Stay in the Loop

New Restaurant(s) Will Be Part of Historic Building’s Restoration

The historic building at 250 N 3rd Avenue formerly known as Traffic Zone (or, for many people, “where Bev’s Wine Bar used to be”) has a new owner, new name and big restoration plans that include at least one new restaurant and likely, a second.

Crowe Companies signed a lease this week with a company bringing a fast-casual restaurant, hopefully opening in June, at the south end where Jeromeo previously was. And it’s working with a second company to bring a restaurant to the space formerly occupied by Bev’s this fall.

Owner Patrick Crowe told the North Loop’s Planning & Zoning committee that he’ll let each company release the details but he’s very excited about the fast-casual tenant.

“We went with who we thought would be good fits for the neighborhood,” he said, “bringing in some more food options that are easier to get for lunch where you can go in and grab or maybe sit down but not feel like you have to reserve a table or do a big event where you just kind of grab lunch and go.”

As for the potential second restaurant that would go into the Bev’s space, he said, “When you look at the Monte Carlo, when you look at Cuzzy’s or these bars and restaurants that the Twin Cities have that are like Cheers, they’re warm and inviting and you feel like you can be a local there. That’s the type of restaurant it will be.” He’s still working on finalizing details with that company.

A rendering provided by the company shows outdoor seating not only under the historic canopy (which they’ll be restoring) but also along the side of the building.

The building, which dates back to 1886, will undergo an extensive restoration, inside and out, and is being renamed Wheelhouse, after the historic wheel and cable system that’s still in its basement. It was once used to power a sort of drawbridge that existed there when 3rd Street extended all the way across the railroad tracks.

About 16 artists who have been in the building for years will be staying there. Crowe is also working to sign new leases with the Italian Cultural Center on the sixth floor and James and Mary Laurie Booksellers on the street level.

The company will also be creating newer office spaces to attract businesses to the upper floors of the taller tower.

And Crowe wants to provide a safer connection to North Loop Green’s community spaces by creating a new walkway that will help pedestrians avoid walking in the street.

“I really like that area and really like walkable neighborhoods,” he said. “Having those little walkable pockets is really important and our goal is to foster that walkability with this building.”

By Mike Binkley, North Loop volunteer



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