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Old Kmart could become bowling alley
By: JOSE CARVAJAL - Staff Writer | ∞
The city is in talks with Brunswick Bowling about turning the building seen here on Mission Trail in Lake Elsinore into a bowling alley. The building once housed a Kmart.
STEVE THORNTON Staff Photographer
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LAKE ELSINORE ---- Bowlers, buff those balls. The building that housed the shuttered Kmart on Mission Trail soon might be getting a long-awaited reprieve, this time as a bowling alley.
The city met last week with representatives of Brunswick Bowling, which is interested in turning the structure that once housed the now-defunct discount store into a state-of-the-art bowling center, city officials said Wednesday.
So far, the discussions have been preliminary but they have been positive, City Councilman Bob Schiffner said.
Brunswick representatives could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
For years, the city has been trying to find an occupant for the Kmart building after the department store was shut down almost a decade ago. High on the city's wish list has been some sort of recreation venue that would complement the movie theater that operates next door. There are no bowling alleys in the city now.
"It's a waste now," Schiffner said of the old Kmart site. "What we're interested in is something that will be valuable to the city. The bowling alley would be very important to the city."
These days, the old entrances to Kmart are boarded up and graffiti peppers its cream-colored stucco exterior.
The only signs of life in the building's large parking lot are a few trees scattered throughout with leaves that are dead or have fallen onto the cracked and fading asphalt.
In contrast to the desolate shape of the old Kmart is the bright orange movie theater next door.
The Kmart, built in the 1980s, and the movie theater, built in the 1990s, were constructed by Camelot Counselors Inc. as part of a project subsidized by the city's redevelopment agency. Both were eventually shut down after Camelot went bankrupt.
Ownership of both buildings has since changed hands. Inland Pacific California LLC of Hillsboro, Ore. now owns both sites.
The difference between the two buildings now is that the movie theater has been given a makeover and a fresh start. Diamond Cinemas opened its doors again late last month after being closed for more than three years.
Its new operator, Dannell Ockey, who runs Temeku Cinema in Temecula, pumped more than $1 million into refurbishing the eight-screen theater.
City spokesman Mark Dennis said Wednesday that reopening both sites has been part of the city's plan to revitalize the area, which is near The Diamond baseball stadium on the south side of town.
The city is negotiating a deal with Gary Jacobs, who owns the minor-league baseball team that plays in the stadium, for the rights to operate the stadium and a plan to develop the land around it.
The bowling alley would only add to the appeal of that part of town, Dennis said, particularly for the area's youth. Combined with the movie theater, the bowling center would give the youths a place to go, he said.
"It would be fun," he said. "It would be an asset, should they come. It would be a good project for the community."
Contact staff writer Jose Carvajal at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2624, or jcarvajal@californian.com.
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Rob wrote on Dec 15, 2005 8:58 AM:What a great idea! as an avid bowler, and having recently bought a house off of Bundy Canyon Rd, I would love to see a bowling center there....I would definitely participate in leagues there.
Scott wrote on Dec 15, 2005 10:44 AM:This is exactly the type of project our city should continue to pursue and it has my support. The location is perfect, notice that it is not located in the middle of a neighborhood. It is right in the middle of a business / shopping / entertainment area that should be the center of further development for our community anyway. Patrons coming from the 15 freeway aren't stuck with only having one option at the already congested Railroad Canyon intersection, Bundy Canyon is just down the road. My family and I are happy to have the Diamond Cinemas next door and a bowling alley would be a great compliment to the theater. I would hope that this is the kind of development our residents will support as well. It keeps our money in our city and we don't have to drive to the over crowded metropolis of Temecula / Murietta. After the city council did the logical thing by denying the misplaced hotel project on Canyon Estates Drive it seems as though they may be actually thinking things out. Lake Elsinore is finally in the drivers seat so take your time and do it right people. If you build it they will come.
Randy wrote on Dec 15, 2005 9:09 PM:The new development in Lake Elsinore is great to see. More encouraging is revitalization of vacant buildings for community-valued uses such as the bowling alley and the comeback of the theater. These are signs of the City becoming very healthy and acknowledges excellent leadership from elected officials, the planning commission and a dedicated and caring staff (even the most energetic Treasurer in all of city government).
XXXX wrote on Dec 16, 2005 2:36 PM:Great! Now all we need are more roads and facilities to accomodate this unending growth
Kim wrote on Dec 16, 2005 6:20 PM:As a resident of Lake Elsinore since 1986, it's exciting to see all the recent retail development in town. I'm looking forward to keeping my money in my own community. I grew up in a town that had an abundance of activities for its youth--something I've seen lacking in this area. A bowling alley will be a welcome addition. I'd also love to see an off-leash dog park in Lake Elsinore someday.
Cindy wrote on Dec 24, 2005 12:27 PM:I think using an already existing building such as the old k mart building and the newly opened theater is perfect. No new roads are needed in this area.. but..the intersection at RR canyon could use a mighty revamp..or should I say re-ramp. The locations are in a good area so as to encourage people to spread out in their searches for entertainment and to keep the money in the community. But...like I said...could someone take that intersection more seriously? Maybe some new ideas for an old problem. Happy Holidays
Cindy wrote on Dec 24, 2005 12:28 PM:I think using an already existing building such as the old k mart building and the newly opened theater is perfect. No NEW roads are needed in this area... but..the intersection at RR canyon could use a mighty revamp..or should I say re-ramp. The locations are in a good area so as to encourage people to spread out in their searches for entertainment and to keep the money in the community. But...like I said...could someone take that intersection more seriously? Maybe some new ideas for an old problem. Happy Holidays
ANN wrote on Jan 7, 2006 2:43 PM:I THINK THIS IS A GREAT IDEA. WE COULD SURE USE A GREAT AND FUN PLACE CLOSE BY HOME. AND A NICE COOL PLACE TO GO DURING THE HOT SUMMER.
Janice wrote on Jan 16, 2006 7:03 PM:This is great hope to hear more on the progress of this Just hope it don't end up like the old McCall bowling alley that took a lot of our fun away from our seniors
GET A CLUE! wrote on Jan 19, 2006 8:35 PM:HEY PEOPLE OF LAKE ELSINORE IT'S A DEAD DEAL, BRUNSWICK BACKED OUT! DON'T GET YOUR HOPES UP OF ANYTHING MOVING IN THERE ANYTIME SOON, REMEMBER KMART MOVED OUT OVER 12 YEARS AGO.
Jessica wrote on Jan 29, 2006 9:29 AM:Yay! thats exactly what me and my friends need. a place to hang out. after seeing a movie we could go bowl or something until are parents can get us. it would bring so much money into the city for further building projects too.
money maker wrote on Jan 7, 2007 4:21 PM:I think this is a great idea, the growth in the area has increased dramaticaly sense the old Kmart went out of business.I would love to be apart of this process.
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