Fire-damaged building on Bde Maka Ska to be torn down Tuesday, weather permitting

Posted on 24 May, 2019

Boat launch open Memorial Day weekend; launch and parkway closed during demolition

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) announced today that the building that housed the popular eatery along the north shore of Bde Maka Ska will be torn down and removed Tuesday, May 28, weather permitting. The building was engulfed in flames May 16 and was deemed unsalvageable by a structural engineer May 17. The fire is under investigation by the Minneapolis Police and Fire Departments and the insurance investigator.

Demolishing the building will eliminate any future public safety hazard and potential environmental impacts to the lake.

The popular Bde Maka Ska boat launch and the Wheel Fun Rental building are open today through Monday so the public can enjoy the lake. The boat launch will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday during demolition and site clean-up, and will reopen Thursday, May 30.  Both lanes of East Calhoun Parkway, between 31st Street and Lake Street, will be closed starting at approximately 8 pm Monday evening, May 27 and remain closed through Tuesday while demolition occurs. The parkway will reopen late Tuesday in time for Wednesday morning traffic.

The MPRB is working closely with Lola’s on the Lake owner Louis King to continue providing food service by having Lola’s Food Trucks at the park starting Memorial Day Weekend. Park staff are also bringing portable toilets to the busy area.

 

Media Contact:

Dawn Sommers
Director of Communications and Marketing
612-599-2250 cell | 612-230-6407 office | dsommers@minneapolisparks.org