The original Camp Bar in Shorewood will soon be even bigger and better, thanks to two separate plans approved by the Village of Shorewood.

The first improvement, notes owner Paul Hackbarth, will be the addition of a 40 foot long parklet, adding an additional 20 seats to the current sidewalk patio space at 4044 N. Oakland Ave.

The addition, which will take place in the coming weeks, was approved earlier this month by Village officials, who also approved a parklet for Three Lions Pub at 4515 N. Oakland Ave. The parklets are subject to recently negotiated regulations which specify that they can be used from March 15 to Nov. 15, and must close at 10 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on weekends.

Hackbarth also says the bar will be moving forward with plans to expand its footprint into the space next door to Camp at 4042 N. Oakland Ave. The office space, which is currently occupied by Hackbarth’s entertainment company, Sound by Design, will allow Hackbarth to add about 500 square feet to the bar without a significant build-out.

The addition will allow Hackbarth to add a variety of amenities to the Camp Bar space, including dartboards, shuffleboard and a variety of interactive activities for patrons.

"It’s really a long-needed improvement," notes Hackbarth, who says the bar is often crowded, especially during the winter months when patio seating isn’t available.

The expansion will also allow Camp to expand its ability to rent out space for gatherings and parties up to a 100-person capacity.

"We love how we’ve expanded in other communities," says Hackbarth, "But this is truly our home base and it’s time to refocus our efforts on our Shorewood location."

Hackbarth expects the expansion plans to be completed sometime this fall, just in time for football season.