At approximately 2:30 pm Wednesday, April 5, the electrical power went out at the Water Works building. At approximately 3 pm, smoke was in the electrical room and building and the building was evacuated. The Minneapolis Fire Department was called, and they discovered a fire in the electrical panel. Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board staff and electricians were immediately on site conducting an initial assessment of damage and repair needs.
There were no injuries. The electric box was extensively damaged but there doesn’t appear to be any structural damage to the building. The Water Works building, including the public area and the Owamni restaurant, will remain closed until repairs can be made and electrical service resumes.
The MPRB is working closely with the owners of the Owamni restaurant and the MPRB’s insurance company, which will investigate the cause of the electrical fire. MPRB staff are committed to doing whatever is possible to get the Water Works building and Owamni restaurant reopened as soon as possible.