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MINNESOTA WILD PURCHASES HISTORIC MINNESOTA CLUB BUILDING ADJACENT TO NEW SAINT PAUL ARENA
[September 20, 1999] -- The National Hockey League’s (NHL) Minnesota Wild announced today the team has reached an agreement with prominent Saint Paul businessman and philanthropist, John Nasseff, to acquire the historic Minnesota Club Building (317 Washington Avenue) adjacent to the new Saint Paul Arena. The property, recently purchased from the Minnesota Club by Nasseff, is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. The Wild’s purchase of the property will close when the current renovation is complete next summer.
The organization will convert the second and third floors into office space. The Wild is also planning a restaurant on the first floor. The Minnesota Club has agreed to rent a portion of the space on the first floor and basement, and will move back into the building in June of 2000. The Minnesota Wild and Nasseff noted that through the agreement which accompanied Mr. Nasseff’s purchase of the building, the property will remain the home of the Minnesota Club’s social club, once the renovations are complete.
The scheduled renovations will maintain the historic character of the building exterior, while upgrading its mechanical and electrical systems.
“The rich history of the Minnesota Club Building and the reputation of the club and its membership have been key assets of the downtown Saint Paul community for many years,” said Minnesota Wild CEO Jac Sperling. “This is one of many great contributions John Nasseff has made to his hometown of Saint Paul. We have great respect for the building’s history and look forward to the completion of the renovation of this historic building.”
“The restoration of the Minnesota Club Building is important not only to the members of the Minnesota Club, but also the Minnesota Wild and the future of downtown Saint Paul. The building will undoubtedly benefit from the Minnesota Wild’s presence in the building,” added Nasseff.
The Minnesota Wild expects the renovated Minnesota Club Building and its new hospitality opportunities to reflect and benefit from the City’s vitality and growth in the numbers of downtown businesses and visitors.