MINNEAPOLIS — Demolition got underway Tuesday on the Bde Maka Ska pavilion, also known as beachside restaurant Lola on the Lake, after a devastating fire.
The fire on May 16 destroyed the pavilion. Lola on the Lake's owner, Louis King, was renting the structure from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. The restaurant continued operating out of a food truck over Memorial Day weekend, and plans to continue on wheels until it once again has a home.
Heavy equipment began tearing down the pavilion late Tuesday morning.
During the building's demolition, both lanes of East Calhoun Parkway between 31st St. and Lake St. are closed until late Tuesday night. The boat launch nearby will also be closed Tuesday and Wednesday during demolition and site clean-up.
Early speculation was that lightning may have triggered the fire that gutted the 1930s-era structure, but Minneapolis police later requested the public's help in identifying two persons of interest who were seen on surveillance video during the time frame the building went up in flames. Police said the woman in the video voluntarily spoke to police. No arrests have been made and the fire is still under investigation.
“It’s a sad day for our neighborhood,” said Bobbie Keller, who lives nearby.
Some people expressed hope a remodeled building can make food options around Bde Ma Kaska even better in the future.
The best way to check Lola's hours for the time being is by looking on their Facebook page.