Java
Lanes, the oldest bowling alley in Long Beach, California,
is threatened with demolition! Built in 1958 by the firm of DeRosa,
Daly & Powers, it is the very last of the authentic Polynesian
style bowling centers in Southern California. Java Lanes' swirling
neon 'BOWL' sign is a stunning example of Googie. Java Lanes has
been the home of the exotic Lava Lounge, one of the city's largest
entertainment venues whose live entertainment permit was denied
by Long Beach City Council in July 2002.
In February 2004, Long Beach City staff recommended approval of
Brookfield Homes of Costa Mesa's request to build 79 condominiums
on the Java Lane site. Java is the sister bowling center to the
1958 Kona Lanes, which was demolished in 2003. Kona photos at
http://www.roadsidepeek.com/losttreas/konalanes/
Contact Adriene
Biondo, Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee and RPPN member,
at astroluxe@mindspring.com
Sign
the on-line petition to Save Java Lanes!
