Austin's beloved Highland Lanes bowling alley is gearing up to strike its final frame by the end of this year, a casualty of the city's explosive growth and red-hot real estate market. The alley, a North Austin mainstay since 1976, has been serving up spares and strikes for 48 years but faces closure due to the expiry of its lease. According to Austin Business Journal, co-owner John Donovan has confirmed that the property will give way to a 300-unit multifamily development featuring affordable housing and commercial space.
The expected redevelopment is stirring up more than just real estate interest, it has also caused a riff between John Donovan and the property owner, his brother, Peter Donovan, who owns the land under PCD Burnet Ltd. This familial tension has added an extra layer to the story, with the Austin Business Journal noting the difficult situation for the lesser partner in the company. As for fans of the iconic alley, they're set to lose a piece of Austin history and a hub of community social life that has withstood the test of time, from its vintage décor to the unmistakable sounds of a bowling night.
As reported by KVUE, though the owners of Highland Lanes are tight-lipped about the exact closing date, they are actively seeking a new location to keep the business rolling. Their search epitomizes the struggle faced by many local entrepreneurs in Austin as they confront soaring real estate prices that make relocation and survival a significant challenge.
The site's proposed transformation into a mixed-use development also comes with 36 units earmarked for affordable housing, adding to Austin's growing inventory of such options amidst the general market's inflation. The whole scene reflects the larger narrative of Austin's struggle to balance rapid growth and the preservation of its cultural icons. Highland Lanes' sister venue, Westgate Lanes, continues to operate in South Austin—owned by Family Sports Inc., which was appraised at $4 million by the Travis Central Appraisal District in 2023.
The search for a new home for Highland Lanes is shaping up to be a significant undertaking for the Donovans, as John Donovan told Austin Business Journal he's in search of "approximately 40,000 square feet of space and ample parking."
