Touch screen computers are one of the many new additions to Corvette Lanes.
Corvette Lanes has been a favorite business in the community of Murray since its opening in 1958, but last year a local businessman decided the bowling alley could use a major face-lift.
Brandon Edmiston, originally of Murray, and owner of Edmiston Marketing, LLC., purchased the building in September of 2013 and wanted to renovate the bowling alley into something people of all ages could enjoy.
“People are always saying there isn’t anything to do around here,” Edmiston said. “Now the community and everyone can benefit from a place like this.”
Students and community members can expect a big change from the bowling alley they were accustomed to seeing before.
Edmiston said to expect everything to be new and updated.
The renovations include brand new bowling lanes and seating areas. The area features flat screen televisions, touch screen score keeping machines and a snack bar.
Also, downstairs in the building is an arcade which, when finished, Edmiston describes as similar to a Dave and Buster’s restaurant.
One of the most exciting additions to the bowling alley is going to be the upstairs.
Before, the upstairs had consisted of ten apartments, but now those apartments have been torn out and a full restaurant sits in their place.
Also upstairs is a full bar, a private party room with a picture window overlooking the bowling lanes, an outdoor patio, smoking section and a full stage set up especially for live music.
Edmiston plans to keep the name Corvette Lanes for the bowling alley because of its history. However, he intends to call the restaurant The Alley Bar and Grill.
Corvette Lanes features modernized tables and seating. The bowling alley now has 18 freshly built lanes, as well.
With more space and updated equipment, Edmiston hopes to bring the live music scene from Nashville, Tenn., up to Murray.
“Other businesses in Murray, in order to bring out a live band they just move around a couple tables,” he said. “Here we have the space already set up specifically for the band and equipment.”
Another interesting feature Corvette Lanes boasts is the brick walls throughout the building. The walls are made from bricks Edmiston bought from Murray State.
The bricks were also used throughout campus and to build the column entrances to the University across the street from the bowling alley.
Edmiston said that small detail helps give the bowling alley more of a connection to the University.
Recycled wood from the original bowling lanes was also used to build the bar in the restaurant upstairs.
Edmiston plans to build the front of the building outward toward the street to make more room for the restaurant and outdoor patio and smoking area.
While the renovations will not be done for a few more months, people wishing to join leagues are more than welcome to sign up.
The bowling alley will open in advance in September for people who sign up for the competitive bowling leagues.
Edmiston said Corvette Lanes will be officially open to the public near the end of the semester.
Story by Breanna Sill, Assistant Features Editor