FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — After reaching nearly 74 years of business, the Roller Dome North on Coliseum Boulevard and adjacent properties are for sale. During a press conference Friday morning, the owners of the family business assured that their doors will remain open for the time being.
“This is a large-scale real estate listing, which will take a lot of time to find the appropriate buyer and go through the complicated escrow process. Until then, the rink will remain open for business as usual,” said family spokesperson, Julie Wall.
The Wall family, affectionately known to the community as “The Roller Dome Walls”, have upheld the family business throughout five generations.
“Not only was I raised here skating all the time with family and friends, but all of us worked here. I don’t think there’s one position you could choose that I didn’t do including picking gum off the floor every summer. So, it’s going to be different…I kind of don’t know how to wrap my head around it yet.”
Julie Wall emphasized that they would love for the next owners to keep the iconic building as a roller rink but said there are no stipulations or requirements for anyone purchasing the property.
They haven’t found a buyer yet and with such a significant listing, they anticipate it being a while before they do find the perfect fit.
Wall emphasized that anyone who already has an event or party booked at the rink not to worry as they plan to uphold their obligations.
Though the Wall family has made countless of memories working the rink over the years, they said the best part is sharing those memories with the public.
“When we get to hear all these stories of people who literally met their husbands and wives here, or had first dates here, or got caught smoking down the side aisle by Mrs. Wall, my grandma… I’m just, I’m so grateful for them.”
Poster Comment:
That's where Kimmy and I met in the late 70s.