IOWA CITY — The Iowa City Downtown District announced Thursday the purchase of the former SpareMe Bowl & Arcade space. Local business owner Joe Hill has acquired the 16,000-square-foot property at 404 E College St, Suite 101, with plans to reopen it as Barker’s Bowling in the coming months. The reimagined venue will bring together bowling, dining, nightlife, and entertainment into one destination designed for all ages to gather, connect, and enjoy. The redevelopment represents a significant investment in the continued vibrancy and expansion of the downtown experience.
Hill, who also owns Burger Haul in the Pedestrian Mall, officially closed on the property last month, with construction and buildout currently underway. Barker’s Bowling is targeting an opening later this summer, with additional details on the grand opening, reservation opportunities, and programming to be announced in the coming months.
Barker’s Bowling will bring a revitalized vision to the space, anchored by its primary bowling attraction. Located in The Chauncey building, the venue will feature 12 lanes split between the main level and upper floor, creating a flexible and energetic environment for guests of all ages. Beyond bowling, pool tables, shuffleboard courts, and open social spaces will give guests multiple reasons to stay and explore.
Both floors will offer full bar service alongside a diner-inspired food concept featuring burgers, pizza, appetizers, ice cream, and shakes, pairing classic comfort food with a lively, social atmosphere. Additional programming will introduce a dance floor and space for live entertainment with DJs and performances.
“I look at this as a real opportunity,” said Hill. “When this space closed, it left a void in downtown. This is about bringing something back that enhances the district and extends what downtown has to offer. It’s an entertainment venue that gives everyone a place to go, whether you visit after a movie with FilmScene next door, after the Farmers Market on Saturdays, or a night out with friends. I want people to come in, enjoy the atmosphere, the food, the entertainment, and leave already thinking about their next visit.”
Designed with versatility in mind, Barker’s Bowling will cater to a wide range of audiences. From families with children to University of Iowa students and longtime residents, the venue aims to provide an inclusive, all-ages experience. Accessible bowling features will support younger guests, while leagues, casual play, and social gatherings will appeal to teens and adults.
The second floor will also be available for private reservations, accommodating birthday parties, corporate events, and community gatherings, reinforcing the space as both a social hub and a flexible event venue.
The Iowa City Downtown District has long emphasized the importance of maintaining a diverse mix of entertainment, dining, and gathering spaces within the urban core. The closure of SpareMe Bowl & Arcade left a meaningful gap, displacing a gathering space that had connected families, students, and residents.
The return of bowling and live entertainment to the downtown core is expected to complement the broader ecosystem of businesses, events, and attractions that define Iowa City’s urban identity. “When SpareMe closed, our community lost a unique place where people came together to connect, unwind, and have fun,” said Christopher Hunter, Director of Marketing & Communications at the Iowa City Downtown District. “The reimagining of this space as Barker’s Bowling is incredibly meaningful. Downtown thrives when we have destinations like this that bring people together, create energy throughout the day and night, and serve as an anchor for community life. It’s exactly the kind of investment that strengthens the vitality of our urban core.”
Hill emphasized that community impact is at the heart of the project. “Barker’s is meant to be a place for everyone,” he said. “Whether you’re coming with family, meeting friends, or just looking for something fun to do, it’s a space where you can step away from the day-to-day and enjoy yourself. Bowling is something simple, but it brings people together, and that’s what this is all about.”
With its combination of entertainment, dining, and flexible event space, Barker’s Bowling is poised to become a key destination in downtown Iowa City, reinvigorating a familiar location and creating new opportunities for connection, activity, and community engagement.
