Roll On: Bowling Alley, Music Venue Combo Headed To Wrigleyville

By Stephen Gossett in News on Dec 6, 2016 8:52PM

Luck Strike at River East Center / Lucky Strike

They’re throwing rocks tonight.

Just a week after we learned that new Wrigleyville mega-development Addison & Clark got the sign-on from Shake Shack, now comes word of another major new tenant for the complex. Adult playground (PG-rated version) Lucky Strike is rolling in with a huge new bowling alley/live music concept, according to news reports.

The Tribune reports that the bowling alley will occupy 30,000 square feet on the second floor of the mixed-use development. Movie theater chain Cinemax previously announced a space, and, plus Shake Shack. So, soon you’ll be able stumble from a baseball game, sop up the Old Style with burgers and custard then throw a dozen frames. Paradise or another stepping stone to full bro hegemony? We’re suckers for bowling, so we’ll give a nod. On the other hand, if the music booking resembles what Lucky Strike Live appears to put forth on a regular basis, well, let's just say the Metro is probably safe. Here;s hoping the Wrigelyville location steps it up some.

However you see the changes, there’s no doubt they’re afoot. Earlier this year the decades-old Bookworks store was forced to vacate its Clark St. space amid rising rents; and closer to the ballpark, the splash, Ricketts-owned Hotel Zachary will take up boutique roots across from the Cubs home turf, adding foodie draws such as Big Star's second outpost.

Addison & Clark, the development, that is, not the intersection, is expected to complete in 2018. Aside from Cinemax, Lucky Strike, Shake Shack and whatever arrives next, it will also include nearly 150 apartment units. So assuming you can afford those Wrigelyville rents, you might just be able to roll out of bed then roll a game or two.