It’s not unusual to walk through Whitman and encounter some type of structure that is either a vacant lot, abandoned property or building under construction.
On the corner of Oregon Avenue and Swanson Street lies a large factor building that was formerly a fruit and produce distributor called Thomas Colace and Company, which moved their location to New Jersey. The building is now being developed into a bowling and entertainment facility by the owner of North Bowl in Northern Liberties.
North Bowl is located at 2nd and Poplar streets, a few blocks away from the Piazza at Schmidts. North Bowl is a two story building with a bar, dining area and main lanes down stairs, and another bar, four private lanes, two pool tables , air hockey and arcade games up above.
The 19 E. Oregon Ave. facility is supposed to contain similar entertainment, such as bowling, arcade games, bar and restaurant, pool tables and batting cages outside. The location is down the street from popular tourist attraction, Tony Luke’s.
“It makes sense,” Shraya Divaker said while in line at the crowded cheese steak spot. “It’s always packed here. It’s good way to get business and popularity.”
“It’ll bring a good source of entertainment to the area, which is kind of bare. And seems pretty unique,” Kellie Marinecki added.
But others are skeptical of the new location.
“North Bowl is so ridiculously overpriced,” said Tommy Christopher, a local resident. “This is going to be the same exact way.”
“I don’t think I’d go there,” Brandon Bradley agreed. “It’ll probably be expensive.”
In an area where vacant land is a common sight, Roxann Bomento seems satisfied.
“At least they’re putting something there,” Bomento said. “It’s better than an abandoned building.”
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