Fun on the Road: Dowagiac Family Entertainment Center Continues to Make Progress – Leader Publications

DOWAGIAC — The building that once housed the Shopko branch in Dowagiac has been given a new purpose.

Construction continues to progress on Nitro Zone at 56419 Pokagon St., a family entertainment center that will provide a variety of entertainment for all ages. Construction crews have been renovating the building since December and hope to have the space open by late summer or early fall.

According to project manager Justin Weathers, it was a happy coincidence that the orange and black Nitro Zone color scheme matched the Dowagiac Union Schools color scheme.

“We’re really excited,” Dovajak City Manager Kevin Anderson said. “We think it’s one of those projects that’s going to be a place for young people, young adults and even grown-ups. It’s going to be a really great asset to the community. We’re looking forward to it opening soon.”

The family entertainment center concept will be similar to Dave and Busters. The 35,494-square-foot building will feature a bowling alley, arcade games, two-story laser tag zone, indoor roller coaster, restaurant/bar, birthday party room, small event space and more. “We’ve got a little bit of everything,” Weathers said. “Hopefully we have taste for whoever comes here. One guy who likes to ride a roller coaster, and if the other guy doesn’t, they can come here and play bowling.”

One advantage of having the business in Dowagiac is that there is nothing else like it nearby, Weathers said.

“You don’t have a lot of entertainment options,” he said. “You’ve got to go to St. Joseph or South Bend. It’s saturated, but there’s nothing here … The store has been empty for years, so we’re going to bring something to it and refresh the area.”

Weathers, who has lived in Dowagiac for three years, looks forward to the space becoming an entertainment destination in Dowagiac and beyond.

“We’re all excited,” he said. “Growing up, you’re always told to play outside, and that’s what kids here are all about. We’re creating something that will bring not only the community but the surrounding area together and bring a brighter future to the area. How lively.”