As entertainment moves deeper into urban cores, today’s bowling alley builders are being challenged to think vertically. Mixed-use developments, high-rise buildings, and dense city footprints demand entertainment solutions that are compact, quiet, and engineered for unconventional spaces.
That challenge came to life in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Funk Bowling successfully installed a custom duckpin bowling lane with Nexus scoring on the 10th floor of the 111 South Tryon building, proving that modern bowling doesn’t need ground-level square footage to thrive.
Bowling Meets Vertical, Mixed-Use Development
The 111 South Tryon building is part of the Morehead & Tryon development, a two-tower, mixed-use project located at the gateway between Uptown Charlotte and the rapidly growing South End neighborhood. Designed as a live-work-play destination, the development combines luxury residential units, Class A+ office space, and street-level retail all within one highly connected urban site.
In environments like this, entertainment amenities must enhance the tenant experience without disrupting daily operations. That’s where Funk’s expertise as experienced bowling alley builders came into play. The goal was to integrate bowling as a premium amenity within a vertical structure while meeting strict requirements around space, noise, vibration, and logistics.
Engineering Bowling Alley Construction for High-Rise Buildings
Installing bowling lanes several stories above street level requires careful planning and precise execution. Funk Bowling worked closely with project stakeholders to engineer a solution that would function seamlessly within the building’s structure.
The installation included:
- A custom duckpin bowling lane, designed for compact, urban environments
- Funk Nexus scoring, delivering intuitive gameplay and modern visuals
- Structural and vibration-conscious engineering, critical for high-rise installations
- Quiet, low-impact operation, ideal for residential and office-adjacent spaces
Duckpin bowling was a natural choice for this project. Its shorter lanes and smaller balls reduce both spatial and structural demands, making it well-suited for vertical applications. Combined with Funk’s low-maintenance string pinsetter technology, the system delivers reliable performance without excessive mechanical complexity.
Why Duckpin Works for Urban Bowling Alley Builders
As cities continue to build upward rather than outward, bowling alley builders are being asked to rethink how entertainment fits into dense, vertical environments. In these settings, space is limited, structural requirements are more complex, and every amenity must justify its footprint. Duckpin bowling rises to that challenge by delivering the full energy of bowling in a more compact, adaptable format.
Its shorter lanes and approachable gameplay make duckpin easy to integrate into urban floor plans while appealing to a wide range of users, from residents to office tenants. With quieter operation and lower maintenance demands, duckpin systems are especially well-suited for buildings where bowling must coexist seamlessly with residential, office, and lifestyle amenities.
At 111 South Tryon, bowling becomes more than an attraction. It’s a shared experience that adds value to the entire building, supporting community, tenant retention, and lifestyle-driven design.
Funk Bowling’s Role as a Modern Bowling Alley Builder
With more than 130 years of expertise and 100,000+ installations worldwide, Funk Bowling continues to push the boundaries of where bowling can live. From traditional centers to entertainment venues, resorts, and now vertical mixed-use developments, Funk brings the engineering insight required to deliver bowling anywhere the game is wanted.
The 10th-floor installation at 111 South Tryon demonstrates what’s possible when experienced bowling alley builders combine technical precision with creative problem-solving. It’s proof that bowling doesn’t need sprawling floor plans or standalone buildings: it just needs the right partner.
For developers, architects, and operators exploring bowling in urban or high-rise environments, Funk Bowling delivers future-ready solutions built for modern cities and the next generation of entertainment.
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