Fire damage inside Central Auto Body was contained to one corner of the building.(Provided, Gary Stephenson)
Central Auto Body open after fire
A malfunctioning heater near the roof caught fire Monday, Feb. 10 at Central Avenue Auto Body, 2628 Central Ave. NE, but they’re still open for business. The fire started about 9:30 p.m. “It smells like a forest fire in here,” said Gary Stephenson, “but it happened in a good place.” Fire damage was contained to the alley side of the building, in the southwest corner, away from paints and chemicals. He said the damage was 90% cleaned up by Friday, Feb. 14. Crews will make roof repairs as weather allows.
Mysterious Mocha House
The signs wrap around the inside of the retail space beneath the Arcana Masonic Lodge on Lowry and Central Avenues. They announce the coming of a coffee shop, Mocha House, but there’s no other information, such as a phone number, email address, website or opening date. If you have any information, let the Northeaster know.
Mocha House at the corner of Lowry and Central. (Cynthia Sowden)
Rafter sold to Idaho firm
Rafter Apartments, 333 E. Hennepin, has been sold to Roundhouse, a developer and operator of multifamily housing based in Boise, Idaho. Built in 2019 at a cost of $76.5 million, by M.A. Mortenson Co. and the Excelsior Group, Rafter has 283 units, a clubroom, dining room, fitness center, outdoor pool, office space and a lounge area with a projector screen. It’s the third Northeast area hi-rise apartment building to be sold, following the Expo in 2023 and
NordHaus last year.
Siwek Lumber remodeling
Siwek Lumber & Millwork, 2536 Marshall St. NE, is undergoing a facelift. New offices have been added to the mezzanine level, and retail space has been expanded. Look for new signs and a new look throughout the store. The completion of the work is expected in April or May of this year.
Momo Café holds grand opening
Momo Café held a grand opening Friday, Feb. 21. The coffee shop at 3035 Central Ave. NE offers momo dumplings in addition to tea, matchas and coffee. Fresh donuts are brought in daily. Open 8 am-3 pm.
1515 Central to be all
immersion, all the time
Maybe you saw the “Immersive Van Gogh” show there. Get ready for more immersive experiences. First & First has purchased the building at 1515 Central, with plans to create an entertainment venue complete with technology, music, food and beverages. First & First acquired the building and its adjacent parking lot from Chicago-based R2 Cos. for $5.3 million on Dec. 31, according to an electronic real estate filing with the Minnesota Department of Revenue. CEO Peter Remes told the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal he hopes to build on the momentum of the “Immersive Van Gogh” exhibit, and he aims to secure a tenant for the available 40,000-sq.-ft. space and open by the end of this year. Improving Minnesota and Volta Logistics Inc. also occupy the building.