Isn’t it amazing how a building can hold so many stories? That’s certainly true of the Lakewood Theater. Standing here, you’re facing a Dallas landmark with a rich history. The Lakewood Theater first opened its doors in 1938.
The Lakewood Theater quickly became an East Dallas institution. It wasn’t just a place to watch movies. It was a hub for the community, a place where memories were made. The theater operated almost continuously until January 2015.
For decades, the Lakewood Theater screened classic films. It also hosted contemporary musical and comedy events. Its Streamline Moderne design became iconic.
Imagine the excitement of attending a show here. The grand carved staircase. The whimsical murals. It was a truly special place. Many locals worried about the theater’s future when its lease expired. People jumped into action when antique theater seats were removed.
Actor Burton Gilliam, known for roles in “Blazing Saddles” and “Back To The Future,” fought for its landmark designation. He remembered biking to the Lakewood Theater as a kid. He didn’t want to see it disappear like other East Dallas movie theaters.
The Dallas Landmark Commission agreed. They unanimously voted to designate the Lakewood Theater as a historical landmark. This decision offered some reassurance.
Today, the Lakewood Theater still stands. It has been renovated into Bowlski’s Lakewood Theater. It is now a live concert venue, bowling alley, arcade, and bar. The owners of Bowlski’s salvaged many original features.
You can still see vestiges of the old theater. Look for the front mural of iconic characters. Notice the stairway handrails. Check out the piano-shared mirrored ceiling. The stage is still here albeit revamped.
The Spiveys, who own Bowlski’s, wanted to honor the theater’s legacy. They understood the neighborhood’s love for the Lakewood Theater. They wanted to retain all the history.
Bowlski’s regularly hosts live musicians. You can catch DJs, country artists, singer-songwriters, and bands. There is also a Double Dave’s restaurant inside. It features unique pizza options.
You can bowl on one of the ten steampunk lanes. Or try your hand at the arcade bar or golf simulator suites. There’s even a billiards area.
The Lakewood Theater has evolved. It has transformed. It still remains a vital part of the community. It is still a place where people gather and make memories. Its legacy lives on through Bowlski’s Lakewood Theater.