Construction of a new lakeside pavilion at Bde Maka Ska began on Monday in Minneapolis, nearly three years after a fire destroyed the former historic pavilion and concession stand.
The construction comes one year after the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board approved plans for the new site.
MPRB opted for a new approach to the area. Instead of one building, the new pavilion will be home to two different buildings that include all-gender accessible restrooms and ample outdoor public seating. The facility will also be used year-round, different from the seasonal operations of the former building.
"It will have expanded, year-round all-gender restroom facilities. We're also building out the feasibility for the new restaurant to operate all year-round," said Daniel Elias, Project Manger with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. "There is a possibility that a late November day, or an early March or February day where folks are starting to get out a little more in this new reality, we should be able to have concession operations closer to year-round than we ever have."
While there are no concrete plans as of yet regarding who will fill the restaurant space at the Bde Maka Ska pavilion, Elias said on Monday that discussions are underway to return Lola on the Lake to the site. The restaurant was destroyed in the May 2019 fire.
"The staff is still negotiating with Lola on the Lake," Elias said. "That decision will come from the Board of Commissioners in the next few months."
Aside from stucco-style exterior, the pavilion won't exactly be a mirror image of the former space on the northeast side of the lake near Uptown.
"We heard from folks that really loved the view of the lake because the building was gone. Splitting the new facility into two buildings will give a nice view of the lake when you enter," Elias added. "We're also making options for shaded seating and seating in the sun. We heard from both sides about why people come to the lake and the experience they want."
New buildings are expected to open in summer 2023. Construction this summer will mean the Bde Maka Boat access will close June 6 through September 16. More about the construction impacts can be found here.
