There's a new future in store for the former Shinders building at 8th Street and Hennepin Avenue S. in downtown Minneapolis.
A partnership formed earlier this year by Welsh Companies and Alvin Zelickson, the property's majority owner, is planning to put a restaurant with a rooftop terrace in the two-story building. The restaurant would occupy the basement, ground level and rooftop while the second floor would have office space.
Chris Kennelly, Welsh vice president of development, declined to identify the restaurant operator but said it is a local firm that has other area establishments. He said the operators expect to draw most of their business from the Hennepin theatrical district.
Kennelly declined to describe the concept of the restaurant. The proposed redevelopment is called "Cuvée" -- a French term describing a blend of different wine vintages -- in documents filed with the city's planning and economic development department. The city will need to approve some renovations proposed for the building, including reinforcement of the roof to accommodate the terrace.
Some interior demolition already has been done, Kennelly said. Other work to be done will include installing an elevator and new mechanical systems. The brick exterior and brown awning, which date to the 1980s when the building was a Burger King, will be removed. Kennelly said the partners hope the renovation can be completed by late spring or early summer.
The ownership structure of the building and the former Teener's Theatrical Department Store building next door changed last year when part-owner Zelickson bought out other investors. They were family members, including his wife, WCCO radio personality Sue Zelickson, whose ownership went as far back as the 1960s when the Shinders building housed a Snyder's drug store. Sue Zelickson was a member of the Snyder family that founded the drugstore chain.
Welsh subsequently acquired a small share in both properties and began to work with Zelickson, a Twin Cities dermatologist, on redevelopment plans. Kennelly said there currently are no plans for the Teener's building.
Susan Feyder • 612-673-1723
