Topgolf tees up interest in Eden Prairie locations

Topgolf is once again eyeing Eden Prairie as a possible location for its next entertainment venue, city officials and business leaders confirmed.

The golf and entertainment chain has been in discussions with the city for about eight years, according to Julie Klima, Eden Prairie’s community development director. So far, no site has met the needs of both Topgolf and the city in terms of property size, location, surrounding land uses and access, she said.

Topgolf, headquartered in Dallas, operates more than 80 venues worldwide, offering high-tech driving ranges that combine golf with interactive games, dining, and entertainment. The company has a location in Brooklyn Center and is constructing a second venue in Woodbury.

However, redevelopment efforts at two sites — the Danfoss property near Interstate 494 and the former JCPenney building at Eden Prairie Center — have sparked renewed conversations about future uses.

Advertisement

At Eden Prairie Center, a preliminary plan calls for transforming the vacant JCPenney building and surrounding parking lot into a mix of apartments, retail, offices and a hotel. City officials presented the concept during a March workshop, describing it as early-stage and potentially supported by tax-increment financing.

“City staff has shared with real estate representatives inquiring about the Danfoss site that this property could be a favorable location for Topgolf,” Klima said.

Pat MulQueeny, president of the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce, said he is optimistic about the possibility.

“I know Topgolf has been actively looking, and we are excited that these two locations could be a fit for them,” MulQueeny said. “Topgolf draws a lot of customers from across the region, which would be a benefit to our other businesses, including Eden Prairie Center and its stores, restaurants, retailers and other complementary businesses. It would add another reason for people to come to Eden Prairie for entertainment and explore all we have here.”

Johnny Reimann, a real estate broker representing Topgolf, confirmed discussions with Eden Prairie have been ongoing.

“I can confirm that we’ve talked to the city of Eden Prairie for many years about various sites, and that we’re constantly evaluating potential opportunities for Topgolf in the southwest metro,” Reimann said. “As to where things currently stand, we are still searching and evaluating potential options.”