Minimizing sound a consideration
Business leaders are hoping a new venture on the Promenade will lead to a few good strikes.
Members of the Bayside Business District Corp. — a nonprofit organization that regulates downtown businesses with City Hall — supported plans on Thursday for a second-floor property on the Promenade to be converted into an “upscale” bowling alley.
The 14,000-square-foot facility, located above the Armani Exchange clothing store at 1322 Third Street Promenade, is in the process of becoming a 12-lane bowling alley, complete with bar and lounge. It was previously office space and once a Woolworth’s.
The property’s investors are said to have been looking at ways to make an exciting and active use of the empty space, said David Hibbert, a local architect working on the project.
Hibbert said the new bowling alley is still in the conceptual stage. It will require a conditional use permit approved by City Hall before going online. He said the bowling alley, if approved, would likely open next year.
Santa Monica has another bowling alley within one mile, located at 234 Pico Blvd., across the street from the Civic Center.
Although Bayside board members were hoping for a terrace to accompany the bowling alley, Hibbert said he is not certain it will be possible.
Access to the site includes a steel stairwell and elevator that connects to the Armani Exchange. In addition, there is another service elevator behind the building.
Bayside board members expressed optimism that the bowling alley will be a good addition to the Promenade.
“This will bring an added entertainment element, with a good and innovative second-floor use,” said Bayside vice chair John Warfel.
However, some have expressed concern that the bowling alley might be too loud. One neighbor, which occupies an office next door, sent a letter to Bayside requesting assurances that excess noise would be addressed by the property owner.
Bayside board members didn’t feel it was their place to make such a requirement. Rob York, a Bayside retail consultant, said the bowling alley would be inside a building made of concrete walls.
Hibbert said he has designed well-insulated music recording studios throughout his career. He would like to use the same technology on the bowling alley.
“It’s a high-density rubber, and it works really well,” Hibbert said. “Recording studios make more noise than that building will.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 1, 2005. Read the original PDF.