FEATURE
In a League of Their Own Giving back to those who sacrificed for our country By Pamela Kleibrink Thompson huttered bowling alleys continue to serve their communities in a number of ways. In Charlotte, NC, one is converted into a furniture market; in Santa Fe, NM, an artist collective; in Boise, ID, a roller rink. And in Marion County, FL, the AMF Ocala Bowl located at 2730 E. Silver Springs Blvd. in Ocala was transformed into a one-stop shop for veterans’ services. The comprehensive resource center was the brainchild of Henry “Hank” Whittier, executive director of Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans, Inc. The Marine Corps veteran pitched the idea to the County Commission in 2013 of bringing service providers into a central site to make it easier and more convenient for veterans to receive services and assistance. “What we needed was a one-stop center,” stated Whittier. The abandoned bowling center was the perfect location right across from Veterans Park and less than a mile from the VA Clinic and on the bus route. Whittier was also a previous patron of Ocala Bowl. Rolando Sosa, architect and interior designer, described the transformation: “The entire building
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was completely changed. The project consisted of a new roof system, new electrical, heating and air conditioning systems, new technology, new plumbing and new restrooms, offices, and support spaces. We even had to raise a portion of the floor as the existing flooring heights had some steps that were required for the bowling alley but did not work at all for this project.” Marion County purchased the 33,544-square-foot bowling alley in 2013 for more than $160,000. A $500,000 HUD Community Development Block Henry “Hank” Whittier, executive director of Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans, Inc. Grant was used to fund the demolition, remodeling, and upgrades; the county committed $800,000 for total cost of $1.3 million. The innovative renovation took about four months to design and half a year for construction. “Our work included programming (owner requirements for the project) for two distinct veterans’ groups who had a tight
The former AMF Ocala Bowl before renovations 22
IBI May 2019
Renovated Ocala Vet Center