By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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BELVIDERE — Dodge Lanes could be torn down to make way for a new Starbucks and Chipotle restaurant, according to a proposal headed toward City Council.
Indianapolis-based developer MH Bradley has submitted plans to demolish the 24-lane bowling alley at 1940 N. State St. to make way for two restaurants with drive-thru service and a shared parking lot. A third business, which has yet to be determined, would be built along Appleton Road behind Panama Enterprises, according to Gina DelRose, the city’s community development planner.
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The bowling alley, which was built in 1965, continues to operate as normal while the proposal is under consideration. The property is also home to Gnomes for All Occasions, a ceramics and decor business.
The plans require City Council approval for a special-use permit before the sale of the property or any work would go forward. The first step in that process happens tonight.
The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission meets at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 401 Whitney Blvd., to consider whether to recommend approval to the City Council. (Update: The proposal earned committee approval Tuesday and now moves to the City Council for a first reading on Monday)
Attempts to reach the developer and the owner of Dodge Lanes on Monday were not successful.
If approved, it would bring the two national franchises to a busy western gateway to the city. Roughly 13,000 vehicles pass by Dodge Lanes each day, according to Illinois Department of Transportation daily traffic estimates.
The intersection leads west toward Rockford, east to downtown Belvidere, south to a residential area, and north toward Belvidere North High School and the Rock Valley College Advanced Technology Center.
There is a Starbucks on the other end of the city at 1922 Gateway Center Drive. This would be the first Chipotle restaurant in Belvidere.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas