Uptown Bar site targeted for retail

Updated: August 21, 2009 - 8:57 PM

The Uptown Bar and Cafe could face demolition if plans are approved to build a retail building in its place.

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A landmark Minneapolis bar and music hot spot could be torn down if a plan moves forward to put up a retail building in its place.

On Monday, the city's Planning Commission will consider approving variances related to a proposal for demolishing the Uptown Bar and Cafe.

A music mainstay for decades, the bar served as a launch pad for such bands as Soul Asylum, the Gear Daddies and the Replacements, and it has hosted the likes of Nirvana. In the morning, its omelets and Bloody Marys draw the greasy-spoon crowd.

Urban Anthology, a Minneapolis real estate development and brokerage firm that has helped bring such businesses as Victoria's Secret and American Apparel to the heart of Uptown, is making the proposal on behalf of Toonen Enterprises. The plan calls for building a two-floor structure where the bar stands at 3018 Hennepin Av., half a block from Lake Street.

It was unclear Friday whether the bar would move or close if the plan goes forward. Managers at the Uptown Bar declined to comment Friday evening.

Calls to Urban Anthology President Jeffrey Herman were not returned.

The variances that the commission will consider Monday -- which have the thumbs-up from the city's planning staff -- would allow the developers to plan for extra retail floor space and build without providing off-street parking. The commission also will consider approving a site-plan review application.

SARAH LEMAGIE