Vernon Lanes won't close this weekend after all

The deal to sell the iconic, retro Vernon Lanes has fallen through, so the place isn't closing this weekend after all.

It's now due to remain open through December.

Assistant manager Scottie Lawler said he was informed that the property at 1575 Story Ave. in Butchertown is back on the market. Anticipating a sale in late summer, the club owners announced that you could roll a final game until Oct. 31.

"The response has been so overwhelming and moving," Lawler said of longtime fans who've called to book final parties. Bartenders and other staff received kind offers of jobs and other help finding new gigs, he said.

The building, which borders the westbound Interstate 64 lanes and a now-closed entrance ramp, houses a bowling alley with wooden lanes on the first floor and the live music venue Vernon Club in the basement.

The property was put on the market for $1.3 million, but owners were informed on Tuesday that the deal was off, said Rhonda Karageorge, a broker with Commonwealth Commercial Real Estate who is handling the sale. Owner Eric Whitmeyer now is asking $1 million, she said.

Potential buyers are looking at a variety of uses for the property that is zoned C-2. That commercial classification would allow for a bar, nightclub, restaurant and even a distillery, Karageorge said.

The building was erected in 1886, later becoming a German gentlemen's club and a bowling alley in 1918 after it was bought by neighboring St. Joseph Catholic Church. It later opened to the public. The historic house at the front of the property has a large second floor that has been gutted and would provide space for offices or apartments.

"It's sort of a multi-faceted property," Karageorge said. "We're hopeful it will sell really quickly now."

Grace Schneider can be reached at 502-582-4082 or email her at gschneider@courier-journal.com