In June, the City of Minneapolis issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for reuse of the Hollywood Theater building and adjacent vacant lot. Three parties submitted responses to the RFP. City staff, in consultation with a task force of Audubon residents and business owners, reviewed the proposals and determined that none of them met the selection criteria, which included financial viability. Two of the responses proposed a film and entertainment use, although neither respondent demonstrated sufficient funding or feasible project economics. The third respondent proposed a relatively viable business concept of an event space and City staff requested additional financial information. However, the proposal was withdrawn citing inadequate parking before additional information was provided.

The Hollywood Theater property is still for sale, and the City will advertise it through a variety of channels. The City will continue to maintain the property and is examining some improvement options to enhance the marketability and appearance of the building. Unfortunately, the current economy makes finding a viable user for a building like the Hollywood Theater even more challenging.

Please visit ANA’s website for the latest information on additional community engagement activities related to the Hollywood. This may include sale of the theater seats to interested individuals as a fundraiser.