Minneapolis' Uptown Bar to be demolished

August 28, 1:52 AMMinneapolis Day Trips ExaminerDale Van Every

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 (collage art: "pieces of uptown" courtesy petzo003/deviantart.com)

Several local news sources, including the Star Tribune and Southwest Journal are reporting that the Uptown Bar in the Uptown area of Minneapolis will be demolished later this year to make way for a two or three story (reports vary) retail business development.

It’s tempting to use the word “historic” when referring to “the Uptown,” (and the place has certainly seen its share of historic musical action in the last 25 years) but “culturally significant” might be a better term in this case.  Without a doubt, those who witnessed fledgling acts like The Replacements, Husker Du, Soul Asylum and a whole slew of other late 70's/ 80’s bands— many of whom went on to national and/or critical acclaim— would call the bar historic.

Those who decide such things, however, say otherwise. While the bar itself has a significant and ongoing history,  “the building” says City Planner Becca Farrar, “is not designated as a historic landmark and it’s not within a historical district, which makes it open to demolition. Still, the Heritage Preservation Committee will review the site, as is standard practice.”

Hipsters and Bloody Mary/brunch lovers needn’t  sound the death knell yet. The Uptown plans to relocate, though no specific plans have been made to date.  No, it won’t be “the same,” and no, we don’t (in my humble opinion) need another high end retail outlet more than we do a classic joint of the quickly vanishing variety. We need far fewer of the former. But progress marches on. Get on in to the Uptown (3018 Hennepin Avenue South) and have a bloody while you still can…demolition is slated before the end of the year. If you get there before me, raise your glass to that tiny stage.