Kapow! Renters will soon replace superheroes along a stretch of Hennepin Avenue in the Uptown neighborhood in Minneapolis.
Comic Book College, on Hennepin Avenue S. near W. 32nd Street, reputed to be the oldest specialty comic book store in the state, will move to another Minneapolis neighborhood because its longtime home is going to get replaced by — guess what? Apartments.
Minneapolis-based Lander Development has bought a small section of vintage storefronts, including the comic store, and plans to replace them with a three-story, mixed-use building, according to Lander principal Michael Pink.
The upper floors will house 26 apartments, some with terraces overlooking the neighborhood. Rents haven't been established yet, but Pink said there will be pricing options that will appeal to "a broad spectrum" of renters. The developer is expected to present plans to the Minneapolis Planning Commission's committee of the whole on May 11. Construction is expected to start this fall and a take about a year to complete.
Tim Lohr, who has owned Comic Book College since 2003, said that it has been on the block since 1974 through several owners.
Lohr was notified by the previous owner of the building late last year that a buyer was waiting in the wings, so he started shopping for a new location. He rented bigger space in a strip mall at 4632 Nicollet Av., and it will be a draw to current shoppers.
"There so much history here. It's making a lot of customers sad to see the change," he said. "It's been such an institution for so many years and change is hard, but I'm hoping that, since we're more of a destination store, people will follow me to the new place."
Jim Buchta • 612-673-7376
