What’s next for the landmark? (Photo by Danny Fulgencio)

Lakewood Theater has been vacant since 2015, but may have a new tenant that will bring bowling, arcade games, craft cocktails and karaoke to the historic building.

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A notice is posted in the window letting neighbors know that an application to sell and consume alcohol at the location has been filed with the city, including a permit for mixed beverages and late hours. The name of the applicant is Bowlski’s Lakewood LLC, which shares the name of an establishment in El Jebel, Colorado not far from Aspen.

Bowlski’s in El Jebel has 16 lanes of bowling that serves leagues, a large bar and restaurant, karaoke, a patio with outdoor games and an arcade. The website has a tab that says Dallas, but there is no link yet.

The theater has been a much-debated topic over the years, with proposals and rumors floating of several restaurants moving into the space and others about arts making a comeback there. The building became a Dallas Landmark in 2016, which protects the original tower as well as 1929 Woodrow grad Perry Nichols’ murals. Nichols was part of the “Dallas Nine,” who were active Dallas artists in the 1930s and 40s who were inspired by the Southwest.

After being inconsistently lit up in recent months, the tower is about to undergo a complete restoration. Neon tubing will be replaced when necessary, and new wiring will make the lighting much more reliable. The work should be completed by October.

Neither the property owner Bill Winningham nor the owner of Bowlski’s Craig Spivey wished to comment at this time.