Right on cue for the season, Up- town is showing signs of rebirth and renewal.
In the last month the Uptown Association hosted two community meetings, each attended by over 200 people. At the second meeting attendees discussed plans to bring businesses back to the area and some recent encouraging developments.
Among other things, a farmers market will be opening this summer in the area between the parking ramp and The Mall, the Lagoon theater is getting a makeover, and the old Apple store and adjacent Granada theater have been purchased by a local developer (no word yet on what he has in store).
The message was Uptown is coming back! I decided to go see for myself.
Moona Moono, which according to owner Angie Lee means “culture octopus,” opened in the old Paper Source space on April 12. It’s described as an “Asian-inspired café and general store,” which it is, and more.
It’s sunny and sophisticated and already mobbed by people enjoying coffee, boba, matcha and snacks — and perusing the hip selection of Korean beauty products, Japanese housewares and paper goods and kawaii — cute small toys. A great addition to the neighborhood.
The resolute businesses that weathered the unrest, pandemic, construction and economic storms of the past few years, among them Magers & Quinn, Penzeys and Amazing Thai, as well as Uptown Diner, seemed to have had an uptick in business, like new shoots emerging from their deep roots. All they need now are a few parking bays.…
Across the street at TCS Studios, which offers roller skating classes, fitness sessions, skate parties and just plain roller skating, I could see a throng of kids whirling past the windows like confetti in the wind. Pure joy.
I finished my walkabout at the Wine Tasting Room on 31st, just west of Moona Moono. It’s so subtle you can miss it, but don’t. It’s a small and beautiful wine bar, serving high end wines for those who know, and perfectly fine wines for those who don’t, with a delicious French inspired tapas menu. I splurged on the Sancerre, in honor of the revival of Uptown.
My walkabout only covered the Hennepin and 31st axis and there’s so much more to explore. Go get a boba or a book and check out what else is springing up in Uptown.
