Madison’s NerdHaven Arcade is moving at the end of the month, according to the Wisconsin State Journal. The news comes after the arcade’s 2021 decision not to relocate blocked Threshold Development from razing an east side strip mall as part of a proposed apartment project.
The business refused a buyout of its long-term lease at 203 Cottage Grove Road in the Lakeside Shopping Center as plans advanced for a pair of four-story buildings with 188 apartments and over 20,000 square feet of commercial space. The strip mall was dropped from the proposal, and Threshold recently completed a five-story, 69-unit facility with 6,300 square feet of commercial space on a neighboring site at 3914 Monona Drive.
NerdHaven co-owner John Karalis did not specify where the arcade will relocate or the reason behind the move but said it will be “a good reset” and will “keep the arcade going.” He did say the business will remain on Madison’s east side.
NerdHaven is set to stay open through Sunday for spring break and will then close for the move. The owners reportedly plan to reopen in late June depending on how quickly they can secure city approvals for the new location.
