A-Plus lanes will be auctioned off

The 24-lane establishment has been closed for over a year.

YOUNGSTOWN — The locked side door of the building at 2617 Mahoning Ave. has a circular sticker on the glass proclaiming that the business inside is an official PBA Tour practice center.

The sign next to it is a warning notice, reading: “This property has been seized for non-payment of Internal Revenue taxes, due from A-Plus Family Bowl by virtue of levy issued by the district director of Internal Revenue.”

The notice was dated March 20, 2007.

The 24-lane alley has been closed for over a year, missing the entire 2006-2007 season.

Chuck and Nancy Fairchild of Boardman were the proprietors of the 24-lane establishment that they bought in November, 1994, when it was Gran Lanes.

Auction slated June 21

On June 21, the former A-Plus Family Bowl will be auctioned, with the property going to the highest bidder.

Before moving to the area, Chuck Fairchild managed Nobel Manor Lanes in Pittsburgh for 4 1/2 years. Previously, he managed centers in Virginia, including Alexandria and Norfolk.

Chuck Fairchild joined the PBA in 1977 and later competed in regional events.

In 1996, Fairchild was appointed Northeast Region director of the Ladies Pro Bowlers Tour. A-Plus was the site of several PBA regional events and the Mahoning Valley BPA/LPBT Regional Mixed Doubles in May, 1996.

Reportedly, Fairchild has returned to the Virginia area. Attempts to contact him were unsuccessful.

Third in area to close

The previous most recent bowling alleys to succumb here were Mar-Hill in March 1994, and Classic Lanes in April 2000.

In an auction notice from R.L. Rasmus Auctioneers, Inc. of Alexandria, Va., the A-Plus building is 23,120 square feet on 1.63 acres. In addition to a fully operational bowling center with Brunswick lanes, equipment and automatic scoring system, the description includes a party room, pro shop, concession area and separate bar/lounge. Ample side and rear parking for over 100 vehicles is available.

Detailed information is available online at www.gryphonusa.com.

The auction will take place both on-site and online.