Duckpin Bowling Alley Rolls into Downtown South Bend

Key Takeaways:

• Ivy Alley Social House, a new entertainment venue, is set to open on Wayne Street in downtown South Bend as part of the city’s ongoing redevelopment efforts.
• The venue will feature a combination of bowling, pizza, and arcade games, along with a rustic and historic atmosphere.
• The mother-son duo behind the project, Karen and Nathan Klein, have incorporated salvaged items into the design to give the space a unique feel.
• Ivy Alley Social House aims to become a social hub for the community, providing a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
• The venue will offer a range of activities, including duckpin bowling, board games, and free arcade games.

Introduction to Ivy Alley Social House
Ivy Alley Social House is a new entertainment venue that is preparing to open its doors on Wayne Street in downtown South Bend. The venue is the brainchild of mother-son duo Karen and Nathan Klein, who have been planning this project for years. The Kleins have transformed the nearly 100-year-old Spenner Garage into a unique and rustic space that combines bowling, pizza, and arcade games. The venue is part of the ongoing efforts to redevelop downtown South Bend, and it is expected to become a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

The Venue’s Design and Atmosphere
The Kleins have put a lot of thought into the design and atmosphere of Ivy Alley Social House. They have salvaged items from scrapyards to create unique furniture pieces that complement the historic building’s rustic feel. The venue features wine press tables in the front dining area, old bourbon staves wrapping around the host stand, and wire spool tops serving as tables in the main dining room. According to Nathan Klein, the goal was to incorporate multiple different salvaged items and give them a new purpose. The result is a space that is both historic and modern, with a unique atmosphere that is sure to appeal to a wide range of people.

Food and Drink Options
Ivy Alley Social House will feature pizza as its signature dish, prepared in classic Italian style inside a stone oven at temperatures over 700 degrees. The high heat chars the crust for crunch while keeping the interior light and airy. The venue will also offer a range of other food and drink options, although the specifics have not been announced yet. The Kleins are excited to provide a unique dining experience that will complement the venue’s entertainment options.

Entertainment Options
Ivy Alley Social House will feature a range of entertainment options, including duckpin bowling, board games, and free arcade games. Duckpin bowling is a unique and challenging game that uses balls that are about the size of tennis balls but much denser, weighing under five pounds. According to Nathan Klein, duckpin bowling is both harder and easier than traditional bowling, requiring a different technique and strategy. The venue will also feature over 70 board games and free arcade games, providing something for everyone to enjoy.

Community Focus
The Kleins are committed to making Ivy Alley Social House a social hub for the community. They hope that the venue will become a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, providing a space for people to come together and have fun. The venue’s location near Four Winds Field, where new apartment complexes and sports bars are also planned, makes it an ideal spot for people to gather before or after games. The Kleins are excited to be a part of the downtown South Bend community and to contribute to the area’s growth and development.

Conclusion and Next Steps
Ivy Alley Social House is set to become a unique and exciting addition to the downtown South Bend entertainment scene. With its combination of bowling, pizza, and arcade games, along with its rustic and historic atmosphere, the venue is sure to appeal to a wide range of people. The Kleins are committed to making the venue a social hub for the community, and they are excited to see the impact it will have on the area. Opening details will be announced on Ivy Alley’s Facebook page, and the community is eagerly awaiting the venue’s grand opening. With its unique concept and commitment to community, Ivy Alley Social House is sure to be a success and a valuable addition to the downtown South Bend area.