An old building in downtown Reno is getting new life, as a brand new bowling alley and sports bar, complete with music and dancing in the evening. Owner Jamy Keshmiri named the venue “Shelter” because when he first saw the empty basement in the old Woolworth's building, it looked like a bomb shelter. Now it's filled with brand new fixtures and bright lights.
Keshmiri remembers visiting Woolworth's as a child. "This area is where they were selling clothes 30 to 35 years ago. I used to hide in between the clothes racks from my mom because I hated shopping so much. So this has memories for me to say the least," Keshmiri said.
Now the lights are coming on once more, as workers transform something old into something upscale and new. “It's kind of a blend between a nightclub and a bomb shelter. And a bowling alley and sports bar," he explained.
Shelter will have a dance floor and music at night, but during the day it's designed to appeal to all ages. "Families can come over and bowl right after going to the movies. There's something for everybody really,” Keshmiri said.
He says using an existing building is more cost effective than building a new one. "We already have the infrastructure, why not use it. I don't like to waste. I think it's a good use of this space," said Keshmiri.
His sports bar project is just one of several re-development efforts in downtown. "If we want to stay a tourist-based business, it's not a good idea to have a building that's closed across from city hall. It's vitally important that we keep all the buildings-- not just this one-- up and running," Keshmiri said.
Part of the satisfaction for Keshmiri and his team is in giving Woolworth's basement a new lease on life. "You get to bring old Reno back and do something new, which is great for everybody," he said.
“Shelter” is holding a job fair Wednesday from 11 am to 3 pm. The company will take applications for waitresses, cooks, bartenders, security and bowling alley attendants.
Shelter is located on the northwest corner of First and Virginia in downtown Reno.
