The city issued a permit allowing the new owners to demolish the bowling alley and build a five-story residential building.
KIRKLAND, Wash. — After nearly 67 years serving the East Side, Kirkland's Tech City Bowl officially closed its doors Saturday night.
The owner sold the property to a developer who plans to build a five-story apartment building.
“Yeah, it's a shame…but I get it,” said Greg Fagen, who bowled his final game Saturday night with his wife and two friends.
The Fagen family said they have been coming to the bowling alley for about 30 years.
“For me, it's a family thing. And for my friends, it's something that brings people together. It's sad to see it go,” Darla Fagen said.
“We've been able to get to know these people here. It's a friendly place to just have fun, have a drink, and do a little bowling,” Greg Fagen added.
The bowling alley opened in 1958 as Totem Bowl.
“This has always been a great bowling alley. We love coming here,” said Tim Hatch, another longtime bowler. “It's sad to see it go. I've seen a lot of bowling alleys come and go, and it's not fun.”
While many customers held celebrations before Tech City closed and tried to secure a few more spots, others were caught off guard by the building's fate.
“It was good timing because I realized this after I got here. I love coming here and it's always fun,” Scott Angst said. “We have everything you could want. Bowling, beer, food… Air conditioning in the summer.”
The city of Kirkland has already issued permits for the apartments to be demolished and built. The building will be five stories tall, with 368 residential units and 7,000 square feet of street-level retail space, according to city records.
There will be more than 450 parking spaces underneath the building, according to the permit.
It is unclear when the project will be completed.
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