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The owner of Splash Studio, a painting bar in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward, plans to open an east side spot combining a tavern and miniature golf.

To be called Nine Below, the operation is expected to open in August at 1905 E. North Ave., under the Beans & Barley restaurant and store.

Nine Below owner Marla Poytinger has applied for a tavern license, but declined to speak in detail about the venture.

“I’m in the business of fun, innovative entertainment opportunities for people in the city, and I’m really excited to bring that to another location in Milwaukee,” she said.

The below-street-level space long was the location of a series of nightclubs — Mantra, Decibel / Deep Bar and The Library Club among them — but has been unused for about two years, Poytinger said.

Her license application indicates she expects to generate only 30% of her sales from alcohol, and 60% from entertainment — specifically, from an “interactive indoor miniature golf course.”

“That’s the part that is top secret at this point,” she said. “It’s a really cool twist on mini golf. It’s definitely not your average mini golf experience.”

Poytinger holds an MBA in arts administration from the University of Wisconsin — Madison. She has worked as executive director of the Bel Canto Chorus, and as marketing manager at the Overture Center for the Arts, in Madison.

She opened Splash four years ago at 184 N. Broadway. Set up like an artist’s studio, the place serves drinks while providing patrons with canvas, brushes and paint. The signature offering, Poytinger said, is a three-hour session guided by a local artist.

The application for Nine Below shows that Poytinger plans a build-out of the former nightclub space beginning in May. A Small Business Administration loan through Park Bank is helping finance the venture, the application says.