More than a year after a fire destroyed the Oak Forest Bowl, the owner said it is not now feasible to rebuild.
The May 2023 fire destroyed the 32-lane bowling center, 15240 S. Cicero Ave., leaving virtually nothing intact except for its outdoor patio area called The Park, which featured sand volleyball courts and bean bag courts.
While the rubble from the fire has all been cleared, the vacant lot looks much the same as plans to rebuild have lagged.
Owner Keith Tadevich said insurance matters, among other factors, are hindering plans for the former bowling center’s future.
“Considering all the factors, unfortunately at this time it does not seem feasible to rebuild,” Tadevich said.
Oak Forest city administrator Tim Kristin said because the property is privately owned, the city is not involved in the site’s future, but has offered assistance.
Brett Johnson/Daily Southtown
Remnants of the outdoor amenities remain at the former Oak Forest Bowl in Oak Forest April 27, 2024. (Brett Johnson/Daily Southtown)
“The city has had numerous conversations with the owner and offered any assistance that the owner may need,” Kristin said.
Tadevich said he cannot say whether he may rebuild at a later date.
The Tadevich family owned the bowling alley since 1997, and also operates Burr Oak Bowl in Blue Island. Summer leagues originally scheduled at Oak Forest Bowl were relocated to Burr Oak, according to the Oak Forest Bowl’s Facebook page.
Last July, Mayor Hank Kuspa told the Southtown he hoped to see Tadevich rebuild as soon as possible.
