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An early Monday morning fire tore through Lincoln Square Lanes, destroying the second-floor bowling alley that underwent extensive renovations in 2012. The nearly century-old building is Chicago's oldest bowling alley, according to the owners.
Chicago Fire Department officials said they believe the flames, which caused the roof to collapse, may have began in kitchen, near the grill area. The extra-alarm blaze began around 1 a.m., and firefighters brought the fire under control around 3 a.m.
4974 lincoln. No injury in mayday everyone accounted for (Langford) pic.twitter.com/H7e2HvP7GY
— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) August 31, 2015
Three years ago, the alley's owners, the Drehobl family, sank nearly $1 million in renovations into the alley, according to the Tribune. They converted the neighborhood dive into an upscale alley that served craft beer and bar food. The bar drew particularly big crowds during Blackhawks games, a different crowd than years past when the alley hosted concerts from the likes of the Polkaholics.
The sad story gets even more emotional after reading a Facebook post from the owners:
It is with heavy hearts that we bid our customers a saddened farewell. We will cherish the memories you have left us...
Posted by Lincoln Square Lanes on Monday, August 31, 2015
