Type: Retail
Size: 3,754 square feet
Owner: J&J Inc.
Architect: RT Design
Details: A vacant former restaurant along West St. Paul's busy S. Robert Street commercial strip will be redeveloped into the Twin Cities' fourth 5-8 Club bar-restaurant under plans approved by the city.
Restaurant co-owner Jill Skogheim last month won the unanimous backing of the City Council for the site plan, conditional use permit and plats for the effort, under which the former Chula Vista would be extensively remodeled into the new 5-8 Grill & Tap.
The West St. Paul establishment would join the original 5-8 Club at 5800 Cedar Av. S. in Minneapolis — which opened as a speakeasy in 1928 — as well as more recent outlets in Maplewood and Champlin.
Under the plans, two small additions would be made to the 3.754-square-foot building, including a new entryway with a raised parapet, as well as extensive exterior improvements such as new windows, awnings, roof shingles and stone siding.
Skogheim, who said she is aiming for a June opening, also won a variance to place a 17-foot monument sign along Robert Street.
The project has been awarded a $25,000 grant by the West St. Paul Economic Development Authority for demolition and site work.
Don Jacobson is a freelance writer in St. Paul. He can be reached at hotproperty.startribune@gmail.com
