One of the most glaring holes in the Hennepin-Lake retail corridor is the historic Granada Theater, an empty building wedged between the Apple store and a Thai restaurant.

We reported in December that the landmark status of the 86-year-old theater -- known known as the Suburban World -- has scared off some potential buyers, leaving it vacant for more than a year. But it appears that's about to change.

Early next month, the city's Heritage Preservation Commission, which reviews historic properties before they are demolished or refurbished, will take up this item:

Renovation and Partial Restoration of Granada Theater. The project proposes to renovate the Granada Theater into a retail store and would include restoration of the exterior, removal of the kitchen area, restoration of the existing theater space walls and perimeter circulation, and introduction of a flat floor to facilitate retail store experience and center entry to the theater for visual connectedness.

About a decade ago, the property on Hennepin Avenue just south of Lake Street was converted from regular seating into something akin to a multi-level restaurant. In addition to films, owners offered brunch and lunch on the weekend accompanied by vintage cartoons.

MPLS has a call into realtor Jesse Olson to get more information about the renovation plans. Realtor Jesse Olson said he could not disclose more about the development plans, including who the tenant would be.