CICERO, Ill. (WLS) — A man is in the process of revamping a neglected bowling alley in Cicero. His goal is to preserve its storied past, and he is seeking assistance through social media.
Within a mere 44 days, Yianni Mavrakis, with contributions from over a million social media users, not only rescued the Town Hall bowling alley but also revitalized it, re-igniting the nostalgic charm that many in Cicero have longed for.
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“The goal was to kind of turn it into a time capsule,” Town Hall owner Mavrakis said.
He honored its history with a ceiling covered in old Life magazines and arcade machines with 90s candies.
Mavrakis, 25, took over Town Hall Bowl last year.
“A lot of these center neighborhood alleys are dropping like flies,” Mavrakis said. “I think it’s about 144 close a year.”
That’s why, in the last two months, he’s been on a mission day after day to turn back time with the help of millions of people online.
“I wanted to paint that wall over there red, and I wanted to paint the gutters blue. And my viewers told me the opposite,” Mavrakis said.
If the alley walls could speak, they would share tales from its 60-year legacy. This brings a much-needed nostalgic moment for Dan Rodriquez, a local who bowled there in the 70s.
“It makes you feel young,” Rodriquez said. “Somebody else would just buy, try to make money like previous owners. These guys care.”
But it’s been a journey to get to this point. Mavrakis says previous owners left the alley abused.
“They were allowing people to smoke like coal-burning hookah,” Mavrakis said.
Now, it features a new kitchen, restored bar, painted alleys, more arcade games and a new pro shop.
He’s creating a new legacy by reviving the alley and the community.
“I want the town of Cicero, I want them to feel proud that this bowling alley is in their town,” Mavrakis said.
Mavrakis said he is not asking for any funds from his social media followers.
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