Kwik Trip proposed for back of former AMF bowling center site in West Allis

WEST ALLIS - A Kwik Trip has asked to create a gas station/convenience store on part of what was once the AMF bowling center on Highway 100 and Lapham Avenue.

The proposed Kwik Trip would be built toward the back of the large site, farthest away from Highway 100. A Coast Car Wash was approved earlier for the front of the tract that's closest to Highway 100.

The proposed Kwik Trip will go to a public hearing, probably in September, and will need plan commission approval. The neighborhood behind the site is industrial.

Even though the gas station would be somewhat removed from Highway 100, oil company representatives are confident drivers will seek out their brand, Alderman Tom Lajsic, common council president, said city officials were told.

The bowling center recently was razed, revealing a huge empty site.

"It was a very popular bowling center," Lajsic said. "It even had disco nights that were popular years ago."

But times changed and the building has been vacant for a few years, now, he said.

With the car wash and possibly a Kwik Trip, it will be good to see more property tax dollars come in than the empty building generated, he said.