Downey OKs massive Round1 project at Stonewood Center

The Downey Planning Commission approved plans Wednesday for a new Round1 arcade and bowling alley at the former Sears store at Stonewood Center. (Photo by Eric Pierce)

DOWNEY – The Downey Planning Commission on Wednesday approved a sweeping redevelopment of the former Sears building at Stonewood Center, giving unanimous 5-0 approval to a conditional use permit that will allow Round1, a large-scale indoor entertainment operator, to occupy more than 139,000 square feet across three stories of the long-shuttered department store.

The project represents one of the most significant commercial transformations in recent Downey history. Round1 plans to convert the 139,745-square-foot building into a full-service entertainment complex featuring bowling, arcade gaming, billiards, karaoke, indoor sports, restaurants, and a regional food-production center.

In approving the project, commissioners highlighted the size and scope of the redevelopment and described it as a major investment that will invigorate Stonewood Center and breathe new life into a space that has remained empty since Sears closed in late 2021.

“Welcome to Downey and let us know what else we can do as a community to help you out. We’re excited for you,” said Planning Commission chair Mario Guerra. “I think you saw the enthusiasm and we’re ready for you. Congratulations and thank you for investing in Downey.”

According to the development plans, the first two floors will be devoted primarily to gaming, dining, and recreational activities. The venue will house approximately 400 arcade machines, one of the largest collections in Southern California, along with an eight-lane bowling alley and seven billiards tables.

Several private party and karaoke rooms will be available for families, corporate events, and group gatherings, each equipped with full visibility from common areas for safety and monitoring.

A centerpiece of the development is Round1’s “Spocha” (short for “Sports Challenge”), a massive indoor sports zone that includes trampoline courts, basketball, batting cages, dodgeball, inline skating, a kids’ gym, pickleball, ninja courses, and more.

Visitors gain access through timed admissions, allowing unlimited use of Spocha activities during their reserved period. Outside of Spocha, arcade games, bowling, and billiards will operate on a pay-per-use basis.

Alongside entertainment, Round1 plans to operate a 44,665-square-foot Japanese food hall, offering dishes such as ramen, udon, yakitori, takoyaki, karaage, Japanese shaved ice, and seasonal menu items. All food will be prepared onsite by Round1 employees. The food hall will also include a Type 47 ABC license, allowing beer, wine, and spirits to be sold with meals.

The Downey location is also slated to become Round1’s Central Kitchen for Southern California, producing semi-finished dishes for other Round1 food halls from Ventura to San Diego. Food will be prepared to about 80% completion in Downey, packaged, and transported in refrigerated vans to surrounding stores, where staff will do the final steps before serving.

Deliveries are expected twice a week, with frequency increasing as demand grows.

Round1 proposes operating from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week. Beginning at 10 p.m., all patrons must present ID at the entrance. Unaccompanied minors under age 18 must leave the building, and can only return with a 25-and-over guardian, with a maximum of four minors per guardian.

At midnight, unaccompanied patrons under 21 must leave unless accompanied by a guardian who meets the same age requirement. Round1 will employ security guards, including “door guards” at the entrance and “floor/float” guards who continuously monitor the facility. Staff and security will conduct walkthroughs after curfew times to ensure compliance.

Alcohol sales will end 30 minutes before closing. The sale of alcohol cannot exceed food sales, and alcoholic beverages may not be taken off premises.

Despite the massive scope of the project, the former Sears building already exceeds parking demand for the new use. Under Stonewood Center’s specific plan, the entertainment component requires roughly 476 spaces and the restaurant component 45 spaces, for a total of 521.

The previous Sears store required more than 700 spaces due to its retail classification, meaning the new use actually reduces required parking compared to the former tenant. Stonewood Center as a whole has more than 4,600 spaces.

Because the project involves only interior improvements, no expansion of the building footprint is required, and no significant traffic impacts are anticipated. Stonewood Center has seven driveways and major arterials along Firestone Boulevard and Lakewood Boulevard, which are designed for high traffic volumes.

City staff determined the project qualifies for a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption because it reuses an existing building and does not expand the structure. The Development Review Committee — representing Planning, Police, Fire, Public Works, and Building & Safety — reviewed the plans and did not raise major objections.

The Fire Department issued conditions requiring upgraded sprinklers, alarms, occupancy signage, commercial kitchen protections, and upgraded fire hydrants adjacent to the building. The Police Department will require a security plan and a police permit before operations begin.

No opposition or public complaints were reported ahead of the meeting. The vote to approve the project was 5-0.

Construction plans are expected to move forward once permits are issued. No opening date has been announced, but similar Round1 conversions have taken 12–18 months depending on building complexity.