AMHERST — Pinball machines, arcade video games and a golf simulator will be among the elements at a so-called barcade slated to open inside the Cow Barn in the Mill District next March.
Tilted Orbit Arcade, which will have snacks and food and a bar with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, is being planned by Northampton resident Amy McDonough, a founder of the Northampton Belles and Chimes pinball team.
McDonough, who had previously considered a similar enterprise in Hatfield, said she is looking forward to bringing her collection of 55 pinball machines and 15 arcade games to the unique building at 113 Cowls Road, next to the North Square at the Mill District development.
“This location will be focused on an arcade with lots of pinball and arcade games,” McDonough said. “Also, there will be a combined golf and multi-sport simulator room. There will be a bar and snack foods.”
Her hope is to make a community gathering space inside the 4,600-square-foot building that was renovated a decade ago, first to accommodate a satellite location of Atkins Farms Country Market, and then for the temporary site of Provisions, the beer, wine and cheese specialty store before it moved to a nearby space in the North Square.
McDonough is putting together a space-age theme that will interact with the historic farm elements of the building, which once sat alongside the W.D. Cowls lumber operation.
W.D. Cowls President Cinda Jones said she has long hoped to have a more dynamic business in the Cow Barn.
McDonough, who served as a vice president in green energy production, intends to donate beverage deposits to a local charity as part of a promotional relationship.
“Our model will naturally attract patrons who prioritize active participation and good sportsmanship, camaraderie and shared experiences over excessive consumption,” McDonough said. “It’s going to be an asset to the neighborhood.”
Prior its opening, two of the arcade games that will be at Tilted Orbit will be available for the public to play at Cowls Building Supply, 125 Sunderland Road, and at the Mill District General Store, 91 Cowls Road.
McDonough also continues to run pinball tournaments from her home, which she has dubbed the Tilted Orbit Home Edition.