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Milwaukee (CBS 58) — From the outside, it’s unassuming, it looks like a normal bowling alley, but walk in and walk down the carpeted stairs and Landmark Lanes opens up to reveal an unexpected sight — – An underground city steeped in history and entertainment.
“There’s a lot to do. Whatever you want, you can find it here,” said Kevin Glass, general manager of Landmark Lanes.
For the layman Landmark Lane 24,000 sq. ft. with an arcade, three bars, darts, pool tables, foosball and a stage for karaoke, live music and comedy.
“It’s definitely the backbone of the East End,” said Amy Westrup, a client and actor for the local comedy group Voyager, who plays on Landmark Lanes.
The venue first opened on September 24, 1927 and was an immediate hit. It earned a reputation as a “party place” in prewar Milwaukee.
“A guy from Chicago named Saxe came here and built the driveway. He built the theater upstairs, and it was bought by Pritchett a few years later, and it’s now owned by Slover and it’s still going strong,” Glass said.
The dungeon was originally called Bensinger’s Recreation. It was built on an old horse-drawn tram barn. This year, the building was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Regulars like Debra Guy have loved Landmark Lanes for decades.
“When I came in the ’70s, we were just playing pinball. Then in the ’80s, we started playing with Pac-Man. Myself, my sisters and friends, everyone met here after get off work,” Guy said.
Guy now enjoys playing pool with her husband and makes sure she goes to her favorite places at least once or twice a week.
“The community appreciates it. It’s all good, and it’s all gathered here. It’s like a family,” Guy said.
It has also become a platform for local comedians. Voyager performs here once a month with comedians and improv artists who tour the Moon Room stage.
“While it’s a very unique venue, with a lot of stand-up comedians coming from all over the Midwest, they just love the room, and the whole vibe at Landmark is incredible,” Westrup said.
Voyager co-founder Tim Higgins said the opportunity to play at Landmark Lanes was special, especially as a long-term client.
“I remember when I was an adult, I would go to the side bar and sit at the old big booth with my friends and spend the night there. So excited to be back and perform in a space that I really spend a lot of time,” Higgins said.
This is a favorite place of many politicians, celebrities and athletes.
“We have a lot of Bucks players and admirals,” Glass said
Now, more recognition — last month Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson proclaimed September 26th as Landmark Lane Day across the city.
“The city recognizes that it is one of the oldest and longest-running bowling alleys in the country and an East Milwaukee icon and wishes it continued success,” Johnson said.
Landmark has recently undergone some renovations – adding new arcade games and replacing the marquee above the main entrance. Don’t worry if you missed the old marquee, you can still enjoy it in the pool table area.
“I think (Landmark Lanes) will be a staple in the region for a long time to come,” Glass said.
“Ninety-five years and it’s still going. It’s probably still a few years away. Everyone loves it here. All the people, all the people, all the nationalities, all of us,” Guy said.
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