Demolition began early Thursday morning on the building that once housed the Down Under club in the shadow of a City of Circle Pines water tower and next door to the one of the newest retail establishments in the small city, a Casey’s General Store and gas station.
“We’re excited about it,” said Down Under Owner Tim Pawlik. “(It’s) a little bittersweet since it’s a property that’s been a part of our family…but, nonetheless, we’re excited to bring it forward, and we’re looking forward to seeing something new here.”
The Pawliks took over the building, which once held a city-owned liquor store, in 1975. The owners promised to tear it down for months, but several delays even lead city council to declare the site as hazardous and it ordered it torn down in January.
Pawlik said he and his brother have big plans for the site.
Demolition began early Thursday morning on the former Down Under building in Circle Pines.
“It’ll be a restaurant and bar,” he said. He envisions a sports bar-type atmosphere. “As it sits, there’s really not a nice restaurant/bar in this immediate area, so we’re looking forward to trying to provide that for the community.”
The owners have not put plans or permit applications before city leaders, but Pawlik still thinks a new establishment could be open on the spot before the end of the year.
“I think it’s going to be really good,” he said.
