an expansion of the theater’s parking lot to accommodate 94 vehicles, increasing from the current 68 stalls. “They are proposing 94 total spaces, exceeding the required 77,” noted Sonja Kruesel, city planning consultant for Vandewalle & Associates. “So there is a surplus in the amount of required parking that they are proposing.”
Juergens mentioned that the decision to add more parking spaces than necessary is strategically aimed at future-proofing the theater for potential additional expansion. “The reason we have the parking numbers that we have is because it is our intention in the future to expand the theater,” Juergens laid out. “It’s all been designed, but we aren’t quite ready to move forward with that. We want sufficient parking stalls to accommodate that expansion.”
In a bid to enhance the theater’s surroundings, Juergens also plans to create a lush greenspace area to the west of the building, complete with various plantings. “We’re installing quite a bit of greenery to the west,” he noted. “Once we put the parking lot expansion in, there’s a five-foot barrier or setback in that greenspace where we’re putting 25 evergreens to create a green wall.”
Alderwoman Peg Esposito raised an important question regarding the potential inclusion of trees in the parking lot to provide relief from the sun’s heat. “I was thinking of something like Home Depot where they have trees planted in between the different rows for some shade,” Esposito suggested.
However, Juergens clarified that the layout does not allow sufficient space for tree planting within the new parking area. “If there was enough room, we would love to do it,” Juergens responded. “We are expanding by about 50 feet to meet emergency turnaround requirements, which limits our ability to increase the width for tree plantings.”
Alderman Joel Hoiland expressed his support for the proposed expansion, noting it would enhance the amenities offered at the magic theater. “They’re trying to create an extension of their entertainment area. I think what they’re mostly doing is indoors,” he pointed out.
Despite the enthusiasm for the project, Hoiland reminded officials to consider the nearby residents of the town of Lyons, who may be affected by the expansion. “I’m not sure if we have any obligation beyond being courteous citizens,” Hoiland stated. “But we should bear in mind this is a town island and part of the town of Lyons.”
Residents express concern
Several residents from the town of Lyons voiced their apprehensions regarding the proposed project during a public hearing at the Plan Commission meeting, highlighting feelings of exclusion. “You guys just came in taking down all the trees and now this. We were never notified,” voiced Ridge, a local resident. “If it wasn’t for our neighbors, we wouldn’t even know what was going on. It feels like Lake Geneva can do whatever they want, even when it may affect us.”
In response to the concerns raised, City Attorney Dan Draper clarified that city ordinances require residents living within a 300-foot radius of the project to be notified. Mayor Todd Krause encouraged any nearby residents who did not receive a notice to reach out to city officials for assistance. “If you’re within that 300-foot radius and didn’t get a notice, let us know,” Mayor Krause urged.
Another resident, Reed Ridge, expressed concern over potential noise disturbances that might arise from the outdoor seating area. “There’s nothing stopping them later on from having a music venue installed. There would be nothing prohibiting it when this is approved,” Ridge warned. “Taking into consideration the possibility of an outdoor music venue, it’s going to be very loud. A couple of pine trees aren’t going to dampen that noise.”
Plan Commission member Doug Skates attempted to reassure residents, suggesting that the picnic area is intended for overflow for audiences and would not function as an entertainment venue. “The picnic area seems to be just for overflow for people at the venue,” Skates commented. “I think currently, Tristen has a patio area on the other side, intended for patrons coming out of the venue, and I don’t know if it’s used a lot.”
Kruesel proposed adding a provision to the conditional use permit, ensuring that the area remains designated solely for outdoor seating. “Because the application is submitted and only depicted as an outdoor picnic area, it seems appropriate to add that as a condition,” she suggested.
A provision that prohibits amplified noise or music from emanating from the outdoor seating area was successfully added to the conditional use permit. This measure aims to address residents’ concerns over potential noise pollution.
History of the magic theater
The Tristan Crist Magic Theatre first opened its doors in 2015, originally located at 609 W. Main St. in downtown Lake Geneva. In response to growing popularity, the current theater building was constructed between 2018 and 2019 to accommodate more patrons, completing the latest phase of development.
In December 2021, the Lake Geneva City Council approved a 25-foot addition to the theater building, further enhancing its capacity. For more information regarding the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre and its exciting offerings, visit www.lakegenevamagic.com.
What recreational activities will be included in the expansion of the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre?
**Interview with Peter Juergens, Agent for T.C. Productions, LLC: Expansion Plans for the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Peter. Exciting developments are underway at the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre in Lake Geneva! Can you start by telling us what prompted the decision to expand the theater?
**Peter Juergens:** Thank you for having me! The main motivation for this expansion is to enhance the overall visitor experience. We want our guests to not only enjoy the magic shows but also to engage in a variety of exciting activities before and after the performances. By adding indoor miniature golf and other recreational activities, we’re transforming the theater into a more comprehensive entertainment destination.
**Editor:** The addition of indoor miniature golf sounds thrilling! Can you share more details about that and what other features will be included?
**Peter Juergens:** Absolutely! The indoor miniature golf facility will feature vibrant lighting and a unique design. But that’s just one part of the fun. We’re also introducing axe throwing and a range of interactive games. Additionally, we plan to create inviting seating areas, a full-service bar, a small performance space for live music, and versatile party rental options.
**Editor:** That truly sounds like a fantastic expansion. I noticed there’s also a focus on outdoor spaces. Could you elaborate on that?
**Peter Juergens:** Certainly! We’ve designed a 500-square-foot outdoor seating area with picnic tables where families can enjoy a bit of fresh air before shows. This space is intended purely as a relaxing spot rather than an entertainment venue. We want to create an inviting atmosphere for everyone.
**Editor:** Parking is often a concern with expansions. How are you addressing this?
**Peter Juergens:** We are increasing the parking lot capacity from 68 to 94 vehicles, exceeding what’s required by the city. We want to future-proof our operations, as we have plans for additional expansions down the line. It’s essential to have ample parking to accommodate all visitors.
**Editor:** With such an ambitious plan, you’ve faced some community concerns, particularly from residents of the nearby town of Lyons. How do you intend to address their apprehensions?
**Peter Juergens:** We recognize the community’s concerns and take them seriously. We are committed to keeping open lines of communication and have made it a priority to abide by city ordinances regarding notifications for residents within the project area. It’s crucial for us to foster a positive relationship with our neighbors.
**Editor:** what are your hopes for the future of the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre once the expansion is complete?
**Peter Juergens:** My hope is to create a vibrant hub of entertainment that offers something for everyone. By enhancing the facility and diversifying our offerings, we aim to attract even more visitors to Lake Geneva and to ensure that the magic experience is unforgettable. We truly believe that this expansion will bring the community together and elevate our theater to new heights.
**Editor:** Thank you, Peter, for sharing these exciting insights. We look forward to seeing the transformation of the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre!
**Peter Juergens:** Thank you! We’re excited too and can’t wait to welcome everyone to experience the magic.