‘Devastating’ three-alarm fire ravages beloved Plaza Lanes
A historic Des Moines bowling alley went up in flames overnight after a massive fire broke out.
The three-alarm fire started just after 5 a.m. Monday at Plaza Lanes on Douglas Avenue.
At first, firefighters at the scene said the flames appeared to be under control, and that only smoke was observed coming from the roof.
Not long after, the building became fully engulfed, and the bowling alley's signature dome roof collapsed.
“It was devastating,” Plaza Lanes owner Randy Thompson said. “We saw flames coming through the roof, and it spread from the north, where I understand it started and spread to the south.”
Thompson told vlog that there were no recent renovations to the building and that he is not sure what sparked the blaze.
Plaza Lanes opened its doors in November of 1957.
Thompson said the devastating fire would not be the end of the bowling alley.
“We plan on rebuilding,” Thompson said. “We plan on coming back and make it even better.”
Thompson said he and his an extended family are already beginning to feel the loss of the lanes. His father built the Plaza Lanes.
“We've had five or six generations of bowlers come through our establishment the last 60 years,” Thompson said. “Them, their kids, their grandkids...”
Plaza Lanes has played host to high school state bowling championships since 2007.
The alley is also known for its sand volleyball courts and iconic light up bowler on the roof.
“It’s is kind of the center point between east and west Des Moines and north and south, where everybody meets,” Thompson said. “It’s a great location. It’s been like that for 60 years.”
Thompson said the bowling alley has about 50 employees, who he will continue to pay. He hopes to re-open Plaza Lanes next fall.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.