HISTORIC WINDY CITY BOWLING VENUE MAY BE SPARED

Historic Southport Lanes in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood may live on after all.

The venue’s owner, Steve Soble, said last September that it could no longer withstand the pandemic-related closure mandated by the state of Illinois, and would not reopen. But just before the new year, Southport received a $70,000 Business Interruption Grant from the state.

Soble said that the grant would help the business get through “the worst of winter,” with an eye toward being able to bring back outdoor seating in March.

Southport, which has lanes without automatic pinsetters, makes most of its money on food and beverage sales.