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
White House suggests drafting federal worker layoffs amid shutdown threat

White House Considers Federal Worker Layoffs as Government Shutdown Looms

A reduction in force would not only result in laying off employees…
Remember Peter Strzok, the Smirking Anti-Trump FBI Agent? He Just Lost 1st Amendment Case Against the DOJ

Do You Recall Peter Strzok, the Smirking Anti-Trump FBI Agent? He Recently Lost His First Amendment Case Against the DOJ

Do you remember Peter Strzok, the FBI agent known for his anti-Trump…
Lem Turner Road deadly pedestrian crash is a hit and run, JSO says

Fatal Pedestrian Accident on Lem Turner Road Identified as Hit-and-Run, According to JSO

JSO investigators said the man was found laying in the road unresponsive…
3 detainees shot, some fatally, at Dallas ICE facility: Sources

Three Detainees Shot, Resulting in Fatalities, at Dallas ICE Facility: Reports

On Wednesday morning, three individuals in custody were shot at the Dallas…
Travis Decker declared dead amid Washington investigation

Travis Decker Found Deceased During Washington Inquiry

The declaration came as part of a court filing to close Decker’s…
ICE Chicago Operation Midway Blitz: Fence around Broadview ICE facility raises concerns from residents, fire department

Concerns Arise Over New Fence at Broadview ICE Facility Following ICE Chicago Operation Midway Blitz

BROADVIEW, Ill. (WLS) — Emotions have also been running high outside an…
Dearborn mayor refuses to apologize for telling Christian minister he was 'not welcome here'

Dearborn Mayor Stands Firm on Statement Telling Christian Minister He’s Unwelcome

At Dearborn, Michigan’s first city council meeting since his clash with a…
Street artist draws outrage, praise with 'Charlie Kirk spots' after TPUSA founder's assassination

Street Artist Provokes Mixed Reactions with ‘Charlie Kirk Spots’ Following TPUSA Founder’s Death

NEW YORK CITY – A local street artist, renowned for drawing chalk…
Family sues over deadliest US plane crash since 2001

Family Takes Legal Action Following Most Lethal U.S. Plane Crash Since 2001

Other families will join the lawsuit later. WASHINGTON — A lawsuit has…
Rifle behind Charlie Kirk’s killing may be untraceable relic from WWI

Charlie Kirk Assassination Suspect Stays in Special Housing Unit After Mental Evaluation

On September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University, Charlie Kirk engaged with…
Bill Clinton sees this year's Clinton Global Initiative as a 'counterweight' to aid cuts

Bill Clinton Views This Year’s Clinton Global Initiative as a Solution to Support Aid Reductions

NEW YORK (AP) — The annual meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative…
Black pastors say Charlie Kirk is not a martyr, while decrying racism and political violence

Black Clergy Reject Charlie Kirk as a Martyr, Condemning Racism and Political Aggression

The way Charlie Kirk is being remembered—especially among conservatives and white Christians,…