| City/Town: • Caulksville |
| Location Class: • Commercial |
| Built: • 1970's | Abandoned: • 2006 |
| Status: • For Sale |
| Photojournalist: • Michael Schwarz • Eddy Sisson |
For Sale
This property isn’t necessarily “abandoned”, but it is closed down and for sale. It is in good condition right now. If you are interested in purchasing/leasing the property please contact Jim Evans (Info on sidebar) for more information.
History
A partnership of 7 individuals with the help of Bank of the Ozarks agreed to support the vision of Bob Evans, a local real estate broker, to create a recreation facility in the Caulksville/RatlitTcommunity in 1978 to serve the younger and adult population No facility of this type was available along Hwy 22 for a distance of +/- 80 miles from Ft Smith to Russellville Two acres were purchased and construction began on the 10.500 SF steel frame building.
In 1979 the partnership was reduced to 3 partners including Bob Evans. Thad Shircy (a local dentist) and Herschcl Cleveland Mr. Cleveland was an attorney from the Paris area who eventually rose to become Speaker for the State House of Representatives in Little Rock.
The bowling facility was operated by the family of Lewis Earl and Oleta Bennett. Lewis Earl was the golf pro at Little Creek Golf Club.
The business was operated successfully for many years due to strong league activity and youth participation The debt service was retired and all outstanding stock was eventually purchased by Bob Evan.
In 2006, due to increasing age and poor health, the Bennetts retired from management and the facility was closed pending new management To dale no new management has been located Bob Evans passed away in 2009.
The physical property consists of 2 acres on the state highway just north of Hwy 22 in Caulksvillc Paved parking of+/-1/3 acre is provided The building is 10,500 SF of insulated, heated and air conditioned space Twelve lanes of AMF equipment is included The building could easily be re purposed to an office/warehouse facility to house a boat. RV. cycle or vehicle dealership or repair shop.
*/THIS BUILDING IS SEALED TIGHT AND ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. DO NOT GO TO THIS LOCATION! CONCERNED NEIGHBORS WILL CALL THE POLICE!*\
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Contact Wes Powell at NAPA in Paris to see it.
It says that Jim Evans’ contact information is in the side bar but I am not seeing it.
How would someone get in touch with whoever has the authority to make the decision to sell or lease this if someone was truly interested and capable of buying and getting it renovated and back up and running again?
Is this for sale still?
Does anyone know if this place is still for sale
Very nice! Would love to see it open again.
Interesting
There is no doubt the place is really cool and can be a nice place for the photographers to capture the amazing things of that place. I liked almost every picture and by seeing these pictures. I have an essay-to-go writing service idea that more wonderful images we can have.
My father was one of those original 7, I played around this place when I was young all those years ago.
If I had the $ or at least financial backing I would get it rolling again and bring in live music. MANY people in the area have very fond memories of the place.
Bowled many games there! Wish it was still.open! Great photos 🙂
Another great presentation, and a special thanks for the hard work you do to make this Site available.