The Current

Great Music Lives Here ®
Listener-Supported Music
Donate Now
Local Current Blog

Turf Club to close for two months for renovation and repair

by KT Lindemann

April 23, 2014

St. Paul’s “best remnant of the 40s” is about to get a few updates.

The Star Tribune reports that the landmark venue will close temporarily during June and July, as they will be “installing the fire suppression system, repairing the bars, putting a new roof on, replacing all of the HVAC” and undergoing a new kitchen installation, among other projects. The owners of the club promise that the updates are mostly structural, and that the interior of the club—with its charming decor—will stay the same.

The renovations follow First Avenue’s purchase of the club late last year; the new owners entered the deal with plans to implement updates like these. The kitchen renovations, for example, will allow the venue to focus on dining as well as rocking.

The timing of the renovations is in one sense unfortunate: the Turf Club’s temporary closing coincides with the June 14 opening of the Metro Transit Green Line, which could easily take patrons to and from the Turf Club’s door.

Luckily, fans shouldn’t expect a dip in their live music options. First Avenue is working to book shows that would have otherwise gone to the Turf Club at other venues around the Twin Cities. Some, scheduled for June and July, have already been moved just across the river to the Triple Rock Social Club.

The Turf Club's temporary shuttering will also coincide with the opening of the 400 Bar's new space at the Mall of America. That venue is scheduled to open its doors in June, and the Mall is already selling merch.

KT Lindemann is a senior at the University of Minnesota, Morris, pursuing studio art and Spanish. She is a native of the Twin Cities and is a wannabe musician, artist, and music writer.

Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment
This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.