WhirlyBall Continues to Prepare for Maple Grove Opening

After the Mann Theatre closed in July, plans for the new entertainment business – WhirlyBall Twin Cities – have been moving forward.

Although separate, dual construction has been taking place on the site of the former theatre. WhiryBall moving forward with construction inside the former Mann Theatre and nearby parking lot while Goodwill builds a new second retail store on the adjoining lot.

The upcoming new business, located 13644 80th Circle N. in Maple Grove, received unanimous approval from the Maple Grove City Council at the Nov. 19 meeting for on sale/Sunday sale liquor license.

“The liquor license would include the bar/restaurant area as well as event spaces in the establishment,” according to memo the Council. “In the event spaces, alcohol may be served as part of entertainment, food and drink packages. WhirlyBall Twin Cities has also requested the optional 2 a.m. liquor license.

WhirlyBall owner Nick Lambrecht told the Council they hope to open sometime after the first of the year [2013].

Background

The long-time Mann Theatre closed in July 2012. The Maple Grove City Council approved for a PUD Concept Amendment and PUD Development Stage Plan in April. The changes gave WhirlyBall Center permission to re-occupy the Maple Grove Cinema (Mann Theatre) building, according to a memo to the Council.

In April Planning Commission documents, Maple Grove Community Development Director Dick Edwards noted that WhirlyBall's proposed building plans include laser tag facilities, meeting rooms and restaurant. The proposed WhirlyBall center would take up almost all of the 33,000 square foot building, leaving 3,900 square feet of vacant space that could be leased to another business at a later date.

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