Dakota Expands With New Event Space in Historic Downtown Minneapolis Building
Downtown Minneapolis is about to gain a new venue for weddings, private events, and performances.
The well known Dakota music club and restaurant on Nicollet Mall is expanding its presence with a new event venue called The Quinlan Room by Dakota, opening later this spring inside the historic Young-Quinlan Building.
The expansion brings new energy to a landmark property that has stood at the corner of Nicollet Mall and Ninth Street since 1926.
A Nearly 10,000 Square Foot Event Venue
The new venue will occupy the former JB Hudson jewelry store space inside the Young-Quinlan Building at 901 Nicollet Avenue.
Key features include
• Nearly 10,000 square feet of event space
• Capacity for 50 to 300 guests
• A marble staircase and mezzanine level
• Large historic arched windows overlooking Nicollet Mall
The space will host a wide variety of events including
• Weddings
• Corporate functions
• Private concerts and performances
• Community gatherings
Dakota founder Lowell Pickett said the club has turned away many private event requests over the years due to limited capacity at its main venue just a block away.
This new space allows them to expand without leaving the Nicollet Mall district.
A New Chapter for the Young-Quinlan Building
The Young-Quinlan Building is one of downtown Minneapolis’ architectural landmarks.
Constructed in 1926, the building originally housed the Young-Quinlan department store. More recently it has served as home to JB Hudson Jewelers, which operated there from 2008 to 2021 before relocating to the Galleria in Edina.
The building is owned by The 614 Company, which purchased the property in 1985.
With the building celebrating its 100 year anniversary this summer, the Dakota’s expansion adds new activity to a historic downtown property.
Why This Matters for Downtown Minneapolis
Downtown Minneapolis continues to evolve as businesses adapt to changing office and retail demand.
Spaces that once focused on retail are increasingly being converted into
• Event venues
• entertainment spaces
• hospitality uses
Projects like The Quinlan Room help bring more nightlife and event activity back to Nicollet Mall, which supports surrounding restaurants, hotels, and downtown businesses.
For residents and visitors, it also creates another unique venue option in the Twin Cities for weddings, performances, and private gatherings.
And for downtown Minneapolis, it’s another step toward revitalizing historic buildings with new uses.
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