Acme Comedy Club Says Planned Apartment Complex Could Threaten Business

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A nationally recognized comedy club in the North Loop is worried new construction could mean the end of its 25-year run.

A newly proposed eight story, 124-unit apartment complex could displace some parking used by customers of Acme Comedy Club. People who live there are also sounding the alarm. They rely on surface parking lots as well.

"We love where we are. We love our location. We don't want to have to relocate or close," Acme Comedy Club manager Derick Johnson said.

Johnson believes a proposed apartment complex will drive away guests of the venue.

"We're not in the business of stifling any other business or rejecting new neighbors at all," he said. "We want this community to grow."

Johnson says the owners of the comedy club are in favor of development, but they believe losing parking spots in an already hard to park area will force ACME to close.

"What we're asking for is more consideration on the impact that the development has on the neighborhood -- on the character of neighborhoods," said Matt Janzen, who put together a petition to fight the development. "I have an appreciation for the old buildings and just the history of the neighborhood."

Janzen says taking away ACME's parking is the first step in destroying what makes the North Loop a destination.

"That goes away, and the commercial businesses in the building go away, and it ruins the integrity of the neighborhood," Janzen said.

Solheim Companies is behind the development, owner Curt Gunsbury says he has worked on this project with the city for more than 9 months. Gunsbury said the Heritage Preservation Commission approved his plan unanimously.

"The parking lot in question is not the parking lot that is closest to Acme," Gunsbury said in a statement. "Acme does not have a lease on the parking lot we plan to develop. There is a 1.6 acre lot across the street from Acme that will remain vacant.

Gunsbury says ACME has not reached out to them concerning the parking issue.

Janzen says he, and those who oppose the development, will pack a city planning commission meeting in June to voice their concerns.