Skybar Cafe's future plans of expanding are going through the roof.
A new rooftop bar attached to the recently developed VIP area above the back bar is expected to boost capacity and revenue.
The plans are still in the works as many of its employees are not fully aware of the upcoming changes.
"I don't know much yet except that you'll be able to look down over the front bar and it will connect to VIP in the back," said Sloan Gaither, sophomore in mechanical engineering and SkyBar employee.
"I think the idea came with hopes of increasing capacity or to add an additional aesthetic appeal to the bar."
Bradley Johnston, senior in supply chain management and SkyBar security staff member, said the roof top bar will be over the front area.
Johnston said a skylight will also be added between the rooftop bar and the main floor.
"To make an outdoor bar available upstairs will open up the whole place, easing congestion problems and giving the patrons upstairs a place to go outside when it gets too hot as it often does in Skybar, especially during football season," said Kaleigh Hill, senior in psychology.
At the Auburn City Council meeting on May 15, other issues such as the effect of amplified sound on the rooftop on nearby businesses were discussed as well.
The Skybar Cafe staff wants to restrict the amount of amplified sound to ensure compliance with surrounding establishments.
"It was unanimous to approve it," said Charles Duggan, Auburn city manager. "Minus the condition that it had been recommended by staff on the prohibition on amplified music."
Duggan said current occupancy is about 1200, and the expansion will add an additional 600.
"This depends on the codes, inspections, and their final determination," Duggan said.
Other tabled issues include increasing bathroom requirements and fire escape routes.
"That's a building code requirement," Duggan said.
"It will all be part of the inspection process. Before they get a code requirement, all of those requirements will have to be met. So I'll have to speak with the building manager."
City Council members Sheila Eckman and Dick Phelan, along with Mayor Bill Ham, voted against the expansion.
Eckman expressed the issues of capacity at Skybar and the question of how much the additional bar area will affect the capacity.
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