Man restoring Town Hall Bowl in Cicero with help from social media: 'turn it into a time capsule'
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“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.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'No Kings' protests to take place across US

Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Demonstrations Set to Sweep Across the US

This marks the third significant demonstration since Donald Trump resumed his presidency,…
State Department warns Hamas may violate ceasefire with attack on Palestinian civilians

State Department Alerts: Potential Ceasefire Breach by Hamas Threatens Palestinian Civilians

On Saturday, the U.S. Department of State issued a warning about “credible…
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Alex Murdaugh's money man, Charles Manson's cult, 'Smiley Face' killer theory

The Untold Story of Alex Murdaugh: Greed and Corruption Topple a Lowcountry Legal Dynasty

The dramatic saga of Alex Murdaugh, a once-respected legal figure from South…
Amazon Prime offers holiday gas deal: How to redeem the perk

Unlock Amazon Prime’s Exclusive Holiday Gas Discount: Step-by-Step Guide to Redeem Your Savings

Amazon is bringing some relief to its Prime members with a special…
Simone Biles in Chicago: Olympic gymnast speaks with children in foster care system at Friends of the Children event in West Loop

Simone Biles Inspires Chicago’s Foster Youth: Olympic Legend Engages with Future Stars at Friends of the Children Event

In the Windy City, Olympic champion Simone Biles has become a familiar…
On is sued over running shoe's allegedly "loud, embarrassing" squeak

Running Shoe Company Faces Lawsuit Over Annoying Squeaky Noise

The popular running shoe brand, On, is facing legal action from several…
How university indoctrination turned deadly, and why one scholar says it’s only getting worse

Deadly Consequences: Scholar Warns of Escalating University Indoctrination Crisis

The tragic death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and a violent school…
Camp Pendleton: I-5 freeway closed due to Marines anniversary event in Southern California

Camp Pendleton: I-5 Freeway Closure Announced for Marines Anniversary Celebration in Southern California

In a significant disruption, a 17-mile portion of the I-5 freeway in…
Rapper D4vd claimed he 'trained' Celeste Hernandez -- who joked about 'raping kids' in resurfaced Twitch video: 'Delete everything'

Controversial Twitch Past: D4vd’s Connection to Celeste Hernandez’s Shocking Comments Revealed

Recent attention has turned towards rapper D4vd following the discovery of a…
Why do people wear inflatable costumes to 'No Kings' protests?

Unpacking the Inflatable Costume Phenomenon: Why Protesters Choose Air-Filled Attire at ‘No Kings’ Demonstrations

The strategy first emerged in Portland, Oregon, amid protests against U.S. Immigration…
Parents of 2 US citizens demand return of their sons’ bodies and all deceased hostages held by Hamas in Gaza

Families of Two U.S. Citizens Urge for the Repatriation of Their Sons’ Bodies and All Deceased Hostages Held by Hamas in Gaza

Two American citizens remained among the hostages killed by Hamas as of…
Two illegal immigrant police officers busted in just 3 months have one thing in common

Uncovering the Connection: Two Illegal Immigrant Police Officers Arrested in Three Months Share a Common Link

In a startling revelation, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation has…