Bowling won’t be a new addition to the neighborhood though, as 1888 E. Thompson Blvd. has been Ventura’s classic bowling destination for the past 55 years where Poinsettia Bowl and Ventura Bowling Center have operated since 1957.

“I’m excited for this project. There isn’t anything like it in the entire county, and I can’t wait for the beautification and revitalization it will bring to Thompson Blvd. This is exactly what we need here in Midtown,” said Michael Gourley, business and property owner of Gourley’s Allstate Insurance on Thompson Blvd.

The City of Ventura’s council-elected Design Review Committee has formally approved Discovery’s exterior design and property improvements. Simplistic and repurposing best describe the theme throughout the re-development of the California-lifestyle bowling and restaurant project.

“Discovery is an entertainment destination offering a complete social experience with bowling, cocktails & farm-to-table cuisine. Discovery creates California-lifestyle experiences for a socially-conscious, youthful culture… and that youthful culture represents a positive, inner-vitality… an infectious desire to have fun!” said Founder and CEO, Jeremy Pemberton.

Discovery will feature 9 bowling lanes, billiards, shuffleboard, comfortable lounge seating, giant projection screens running sports and the best surf videos (ever), local artwork, a horse-shoe bar utilizing reclaimed wood from old lanes, a locally-sourced menu, local & regional micro-brews, a private VIP room, VIP lanes and 160 capacity banquet room.

Discovery is also host to the largest, most fun private party and event space in Ventura County. Discovery’s entire operations, from floor-plan to menu, has been designed to accommodate events for non-profits, community organizations, and the county’s prominent business firms from 4 to 400 for private banquet service or complete buy-outs .

“We can’t wait to let people know about our Group & Corporate Private Party products! Ventura County lacks a fun, exciting venue for private parties and events. Party planners will be impressed with what we have to offer,” said Jeremy Pemberton.

Press tours available beginning Nov 4th for interior demolition.

To schedule please contact:

press@discoveryventura.com

About Discovery:

Discovery is an upscale bowling experience featuring mouth-watering cocktails and locally-sourced California-cuisine. Discovery specializes in hosting a variety of upscale parties from team building events to bar mitzvahs to wedding receptions. Discovery is an entertainment destination backed by local investors committed to a strong, positive and vibrant community.

We can’t wait to keep you posted! We’ll be sandblasting the wood and exposing the hardware of this math-driven/honeycomb roofing structure.

An insiders view of the existing lamella roof.

Historical Lamella roof covered up by low-hanging ceiling. Let’s expose that beautiful craftsmanship!

The low hanging ceiling was an unfortunate craze of the late 70′s and early 80′s.

The space opens up to reveal the beautiful 1940′s Lamella roof for a look that’s proven timeless. Ahhh.. that feels much better.

Though the project is only considered a “facade improvement” – it’s clear there is much more being improved at 1888 E. Thompson Blvd. For over 55 years the building has operated as a bowling alley. Seemingly, it’s been over 55 years since the property has been improved.

With the unanimous approval of the design, Discovery is set to improve the property and restore the building for decades of use ahead. 

Discovery Venues LLC
505 Poli St. Suite 301
Ventura, CA 93001

RE: Discovery | Ventura, L.P. – 1888 E. Thompson Blvd (currently operating as Ventura Bowling Center)

Dear Neighbor:

We are pleased to announce the upcoming opening of Discovery | Ventura.

With Discovery, think Lucky Strike Lanes married with House of Blues. Discovery is an emerging concept for the bowling and live entertainment industry: a destination venue for secondary markets that combine bowling & live entertainment with proven and reliable revenue sources. All are welcome to enjoy the laid-back, fun, and easy entertainment with eight lanes of bowling, live music, a locally-sourced restaurant with delectable California cuisine, and the region’s most fun private event facilities.

We hope you will soon discover the fun and exciting entertainment that Discovery | Ventura offers the community. As our neighbor, we would like to invite you to upcoming community meetings, where you can have a chance to learn more about the business, voice your opinion or concerns, and become a Discovery “local.” Discovery “locals” receive exclusive benefits and special opportunities (comparable to our VIP program) at no charge.

Please join us for the upcoming community meeting as we share plans for the project with the Midtown Ventura Community Council (MVCC) on Thursday, July 12, at 7pm. Midtown Council meetings take place second Thursdays in Cooper Hall at Grace Church (63 MacMillan Ave, Ventura, 93001). We will review MVCC’s design checklist, as well as operational plans & programs for the business. Operational plans & programs include: Neighborhood Communication program, Sound Design/Management program, Parking/Valet plan, Security program, Alcohol Training & Enforcement program, and Earth Day, Every Day: Environmental Sustainability program

In addition to the July 12th meeting, Discovery has already scheduled updates with MVCC at the same Grace Church location for September 13th and November 8th. If you are unable to attend the meeting and would like to offer comments or concerns, please submit to info@discoveryventura.com

For more information, please visit our website: http://www.discoveryventura.com
For more information on MVCC, please visit their website: http://www.midtownventura.org

Sincerely,

Joshua Pemberton, President
Discovery | Ventura, L.P.

Link to meeting information (City of Ventura).

PROJECT-4189 – Preliminary Historic Review of proposed facade modification and new outdoor patio area on property located at 1888 Thompson Blvd.; Joshua Pemberton and Scott Boydstun, applicant; zoned C-2/T4.1.