‘I’m encouraged’: Proposed redevelopment plan for former Voelker’s Bowling Alley [Video]

BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — A redevelopment plan is finally being proposed for a former beloved bowling alley in Buffalo.

The owner of the former Voelker’s Bowling at the corner of Elmwood and Amherst Street, which closed in 2021, is working with a developer to bring a brand-new mixed-use building to that popular corner.

“I’m encouraged,” said Buffalo resident Paul Gorski.

The former Voelker’s Bowling Alley has become an eyesore, but the owner has forged an agreement with a development company to build a five-story apartment building, with a possible restaurant and a little nostalgia — if you miss those bowling lanes.

“One of the things that’s important to us is that we sort of ‘pay homage’ back to the institution that was the bowling alley. And right now, our plan is to incorporate commercial space on the ground floor and hopefully have some bowling alleys,” said developer Connor Kenney.

Kenney works with the national developer called SAA|EVI. …