Back in August 2010, TurlockCityNews.com first reported on plans of a family entertainment center with bowling alley lanes to open in Turlock by winter of 2011. People have been questioning if the project will really happen since the said opening date has passed. Every time a big announcement regarding developments such as new tenants for the old Mervyn’s and Longs buildings on Geer Road, or an Olive Garden opening in Turlock, and the recent Old Navy and ULTA Beauty coming soon report, people ask what is happening with the plans for a bowling alley in Turlock.
Back on November 4, 2010, the City of Turlock Planning Commission spent four hours discussing the ultimate 5-2 approval to rezone 5.89 acres, located at Monte Vista Avenue and Crowell (near Rite Aide across from CSUS), of high density residential to community commercial with a planned development zoning to accommodate a family fun center, Ten Pin.
On December 14, 2010, the Turlock City Council unanimously approved the planned development that included the Ten Pin Family Fun Center to be completed by winter of 2011.
The Ten Pin Family Fun Center project calls for the construction of an approximate 52,000 square foot family entertainment center to include 34 bowling lanes, a 4,000 square foot laser tag area, a game room with approximately 75 games and a prize redemption center, a sports bar with seating for approximately 200 guests including billiards, shuffle board, two outdoor bocce ball courts and outdoor dining. The facility will also have six banquet/party rooms that can host small birthday parties or larger events.
The planning documents for the project were filed by Central Valley Property Investments, LLC which consisted of Rod Scott and Jim Theis at the time. Project developer Jerry Powell was introduced as a partner every since the project first went before the Planning Commission. All three are agents at PMZ Real Estate.
At the December 4, 2010, City Council meeting, project partner Jim Theis said, "We’re going to eliminate the comment that there’s nothing to do in Turlock, which comes up in almost every quality of life survey.”
From the first time the project was announced to the public, construction was reported to begin in the spring of 2011 with a completion date of around September or October of 2011.
Jim Theis announced in the June 2011 edition of his quarterly newsletter, Turlock Home Finder, that “Start of construction is scheduled for the Fall of 2011 with opening planned for Summer of 2012.”
Well since then the public hasn’t heard any type of official update or comment on the project… until now.
Jerry Powell sat down and explained that the project’s plans have gone through some changes, as far as behind the scenes organization goes with the partnership’s legal and investment restructuring.
Powell explained that if this project were to have been proposed six years ago, it would have been up and running quick. Due to the current economy and the fact that banks aren’t loaning as much as they used to, and if they do, the equity necessary to secure a loan could be upwards of 50%, the project financing plan has taken longer than expected.
While the public may see the project as stalled-out or skeptical about the project really coming to fruition, Powell says that it’s definitely never been anything but moving forward and that the public should expect an announcement soon.
“Working on the finance has been tough in this economic environment. Things are starting to look more positive,” said Powell. “Hopefully we have an announcement within the next 60 to 90 days.”
So there’s still hope of having bowling lanes in Turlock… once again.
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