Tag: Wayzata Bar and Grill

The Wayzata City Council held a workshop Tuesday evening to review progress on the Wayzata Bar & Grill interior remodel—better known to locals as the Muni. The discussion focused on refining the project’s budget and scope, preparing for bid authorization, and confronting the long-standing HVAC and moisture problems that have challenged the building for years.

Interim City Manager Mike Kelly led the update alongside Bar and Grill Manager Jeff Pietrini and representatives from Mohagen Hansen Architectural Group, who presented updates on design documents, scheduling, and cost projections.

The latest estimate places the interior remodel at approximately $468,000, which includes design, finishes, and new furnishings such as booths, tables, and chairs. With contingencies and related improvements, the total project could near $650,000.

However, the council’s discussion turned pointed when it came to the building’s mechanical system. Earlier projections had hoped to cap HVAC work at $200,000, but a new mechanical engineering review suggested a more comprehensive fix could cost about $375,000.

Mayor Andrew Mullin and Council Member Ken Sorensen voiced serious reservations about proceeding with the remodel without fully addressing the source of moisture buildup and climate control issues that have plagued the facility for years. Both cautioned against what Mullin described as “another band-aid approach,” urging the city to invest in a long-term solution rather than temporary patchwork as has been done over the life of the building.

Council members agreed the issue warranted additional technical review and a potential rebid based on the mechanical engineer’s recommendation. The consensus was to refine the specifications before authorizing any construction contracts, ensuring that the renovation not only updates the interior but also stabilizes the building’s systems for the future. The council agreed that the HVAC and remodel must be done at the same time.

While the HVAC questions added complexity, council members expressed enthusiasm for the refreshed look and layout planned for the restaurant. The remodel will introduce a modernized interior design, new booth seating, and updated tables and chairs, aiming to enhance comfort and preserve the Muni’s warm, community-oriented atmosphere.

Staff will bring updated project documentation and cost comparisons to upcoming meetings on October 12 and October 26, when the council is expected to consider formal bid authorization.

Since 1947, the Muni has been one of the few municipally operated bars in the state, with profits reinvested into Wayzata’s parks, events, and public spaces. Council members emphasized that this project represents not just a physical renovation, but a renewal of a community landmark that continues to define Wayzata’s civic identity.

The Wayzata City Council is weighing plans to renovate the interior of the Wayzata Bar & Grill—better known to locals as “The Muni”—in an effort to modernize the space and ensure its continued success as a city-owned enterprise.

At a workshop held April 1, council members reviewed draft design concepts and preliminary cost estimates prepared by Mohagen Hansen Architects. The proposed remodel is part of the City’s 2024–2026 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes operational excellence and diversification of revenue sources.

“Updating the Wayzata Bar and Grill’s decor will help keep the space relevant and modernized to help keep the business profitable long into the future,” said City Manager Jeffrey Dahl in a memo prepared for the discussion.

The design initiative follows a Muni Operations Assessment completed by Delaney Consulting, which recommended a comprehensive interior refresh to improve aesthetics, streamline operations, and boost profitability.

Preliminary plans include updated finishes, reconfigured dining and bar areas, and design improvements aimed at enhancing the overall customer experience. Council Member Molly MacDonald has been closely involved in the process, lending her interior design background to help shape the evolving vision.

The project has a proposed budget of $638,600 and is included in the City’s Capital Improvements Plan. If approved, construction would likely begin in early 2026 following a formal bidding process.

Council members provided feedback during the workshop, and the City is expected to revisit the topic at an upcoming regular council meeting to determine next steps and consider potential refinements to the plan.

If ultimately approved, the renovation would mark the first major interior update to the Muni in years—ensuring that the beloved establishment remains a vibrant and profitable gathering place for the Wayzata community.