One other Topgolf could also be coming to Minnesota soon.
A source tells Axios, the digital news site, that the favored driving range and entertainment venue has its sights set on Woodbury. Topgolf opened its Brooklyn Center location in September 2018.
Axios reported Friday morning that Minneapolis real estate developer Ned Abdul plans to develop an almost 14-acre parcel south of the previous Hartford Life constructing on the southeast corner of the Interstate 94 and Interstate 494 interchange. A development map identifies a part of the land project as “golf entertainment” with a proposed use of “outdoor golf driving range.” A source told Axios that Topgolf shall be the user.
Also being proposed at the location: a family entertainment center called Principal Event that can include bowling, laser tag, arcade games and games of virtual reality on a 4.8-acre parcel. Principal Event is owned by Dave & Buster’s Entertainment.
Abdul, president of Minneapolis-based Swervo Development, didn’t immediately return a phone call in search of comment. Swervo owns the Armory and the newly renovated Uptown Theater in Minneapolis, and is constructing the brand new amphitheater at Canterbury Park in Shakopee.
Topgolf officials on Friday declined to comment. The corporate just opened its 81st U.S. location in Rhode Island; it has 10 locations in other countries.
TopGolf in Brooklyn Center features golfing bays stacked three levels deep and greater than 100 climate-controlled tee-off rooms. Golfers hit balls across a 215-yard driving range, and microchips within the balls immediately report the space of every shot.
Based on the designs which were submitted, Woodbury officials are confident that the proposed tenant is a “national golf brand,” said Eric Searles, Woodbury’s assistant community development director/city planner, but he couldn’t confirm whether it’s Topgolf.
“It’s certainly one of the most important brands which are inside the U.S., but we’ve got not been able to substantiate whether it’s one flag or one other,” Searles said. Woodbury officials have been actively working on attracting business recreations uses to the town, population 77,000, so as to add additional nightlife activities, in addition to “play activities” for the community, he said.
Pending approval, the project would begin construction in 2024 with occupancy in late 2024 or early 2025, Searles said. The estimated cost of the project was not provided, he said.
The plans are being reviewed by city staff upfront of review by the town’s planning commission and city council; review dates for city council and planning commission haven’t been scheduled at the moment, Searles said.
Each the golf entertainment use and Principal Event can be “regional draws” to Woodbury, Searle said. “They might bring dollars into our community. That advantages the encompassing businesses and provides additional jobs inside the community. We try to be a full-service live-, work- and play-community, and these uses will add an extra layer of play opportunities for our residents to enjoy. It’s an actual positive for our community.”
The Principal Event location in Woodbury can be the primary Principal Event in Minnesota, he said. “It’s at all times exciting and an honor when business entities invest their first project in Woodbury,” he said.
Headquartered in Coppell, Texas, Principal Event Entertainment operates 58 centers in 20 states across the U.S., in keeping with the corporate’s website.
The proposed development, situated on Bielenberg Drive, is adjoining to a future station for the Metro Gold Line, a 10-mile bus rapid transit line that can run between St. Paul and Woodbury and can provide transit opportunities for guests and employees, Searles said.
Construction on the Gold Line bus rapid transit project began in the autumn of 2022; service is anticipated to begin in 2025.
“There shall be a station right at the doorway of the golf entertainment use,” Searles said. “We’re seeing strong activity adjoining to the Gold Line.”
City officials are reviewing plans for Washington County’s recent $30 million central service center near the corner of Woodlane Drive and Guider Drive, just east of Interstate 494.
The brand new service center will replace the county’s constructing on Radio Drive in Woodbury. It’s going to house the license and passport center, CareerForce center and elections polling center now situated on Radio Drive. It also will offer services provided by Public Health, Community Services and Community Corrections.
Construction of the brand new $30 million center is slated to begin within the spring of 2024 and be accomplished by summer 2025.
The precise location was chosen partially due to its proximity to the Gold Line. The Gold Line’s final stop shall be a park-and-ride facility at Woodlane Drive, adjoining to the long run service center.