Hi Everyone,

Since the closure of Sunset Bowl, I have been taking time to catch-up on unfinished projects as well as working for money (what a concept!). I have also been pursuing options for a future bowling/community center in Ballard. The developer, Avalon Bay has been looking into the possibility of providing a space for us, but to date has not given me any numbers for leasing the space. I have also talked with another local developer who is showing some interest, but again, it comes down to the cost of leasing vs. buying a space.

The more practical option may be to purchase an existing building to house 16-20 lanes as well as a bar/restaurant (with good/healthy food options), and some space for community gatherings, meetings, parties, etc. The building would be revovated using as much recycled and re-used materials as possible, as well as having rainwater collection and solar electric and/or hot water on the roof. If feasible, a rooftop patio and garden area could also be incorporated, with the potential to provide some organic herbs and vegetables for the on site restaurant, or even a p-patch type setting for the community to use.

This could be an amazing example of true sustainable business practices, as well as providing much needed inside gathering space in the Ballard neighborhood, especially with our recent November-like ‘June’ weather. The City of Seattle and Seattle City light could also play a big role in this project, furthering our/their goal to become a leader in sustainable community building.

I have been meeting with bowling alley builders, local bankers and local real estate agents/brokers,etc., and now it is coming down to finding the right space and, of course, money. I know the interest is here, and believe wholeheartedly that with some dedication and patience, this project will become a reality.

We have around 4000 signatures and contacts, with at least 2000 e-mails and many phone numbers. At this time I would love some help inputing this information onto the database, so we can get the word out that this dream is very much alive and moving forward. The input process is very simple, and would only take 3 or 4 people a couple hours each, especially if you are keyboard/computer savy. All contact info will be kept completely confidential, and e-mails, etc. will only be pertaining to this bowling alley project

Please let me know if you can help with this, or any other aspect of this project, and I will do all I can to help facillitate the process.

Thanks again to all of you who are supporting a better Ballard/Seattle!

Jim

Seattle Times, Sunset Bowl may rise again 

Komo News, Man tries every last move to save Sunset Bowl

Ballard News Tribune, Petitions circulated to halt loss of Sunset Bowl

Kiro TV, Bowlers want developers to spare bowling alley in Ballard

KUOW News, Last call for Ballard’s Sunset Bowl

Hello Everyone,

  The new owners of the Sunset Bowl property, AvalonBay Communities, have agreed to let us use the property, and continue operating the business until they begin construction, sometime mid to late 2009. They will allow us to do so free of charge, as well as pay the property taxes during this time. They are also currently looking at the feasibility of integrating a space to open a new bowling/community gathering center in the new project.

 After 2 months of trying to buy the Sunset business and equipment to keep the place open for the 1-2 years that it will sit vacant, I finally told the owners yesterday to go forward with the auction. They had agreed to postpone the signing of the contract with the auctioneers, and give me the option to pre-buy the equipment, but we had differing views on its value, as well as looking at essentially re-starting the business for such a short period of time.

  It is truly sad that the building may sit vacant for this period of time, as well as seeing 50 employees lose their jobs, unless something changes between now and/or at the auction on April 22. 

  We have about 3400 signatures, and counting, in support of keeping this type of facility in Ballard/North Seattle, and would like to continue this effort. I have talked with at least 400 people, and have had only 7 not sign the petition, 3 who fully support the effort, but never sign anything, and 4 who looked at me like I was from Mars. Others have had similar support.

  We are receiving lots of coverage and support from the media, so I feel we have a very good chance of connecting with all the right people to help this project succeed. 

Thank you for your interest in keeping Ballard and Seattle a great place to live!

Jim

We are looking to get as many signatures as possible from friends, family, co-workers, neighbors etc., as well as having people help in any other way they can. You can download the petition on the homepage. If you would like send me an e-mail and say what particular talents, etc. you can bring to this cause, I can elaborate on more details. As for the petition, we have been placing them in our neighborhood businesses for customers to sign, and this has been very successful. All we ask is that you occasionally check to make sure they remain in sight-i.e. on the counter, on a clipboard etc., and when they are completed, replace with a blank one and please return the full one to the address on the petition. Writing ‘SAVE SUNSET BOWL’ in big letters across the top, or putting up a visible sign saying ‘SAVE SUNSET BOWL-please sign here’, is helping to bring attention to the petition.

We are also working with some local schools, having students of all ages draw pictures, write about their experience bowling at Sunset, writing letters, making posters or their own petitions, etc. Sunset Bowl has been very supportive of schools over the years, and we want to show them our appreciation for what they have given the community. If you have children in school, or have friends or family that do, please talk with the PTA, the school staff, and parents to see if they can help. I have found that the kids are very distraught by the loss of Sunset Bowl, so they love to be involved and have their voices heard. This will also be very impactful as we begin to present all of this to the city, developers, and investors.

Thank you for your interest in helping with this cause!

Jim Bristow