Posted by â Steve Cohen, Director of Community Development
Back in the day bowling was the thing to do.
When built in 1963, Orchard Lanes (now called Fiero Lanes) located at 645 S. Opdyke Road was a state-of-the art bowling center with a fully-automatic pinsetter. Old timers say it was very popular. People used to flock to this place because participating in a bowling league was the social and civic thing to do in the 1960âs.  But, something changed. Lifestyles changed.
Fiero Lanes has seen better days. It has been vacant for at least two years.
Starting in the 1970âs, bowling leagues across America began to slowly decline in numbers. Many stopped going to these centers for social interaction and found other interests and outlets for their time. As these bowling alleys began to age and lose business, owners had trouble fixing them up and reinventing their product due to declining revenues.  Ultimately, that is what happened to Fiero Lanes which shut their doors about two years ago.
Fiero Lanes has fallen into disrepair
So now, 50 years later, we anticipate this former âhub of fellowshipâ will be no more. A proposal has been submitted for the bowling alley to be demolished and replaced with a Dollar General retail store. Weâre working with the developer to help prepare the new proposal for the November 26th Planning Commission meeting. Stay tuned for more information on the project.
Auburn Hills keeps evolving.  Business ideas that were popular decades ago get replaced as consumer desires change.
Progress canât be stopped. Thatâs what makes urban planning so interesting.