APRIL 2009
DAVE & KYRA BARRY,
PRESIDENT, APPLIED DEVELOPMENT COMPANY; HOMEMAKER
Bowling Alley
WITH A DEAFENING CLATTER of pins, a bowler clad in sweatpants and a Columbia University T-shirt scores a strike under cool blue lights in a candy-colored, turbocharged, state-of-the-art family room. No need to worry about noise complaints from the neighbors, though; the private alley is on the -ground floor, adjacent to the garage of the high-rise Hoboken condominium where the Barry family—Dave and Kyra and their three children, ages 13,11, and eight—occupy the duplex penthouse.
Bowling isn’t the only pastime enjoyed in the 600-square-foot clubhouse. The room also features a vintage 8-Ball pinball machine, a Ms. Pacman arcade game, a plasma TV outfitted with Xbox, and a bar with a keg of Brooklyn Lager. This is good-times central, and it’s not just for kids. “Adults use it as much, or more,” says Kyra.
The idea for the ultimate family playroom was hatched when the Barrys first examined plans for the condo they were constructing three years ago. (Dave is president of Applied Development Company, which owns and manages more than 6,000 residential units in New Jersey.) The narrow, elongated shape of the room seemed to announce its purpose. “It looked like a bowling alley, so we decided to build one,” says Kyra, adding that they hired friends Cortney and Bob Novogratz from Sixx Design to give the interior an element of sophistication. “It’s a very contemporary space,” says Cortney, “so I brought in a few antiques to soften the feel—like a leather-upholstered bench to sit on when you’re putting on bowling shoes.”
Fortunately; having a private game room hasn’t turned the Barry children into pale-faced, hollow-eyed zombies- “The kids are busy at school, they’re on soccer, teams in the fall and the spring,” says their mom. But the room has become a community hub of sorts, hosting birthday parties and sleepovers.
Family friends have keys to the room and frequently stop over for, spontaneous get-togethers. “Sometimes after the kids are asleep, instead of watching TV my husband and i will sneak down and bowl,” says Kyra. “Since we built the room, everyone’s game has improved.”
(photo by Laura Moss)
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