Recognizing the city's lack of bowling venues in the downtown corridor,
and identifying a re-emerging bowling trend, Garage billiard hall owners
Alex Rosenast and Jill Young-Rosenast, with managing partner Mike
Bitondo, went to work fine-tuning this "new-retro" concept as their next
venture. In 2002, the opportunity to purchase the building adjoining
their popular Capital Hill establishment became available. It was apparent that
their plan to transform the already-successful pool hall into Garage Billiards
and Bowl was meant to be! They purchased the space and began rehabbing
the adjacent automotive warehouse-complete with oil spots and all--and
created something even slicker; a modish and super-funky 14-lane,
3-level bowling alley that attracts area hipsters and corporate folk
alike, and is quickly becoming a breeding ground for bowl-o-mania.
The two buildings, built in 1928, previously housed a Plymouth
dealership. The section of the building at 1130 Broadway was once the
repair garage, and has been the playground for many-a-pool-shark since
1996. The new bowling portion, connected to the 1134 Broadway section
by 2 pass-throughs, formerly housed the dealership's showroom on the
ground floor, and parking on the lower level.
1950's minimalist décor, which includes furniture and fixtures from such
designers as Eames, Paulson, Saarnin, and Varga, outfits this
one-of-a-kind and classically-hip bowling alley. The space has high
exposed ceilings, special lighting, high-gloss auto paint, airport
chairs, and extensive chrome and vinyl details that are true to its
automotive past. A dj booth overlooks the bowling lanes from the third
mezzanine lounge which holds about 60 people. The lower level houses the "Spare Room," which
features 6 lanes, 2 pool tables, a 20' shuffleboard,
complete with its own bar and bathrooms. This lounge is an ideal place
to host a private party for up to 150 people.
The Garage Bowl opened its lanes on July 14th, 2003. A bowling alley in
Seattle at last. |
