Pavilion Damaged In Fire At Bde Maka Ska To Be Demolished

MINNEAPOLIS — The pavilion that housed a restaurant on the north shore of Bde Maka Ska will be demolished Tuesday, officials announced. The building was deemed unsalvageable by a structural engineer after the May 16 blaze.

The incident is now under investigation by the Minneapolis police, fire, and an insurance investigator.

"Demolishing the building will eliminate any future public safety hazard and potential environmental impacts to the lake," the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board said in a statement Friday.

"The popular Bde Maka Ska boat launch and the Wheel Fun Rental building are open today through Monday so the public can enjoy the lake."

The nearby boat launch will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday during demolition. Both lanes of East Calhoun Parkway, between 31st Street and Lake Street, will be closed starting at 8 p.m. Monday evening, May 27 and remain closed through Tuesday.

"The MPRB is working closely with Lola’s on the Lake owner Louis King to continue providing food service by having Lola’s Food Trucks at the park starting Memorial Day Weekend," officials stated.

"Park staff are also bringing portable toilets to the busy area."