the old bowling alley

the title might seem misleading, since 2004 MLK Ave has been a discount furniture store and a masonic temple for so long, but this yellow-glazed brick art deco jewel of a building was once something very different--and is now back on the market.







the proof is in the flooring. check out the stripes where the lane separations used to be:


the interior is now decked out in very forlorn-looking paper flags and remnants of furniture parts, burnt out fluorescents, and flaking linoleum:




the space upstairs is mostly taken by an old masonic temple auditorium of sorts, and a large ancient kitchen in back. looking out the back windows, I felt like I was seeing back to the American Dream, circa 1940:


overall, the potential of this building is ridiculous. I see a music venue, ala Rock & Roll Hotel or the Black Cat. The 3-tiered lower level is perfect for a variety of spaces to accomodate such a use. Or how about a gym: Washington Sports Club, Results, or Crunch. Even bring bowling back: another Strike, like in Bethesda--perfect for playing off the building's already-obvious retro style.

Endless possibilities, folks. It's going to take dreamers and doers, but good ol' 2 double-O 4 MLK will definitely live to see another day.