Continued: Rosemount youth might get their own nightclub

Forget the movie theater.

South metro teens might have a new destination for evening and weekend entertainment: Solaris Nightclub and Lounge.

A Rosemount resident has pitched his plan to the city for an alcohol-free teen hangout spot on the corner of 145th Street and S. Robert Trail, on the former site of Big Daddy's Cafe and the Irish Loon.

But first, the venture -- the first of its kind in the city, or anywhere else officials are aware of -- needs the blessing of the city, which has questions about regulations.

The planning commission will continue a public hearing about a conditional use permit for the site July 24. After that, it will be up to the city council to decide whether to issue the permit and, if they deem it necessary, a business license.

Rosemount senior planner Eric Zweber said the city needs to figure out what requirements, such as security or hours of operation, would be included in such a license. It appears, he said, that the club would rely on cover charges to generate most of the revenue.

"It is a challenge because, to a certain extent, it's new," Zweber said.

Skylar Rekstad, who has proposed the club, did not return calls seeking comment, but in the written proposal turned into the city, he wrote, "Our primary focus at Solaris Nightclub and Lounge is to provide a fun atmosphere for teens and young adults by offering a safe place to dance and lounge."

Solaris Nightclub and Lounge would be open Thursday through Sunday nights from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., specifically for teens ages 16 to 20.

The age limit takes alcohol out of the equation. And wristbands, handed out as the teens check in at the door, would differentiate those under 18 -- and subject to the city's midnight curfew -- from the others.

Inside Solaris, Rekstad plans to knock down the walls between the two former businesses, making room for a dance floor, a lounge, a snack bar and tables, and an area with pool and other games.

Rekstad told the city he intends to install security cameras inside and outside the building. He also says there will also be at least 12 employees, including six security guards and two bathroom attendants, on duty when the club is open.

Rekstad's father, Kris, told the Planning Commission earlier this month that it makes sense to have a space available for teens who outgrow programs at the community center. He saw that need as his children grew.

"There wasn't a whole lot of things they could do as some sort of entertainment for themselves that didn't involve other issues in which minors shouldn't be involved," he said.

Eric Billiet, manager of Burnsville's teen center, the Garage, said there is demand for more teen-oriented facilities. He has seen young adults from Rosemount at the Garage.

But he cautioned that any teen hangout spot needs to have some ideas for educational or entertainment programs. Teens who gather are going to talk and learn about something, so it's best to direct them toward positive outcomes, he said.

"It may work out great or it may be a disaster," Billiet said.

Kris Rekstad, who attended the June 9 Planning Commission meeting, said the staff at Solaris will monitor everything very closely and won't tolerate misbehavior or bullying.

"We are going to do everything to make sure that every kid has a safe, healthy experience and a fun experience."

Katie Humphrey • 952-882-9056