Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Lanes & Games in Cambridge May Be Replaced by a Residential Development

It looks like a local institution for bowling and more could disappear from the landscape and be replaced by a new development.

Universal Hub is reporting that Criterion Development Partners is planning to build a residential complex at the site of Lanes & Games along Route 2 in Cambridge, with the development (which will be called the Residences at Alewife Station) including two buildings that would apparently take over the space where the adjacent Cambridge Gateway Inn currently resides as well. A meeting on the project takes place tonight with The ​North Cambridge Stabilization Committee while The Cambridge Conservation Commission will hold a hearing tomorrow, with UH stating that one concern that will require commissioner approval is the fact that the structures would be built on a floodplain. (The Cambridge planning board will also need to approve the proposal as well.)

Lanes & Games has been a popular spot for bowling, pool, and video games since it first opened more than 30 years ago; it also has a restaurant and bar that offers such items as pizza, burgers, steak tips, and ribs.

The address for Lanes & Games is 195 Concord Turnpike, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website can be found at http://lanesgames.com/

[August 26 update: The Cambridge Chronicle/TAB mentions that Lanes & Games is expected to remain open for another year or so before saying farewell, with Criterion consultant Rich McKinnon saying that the family behind the place has "made a decision; they're tired. They want to retire, they don't want to run it anymore, and the next generation doesn't want to run it anymore." The article also mentions that the Lanes & Games space is expected to become home to a high-end apartment building. (Thanks to Drew Starr for bringing this to our attention.)]

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]