The good news: Grand Central Bowling will live on.

The bad news: it will be scaled down to twelve lanes and its building will be partially converted into offices and storefronts. Today's Oregonian rolls out an article and this quote from one of the new owners:

"'It's not where you're going to have bowling leagues,' Plew said. 'It's more where you go with a group of friends -- the birthday party where you wanted to go have some drinks and food and bowl. Have a great time and not be around a lot of teenagers running around and playing video games. It's a different model.'"

Grand Central will rise from its ashes in winter or early spring of 2007 and it looks like the owners are shooting for the bowling equivalent of the Doug Fir Lounge. While it's nice to see the place will score a second life, here's hoping they leave the "let's go bowling" sign alone.

Grand Central will rise from its ashes in the winter or early spring of 2007.