Local author/cultural archeologist recently photodoc'ed what's left of the interior and spoke with informed personel, finding out there's the possibility of a benefactor willing to restore the venue. But it aches the question as to if it's a viable venture. Bowling is fading, there's only so much you can diverse within the confines to drum up more $, and younger patrons are done with such activities that could be provided. Is there a future for the BOD even with $$$?
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Bowl-O-Drome renovation?
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Re: Bowl-O-Drome renovation?
Ron, could you please provide a source or some sort of documentation about your posting? you do this all the time and its very confusing for folks who might like to comment or follow up. There is really no good reason to be so vague when you start a thread and it might help to start a better discussion. Which I assume was your purpose in starting the thread in the first place?
Thanks!"Democracy is the only system that persists in asking the powers that be whether they are the powers that ought to be."
– Sydney J. Harris
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Re: Bowl-O-Drome renovation?
What part did you not comprehend? What more should have been said?
You could have benefitted the discussion by itemizing points of interest/concern.
I did omit the author's name, Phillip Roberts, but that forgetfulness didn't matter.
The point is about the viability of restoration, pretty simple.
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Re: Bowl-O-Drome renovation?
Originally posted by Ron Whitfield View PostWhat part did you not comprehend? What more should have been said?
Originally posted by Ron Whitfield View PostYou could have benefitted the discussion by itemizing points of interest/concern.
Originally posted by Ron Whitfield View PostI did omit the author's name, Phillip Roberts, but that forgetfulness didn't matter.
Land swap
For Lockwood, an important aspect of Moiliili's revitalization would be the expansion of Old Stadium Park by acquiring from the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands the adjacent nearly 2-acre site on which the long-closed Stadium Bowl-O-Drome sits, in a land swap with the city. The Bowl-O-Drome land would be used for a community swimming pool, Lockwood said.Originally posted by Ron Whitfield View PostThe point is about the viability of restoration, pretty simple.Now run along and play, but don’t get into trouble.
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Re: Bowl-O-Drome renovation?
At the time this article was written, the lease rent DHHL set for the plot of land that Bowl-O-Drome sits on was $1.2 million a year.
Simply put, there's no viable commercial use for that old, dilapidated building.
The only way, shape and form for bowling to ever return there is part of a totally new, updated multi-purpose entertainment complex that would attract families rather than bowling leagues primarily consisting of retirees. And even then, that's a long-shot.
More likely, a developer will build retail/office space there.This post may contain an opinion that may conflict with your opinion. Do not take it personal. Polite discussion of difference of opinion is welcome.
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Re: Bowl-O-Drome renovation?
There's not much more I can contribute, but here's the net hilite of my day http://www.tikiroom.com/tikicentral/...&start=375&389
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Re: Bowl-O-Drome renovation?
Originally posted by Amati View PostIt seems his point of interest/concern was the vegueness of initial information offered, which can make it more difficult to give replys.But I'm disturbed! I'm depressed! I'm inadequate! I GOT IT ALL! (George Costanza)
GrouchyTeacher.com
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Re: Bowl-O-Drome renovation?
Originally posted by Ron Whitfield View PostBowling is fading, there's only so much you can diverse within the confines to drum up more $, and younger patrons are done with such activities that could be provided. Is there a future for the BOD even with $$$?
What we see today are two distinctly different types of bowling centers. There's the fast-dying old style bowling alleys of yesteryear, compared to the new, contemporary designed centers that cater to the open-play customer. These include the new adult-oriented bowling lounges and bowling-based multi-anchored family or adult entertainment centers.
Now if you're gonna be a hardcore preservationist about the BOD like you have been about the Natatorium, then guess what? Like the Nat, the Bowl-O-Drome will continue to sit vacant indefinitely and will deteriorate to the point that it becomes a real eyesore and a safety hazard.
Ironically, the best way to at least partially preserve the memory of the BOD is by building a brand new bowling/entertainment center that could incorporate remnants from the past, like the mural.This post may contain an opinion that may conflict with your opinion. Do not take it personal. Polite discussion of difference of opinion is welcome.
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Re: Bowl-O-Drome renovation?
Originally posted by Frankie's Market View PostOn the mainland, the activity of bowling is actually having a revival of sorts. It's just that the demographics of bowlers have changed. And with it, the newer bowling venues has changed to accomodate this evolving market.
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Re: Bowl-O-Drome renovation?
Originally posted by Leo Lakio View PostVery true. Sadly, the revival was not in time to save some of the true classic retro-type alleys; so many have been destroyed. Yet, the newly-designed spaces do appeal to the people discovering bowling and draw more of them in, so there's a trade-off. The sport survives while the old spaces do not.
Bowling centers are also businesses that have to make themselves attractive and relevant to the more upscale patrons of today, rather than the blue-collar market of yesteryear.This post may contain an opinion that may conflict with your opinion. Do not take it personal. Polite discussion of difference of opinion is welcome.
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Re: Bowl-O-Drome renovation?
Originally posted by Frankie's Market View PostIronically, the best way to at least partially preserve the memory of the BOD is by building a brand new bowling/entertainment center that could incorporate remnants from the past, like the mural.
I appreciate what you've said, and know just like the Nat, chances are slim anything positive will occur. Such is our cavalier disposal of our irreplaceable cultural histories.
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Re: Bowl-O-Drome renovation?
Originally posted by Ron Whitfield View PostTear down something old and the cool factor goes with it, the new thing means nearly nothing. The vintage equipment is part of it all, and the mural is virtually impossible to save.
I'm no art expert. But the Lionel Walden mural in the Hawaii Theatre was in a pretty bad state of decay, with a whole section of the painting collapsing from the proscenium. They were able to execute a magnificent restoration of that work. If they can do the same for the BOD mural, that would literally be the only thing in the entire building that is worth saving.
The recreation industry is notoriously unkind to facilities that are old and has outlived its usefulness. Even the legendary 106 lane bowling alley at the former Showboat Hotel & Casino in Vegas ended up getting demolished a few years ago. And that place had a heckuva lot more history than the BOD.This post may contain an opinion that may conflict with your opinion. Do not take it personal. Polite discussion of difference of opinion is welcome.
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Re: Bowl-O-Drome renovation?
The pin setters were '60-'70s vintage, nothing great, but the '50s era ball galleys are a perfect example of those now-quaint days. The place still retains much of the old visage dispite being a 'barn' of a building, and for those who care we're left with finger crossing that the interested benefactor can pull off the impossible. Obviously, someone besides me saw the worth of saving it.
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