Fort Drum soldier plans roller rink in former Hacketts

A Fort Drum soldier is planning to open a roller skating rink in part of the former Hacketts department store in Watertown.

Isaac Alexis III, Evans Mills, signed a lease in September with Soggs Commercial Property, New Hartford, for a section of the store. Randolph B. Soggs, who owns the plaza formerly known as Hacketts Towne Center, said Mr. Alexis will use about 22,440 square feet for the rink.

“He’s done it before in other locations,” Mr. Soggs said. “It’s an alternative source of entertainment for young people.”

It’s been a while since Watertown kids have done the hokey-pokey on roller skates. The city has been without a skating rink since 1997, when the former Watertown Roller Skating Rink at 401 Mill St. was closed, according to Times archives.

Mr. Alexis filed business incorporation papers at the county clerk’s office with the name ShowTime Skating.

City reporter Robert Brauchle and I are digging for some more information. Watch our paper edition for a full story later this week.