ROBBINSDALE, Minn. - A lawsuit to stop demolition crews is the latest shot fired in the battle over the fate of a historic theater in Robbinsdale.
The group "Friends of the Historic Terrace" filed for a temporary restraining order on demolition under the Minnesota Environmental Rights Act (MERA). Representing the group is attorney Erik Hansen, who has been involved in preserving other historic assets including Peavy Plaza in Minneapolis.
Property owner Brixmor /Blackstone is named as the defendant in the lawsuit. Brixmor/Blackstone requested a demolition permit last week. No word on when the case will go before a Hennepin County judge.
On Tuesday night the Robbinsdale City Council voted 5-0 to move ahead with the Terrace Theater demolition to make way for redevelopment. Grocery giant Hy-Vee had planned a store for the 10-acre site, but recently put those plans on hold due to the controversy over the future of the Terrace.
Residents who testified at Tuesday's council meet were overwhelmingly in favor of building a Hy-Vee, saying it would bring jobs and economic stimulus to the blighted area. But a petition to save the Terrace has gathered more than 1,000 signatures, and preservations have organized a boycott of Hy-Vee stores.
The Terrace Theater has stood at 36th and West Broadway since 1951. Once a majestic movie house, it has fallen into severe disrepair since being closed in 1999.
