Minneapolis' new Bde Maka Ska pavilion to open next month

The Bde Maka Ska pavilion rebuilding project is nearing completion for its August opening.

The site's boat launch reopened Friday, part of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's project to rebuild the pavilion area on the Uptown lake.

Two new buildings, restrooms, outdoor public seating and even a small performance space are included in the project. Restrooms are expected to open in early August, said Robin Smothers, a spokeswoman for the Park Board.

The new design replaces a historic lakeside structure, torn down in 2019 after a fire destroyed it.

The Bde Maka Ska-Harriet master plan approved in 2017 provided guidance for site improvements, according to the project's website.

Cuningham Group designed the concept following months of public engagement. The project had been pitched to seven neighborhood organizations, and more than 500 people responded to an online survey.

The city learned that the public wants the site to be more inclusive for everyone, not just restaurant patrons, with less congestion and more accessibility for pedestrians.

The plan also includes maximizing the pavilion's connection with the lake and with green space, limiting man-made features while integrating native plants and fostering the tree canopy.

When the plan was approved, the rebuilding project was expected to cost $5.1 million. In May 2022, Morcon Construction Inc. won the bid in the amount of $6.2 million for the Bde Maka Ska pavilion. The updated construction cost is $6.5 million, and the total budget is $8 million, Smothers said in a written statement.

Insurance claims, the Metropolitan Council's regional park funding and park dedication fees will cover about half the pavilion's estimated cost.

Lola on the Lake, which was halfway into a five-year lease with the Park Board before the fire, operated food trucks at the site of the old pavilion before reconstruction began. Skateboarders, performers and picnickers frequented the site, too.

On Monday afternoon, the pavilion was gated off and a construction crew was working inside.

Columbia Heights resident Kevin Dorff, 63, was a frequent Lola on the Lake patron and pavilion visitor before it was torn down in 2019. On Monday, he was sitting in a lawn chair with his two dogs at his side and taking in the view of the lake.

"I saw the project sign in front of the pavilion and [am] curious to see what restaurant is put up now," Dorff said.

But while he said he's excited for the pavilion to open, he's skeptical that it will be completed in the next month, given how much work needs to be done.

Maria Pretelt, 68, moved to Minneapolis from Colombia three years ago and said she often visits the beach at Bde Maka Ska. On Monday, she was reading under a tree near the beach, enjoying the hot weather and summer breeze.

Pretelt also said she's looking forward to the new pavilion opening, saying it will diversify the slate of activities available at the lake.

"I think it'll be a nice place to relax and will offer many more things to do," she said.

Staff writer Susan Du contributed to this report.