Renovation of former West Dundee bowling alley underway

A project to breathe life into a vacant West Dundee building could be a key factor in revitalizing the downtown area, village officials said.

The former bowling alley and office building at 101 S. First St. would be reconfigured as a restaurant overlooking the Fox River, as well as up to three retail tenants visible from the street, said Tim Scott, community development director.

The front of the structure will be pushed back to make the sidewalk larger, and the facade will likely be replaced with red brick, similar to that of a vintage fire house or the exterior of the village hall. Exterior design plans were approved last month at an appearance review commission meeting, Scott said.

Building owner Tom Roeser said the renovation may not be complete until next year, but he's beginning to visualize the final product as it fits in with downtown West Dundee. It is one of several ongoing projects that will "completely transform that area," he said.

The bowling alley's renovation is part of West Dundee's downtown redevelopment plan, which includes knocking down several buildings at First and Main streets, adding more public parking, stabilizing the riverfront and creating more green space and extending the riverwalk. Roeser purchased the property as part of a redevelopment agreement with the village, which is assisting financially with the project.

With design plans approved, Roeser said he's now working to find suitable tenants. One storefront is reserved for Around the Corner Candy, he said, which currently occupies a space in a building that is slated for demolition.

Roeser also has been in talks with a local restaurant looking to expand to a second location, though he would not yet disclose the name. The amount of space the restaurant needs will determine how many other tenants will fit in the building, he said.

The project, once completed, is designed to complement the other buildings and businesses downtown, Scott said. A live music venue, called RocHaus, is expected to open on Main Street early next year, and a new restaurant, Bamboozels, is undergoing renovations in anticipation of a December opening.

"These pieces all kind of weave together to enhance the downtown economy," Scott said. "In a new setting like this, with a riverwalk and (small parks), this could be a prominent and active new section of downtown."