Here’s a fascinating post about a new Williamsburg venue courtesy of Nicole Davis, who produces the superb Brooklyn Based:

There was talk of Brooklyn Bowl coming — the 20,000-square-foot music venue and bowling alley owned by Peter Shapiro (right) and Charley Ryan (left), former owner and general manager, respectively, of the legendary music club Wetlands. But who knew it would be so close to Gutter? Set to open “before the end of the year, hopefully by the fall” says Shapiro, it will be at 61 Wythe Ave. in Williamsburg, behind Brooklyn Brewery, and two blocks from The Gutter, in an 1880s ironworks foundry.

The two knew they “wanted to meld bowling and a live music experience” for their next venture together, says Shapiro, because “we just think bowling and rock ‘n’ roll go well together.” They looked first in Manhattan, then tried Brooklyn, and found the Williamsburg space in 2006. (The period between Wetlands’ closing in 2001 and opening a new venue, explains Shapiro, was filled with his various production ventures like the Green Apple Festival, the U23D film, and the Jammys.) Shapiro knew Gutter was in the works when they signed the lease, but felt the two could coexist. “Most bowling alleys have 30 lanes — Gutter has 8, we have 16.”

In addition to the 600-capacity music venue and the lanes, Shapiro said there will be a “major food component” — one he wasn’t at liberty to disclose just yet, but — hint, hint — it’s a respected restaurant with one foot in Brooklyn already.

As for the music, Shapiro wants to keep the vibe of Wetlands alive in the new space, but the music, booked by Mia Sladyk, who’s worked with Bowery Presents, will be much more eclectic — rock, electronic, singer/songwriter, jazz — than the jam-band-heavy lineup at Wetlands. (Though Shapiro believes that was more perception than reality. He points out that Wetlands booked everyone from Pearl Jam to Oasis to Rage Against the Machine back in the day, and I myself remember seeing David Gray — before he became so lame — playing folk.)

“The space will continue the spirit of Wetlands, but with better sightlines,” he promised. The interior — designed by Tristam Steinberg, who, if Googling serves me right, just built a sustainable radio studio in Bushwick for Heritage Foods USA’s new radio venture — will seamlessly connect the many elements of Brooklyn Bowl. The bowling lounge will overlook the entire venue, and be right next to the stage, which will sit beneath a dramatic, 30-foot-high, A-frame ceiling. Sometimes you’ll be able to bowl during a show, and sometimes the bowling will stop so as not to interfere with the music.

And, says Shapiro, “We think bands will be psyched because after soundcheck, they can go bowling.” –Nicole Davis, Brooklyn Based