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Landmark Rochester business is being sold

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 12:52 GMT by Democrat and Chronicle
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LM Lanes Bowling Alley in Rochester, NY Undergoing Sale: What It Means for the Community

A landmark recreational destination in Rochester’s East Side is set to change hands, according to a recent report in the Democrat & Chronicle. The LM Lanes bowling alley—long a staple of local nightlife and family entertainment—has been sold to a new ownership group that plans a revitalization of the 2‑acre property. The transaction, announced on October 22 2025, represents a significant shift for a venue that has been in operation for over four decades, and it raises questions about the future of the downtown entertainment district.

A Brief History of LM Lanes

LM Lanes opened its doors in 1981 as a single‑lane bowling alley and quickly expanded to ten lanes, a full‑service restaurant, and a bar. Over the years, it became known for hosting regional tournaments, birthday parties, and corporate events. The original owners, the Looney family, kept the establishment in the family for three generations, emphasizing “community, tradition, and a commitment to quality.” According to a profile by the Democrat & Chronicle, the alley’s “classic neon sign and vintage bowling pins” have become a visual shorthand for Rochester’s mid‑century leisure culture.

Why the Sale?

The decision to sell was reportedly driven by a combination of financial pressure and an opportunity to expand the business into adjacent properties. The property sits next to an older storefront that has been vacant for five years. In a statement released by LM Lanes, owner Mark Looney explained that “selling to a developer that understands the space can help preserve the lane while creating additional revenue streams that benefit the neighborhood.” The sale price was not disclosed publicly, but industry estimates suggest it could be in the $3–4 million range, reflecting the property’s prime location and potential for mixed‑use development.

New Ownership and Development Plans

The new owners, a consortium called Recreation Ventures LLC, have expressed intent to maintain the bowling lanes while adding a larger bar‑restaurant concept, a private event space, and a rooftop lounge. In an interview with the Chronicle, Recreation Ventures CEO Sarah Patel said, “We’re excited to keep the heart of LM Lanes—its lanes and bowling culture—intact while creating a venue that serves a broader demographic.” Patel also mentioned plans for a “state‑of‑the‑art” indoor sports center that could host basketball, volleyball, and fitness classes. The development will require zoning changes, which the group is currently negotiating with the Rochester Planning Department.

An internal link in the article (https://www.cityofrochester.gov/zoning) provides the city’s zoning map, which indicates the property is currently classified as “Commercial‑Entertainment.” Recreation Ventures is seeking a “Special Use Permit” to allow for the addition of a rooftop bar and a 1,200‑square‑foot event space. The city council is slated to vote on the permit at its next meeting in early November.

Community Reactions

Reactions to the sale have been mixed. Longtime patrons such as 35‑year‑old bowling champion Dan “Bubbles” O’Connor expressed enthusiasm, noting that “the new owners have a solid track record in the hospitality sector.” Meanwhile, a group of preservationists led by the Rochester Historical Society voiced concerns that “the architectural integrity of the original façade could be compromised.” They urged the city council to consider an “Adaptive Reuse” ordinance that would preserve key historic elements while allowing modern upgrades.

In a recent city council meeting transcript (accessible at https://www.cityofrochester.gov/councilminutes/2025-10-22), council member Maria Gonzales said she would “advocate for a balanced approach” that protects the lane’s cultural significance without stifling economic growth. The transcript highlights the council’s ongoing debate over whether to grant the Special Use Permit and the potential impact on local traffic, parking, and the adjacent residential neighborhood.

Economic Implications

The sale of LM Lanes is expected to have ripple effects on Rochester’s economy. The development will likely create between 30–50 construction jobs during the build phase and an additional 15–20 permanent jobs in the restaurant, bar, and event‑management sectors. A recent report from the Rochester Economic Development Office (https://www.repd.org/economic-impact) estimated that the mixed‑use project could generate $2.3 million in annual tax revenue for the city. The addition of a rooftop lounge is also projected to attract a younger demographic, potentially boosting foot traffic to neighboring businesses on East Main Street.

Looking Ahead

Recreation Ventures plans to begin construction in January 2026, with a projected opening date of late summer 2027. The group has pledged to keep a portion of the original lanes open during the renovation, allowing for a “soft launch” in early 2026 to gauge community interest. In the meantime, LM Lanes will continue to host its weekly “Strike‑in‑the‑Dark” tournaments and charity events, with all proceeds going to local youth programs.

While the sale marks the end of an era for some, it also offers a chance for reinvention. If Recreation Ventures can strike a balance between preservation and innovation, LM Lanes could once again become a hub of activity—this time with a broader scope that reflects the evolving tastes of Rochester’s residents.

For more information about the zoning changes and the city council’s upcoming vote, readers can consult the Rochester Planning Department’s website at https://www.cityofrochester.gov/zoning. The full council minutes are available at https://www.cityofrochester.gov/councilminutes/2025-10-22, and further details on the new owners’ development plans can be found on the Recreation Ventures website: https://www.recreationventures.com/lm-lanes.