Work is nearing completion on modernizing the west facade and entrances at The Bowler in Fargo.
But fear not, lovers of bowling kitsch, the circa 1959 sign and bowling pin handrails in the west entrance will still be there.
The west side exterior of the building is being remodeled and restyled using Dryvit, an insulation system with a stucco-like finish, to bring colorful, curved accents to the once plain brick exterior.
The east and west entrances have also been set off with brick pillars and steel canopies.
It's part of ongoing modernization of the building, co-owner Lorna Tandeski said.
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"This building hasn't really had anything done to it for awhile, and you have to keep it up," she said.
The project has dragged on longer than she and her husband, Jim, anticipated. Work on the outside of the building may be completed this week, she said. Tiling and carpeting of the entrances will be finished in the next few weeks.
"When you do the reconstruction of an old building, you find other things you don't look forward to," she said.
The Bowler's original 1959 sign will remain. It will be repainted this fall, weather permitting.
South University neighbors welcome the updates.
"I would think that everyone on South University would say 'fantastic.' It looks very modern, very nice. It contributes to all the businesses' value ... (and) invites people to shop in the area," said David Isaak, general manager of the Expressway Inn.
"I think it's looking really good. We've been watching it happen," said Peter Fendt, owner of Quality Bakery. "It kind of dresses up the whole neighborhood."
The bathrooms and tile flooring in Striker's Bar have been remodeled. The north parking lot will be redone this fall, weather permitting, Tandeski said.
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The south parking lot was patched this year, and will be redone next year, she said.
The Bowler has four lounge areas and 24 bowling lanes.
The Tandeskis became stockholders in The Bowler in 1990. They became sole proprietors in 1999.
A grand re-opening celebration is being planned for when the work is done, but no date has been set, Tandeski said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Helmut Schmidt at (701) 241-5583
