It's a tough location, really. Horrible access, limited visibility (you really don't see it until it's too late.), doing a left turn onto Woodlane would require the assistance of a higher power during certain times of the day, being next to Woodbury's most popular motel* (*in terms of police visits.)

Could it be made to make work? Sure. I've seen far worse sites turned productive. I'm thinking, though, that there needs to be a lot of site work done, including vacating the entrance south of the water tower, doing a cross-access easement with the credit union, and working with the office building to improve the access onto Wooddale.

If someone had deep enough pockets they could render two avian creatures terminally inconvenienced with one geologic missile by buying and demoing The Roof. You could then resubdivide the property, putting some sort of office complex where Woody's is and a sit-down bar/restaurant type building where the Roof is. Since there's very little overlap in terms of peak parking, the two could do a shared parking agreement. I would guess that such an establishment would get a pretty decent amount of lunch traffic from the nearby office/industrial uses and have decent enough access on Wooddale to get the after-hours crowd as well.

But that would require serious coin as well as probably some franchise work with the Roof...but if you're going to dream, dream big,right?

I am right with Eric - the Roof needs to go, and with that and a site revamp of Woody's that area really could be a happening place. It really is one of the gateways into Woodbury - it should and could be a prime location for many to benefit from. It would be nice if we could bring some positive life to that area. It is hard for the local businesses to have to see daily squad cars, drug deals going down, or closed signs getting posted. Perhaps the City can attract an investor to make some good out of that quadrant!

How about a Fight Club. First rule of Fight Club, nobody talks about Fight Club.

My wife almost put her business on that side of town. So glad she went in the CityWalk area. Seems like that area of town is going to have trouble maintaining businesses. 94 and Woodbury drive is where any business will prefer.

The spot will work if something unique goes in there.. Woody's had basically the same menu as Tnd they will support a hrowbacks. There are a ton of houses in the Royal Oaks area, and they will support a unique, family friendly place.

It did seem like Throwbacks was fairly successful, but must not have been considering the change to Woody's. The lot was always full and they had about 5,000 likes on Facebook. Maybe it's an access issue? It's tough getting in there. And @Dan, what's your wife's business? Is it just office space?

The City Leaders need to help ensure that all of Woodbury is desireable for businesses and patrons, not just the newer areas. As Sheila mentioned, this is one of the prime gateways into Woodbury - it should be showcased not look like someone's neglected backyard.

Surely The Roof must need a business permit of some type; the City should be able to pull it or force The Roof to clean up their act based on the number of police visits - or charge them for each visit (just like false alarm calls) that alone would probably put them out of business.

Clean up or demolish The Roof, improve the access and egress and you've got a highly desireable area.

This location is what kill's the restaurants there! Throwbacks and Woody's both had good bar food and atmosphere - plus the live music thing was awesome. I agree though - the hotel needs to go and the in/out access of that entire section needs to be changed. They could do a much better job of making all those businesses accessible. Sad to see Woody's go - loved going there for live music most weekends.

Yeah, and it doesn't seem like there are many live music options in town. I think some of the coffee shops have musicians in, and maybe Potbelly?

Thanks for the info Dan, good to hear things are picking up.

Wild Child Hair is awesome! Just took my kids there for the first time

Thanks Eric. That's kind of why I thought it would be interesting for our "What Should Go Here?" feature. It's such a large space. And it doesn't seem like it would lend itself to being parceled off. I'll post some suggestions from our Facebook page later.

Maybe Ronnallys, Classic Pizza or Rocco's would like to move into a full size joint? Heck, bring in all 3! There's plenty of space!

I think it should become a Healtheast Clinic just like the old Border's location in Midway. When my husband and I moved to Woodbury in 1982 just after we were married, Old Mexico at that location was one of very few restaurants around here. It was always busy when we went there and the food was good. Also, Mexican restaurants and restaurants with lots of space were very popular at the time because there were lots of Baby Boomers out dating to fill them up. There were a lot fewer restaurant chains then like Applebees and so it was a destination and therefore visibility was not as much an issue.

Not a bad idea Carol. Was thinking that a lot of those spots, large spaces, get filled by health care companies. And @Sheldon, if competition breeds excellence...

I've been doing a little searching through retailers/restauranteurs that are either expanding or putting out new prototypes. Here are three that I found intriging and largely unique (NOTE: There is no "steam" behind this, this is just my own musings.)

Bullritos: A Tex-Mex chain out of Houston--when you come in, you're given a red marker and a bag with the menu on it. You mark what you want, hand it over, and within 3 minutes you've got food. Strikes me as better than standing behind the people for 20 minutes who can't choose between extra crispy and original recipe.

Luby's Cafeteria/Fuddruckers combo platter. Apparently, Luby's is a hybrid cafeteria/fine dining establishment and we have Fuddruckers in the area. What's interesting is that they seek to have patios in their design and what is more Minnesotan than a summer patio meal?

Giraffas--Brazilian steaks, burgers, and BBQ. "A Brazilian Twist on What You Love." I figure if we could have food from the Pacific Rim in a place called "Atlantic Buffet", why not Brazilian food? Where else would you find it in the area?

Again, there's absolutely no "steam" in any of this and none of these things on their own takes care of the bad site design and location next to the Red Lights and Siren Inn...but, dreamin's fun and dreamin's free.

Good stuff Eric!

Two men enter. One man leaves. Thunderdome. Lets make it happen, Woodbury!

I think this location has a lot of potential. Woodbury has so many chain restaurants but they succeed because of the large amounts of families living in Woodbury. I think in order for a restaurant to be successful in this area it would need to be a recognizable name ( to bring people in ) but not as common as a Woodbury favorite such as Applebees (too boring, too common.) I believe a new chain restaurant that is not so familiar to us living in the eastern burbs such as a Texas Roadhouse or a Cheesecake Factory would be a great addition!

I think a hobby shop or arts and crafts store would be great there. The Roof is just a meth lab in disguise.

I'd love to see a Texas Roadhouse!!
PS- we love Wild Child too ;)

How about hobby lobby store since both manakto and Rochester has it but we twin cities don't have it

OK Simon, you and one of your buddies meet in the parking lot and I'll come and do video for Patch. (;

A music venue or a small dinner theatre. Put some freaking arts in Woodbury that isn't concerning High Schoolers

Not a bad idea Mr. P. Certainly is space for it.

Hey Tracy, do you know why Ole Mexico closed?

Microbreweries are on a huge upswing right now, and there is nothing in the East metro (save Lift Bridge in Stillwater). If the area can be reconfigured, that space would be perfect for a brewpub or brewery & tap room.

Maybe I'm showing my bias here Jason, but that sounds awesome.

I'd leave the bar and set up the who brew process on that upper level area where the pool tables were... who's in?

I'm pretty sure The After Midnight Group www.theaftermidnightgroup.com has bought the space. They own Cowboy Jacks, Cowboy Slims, the Cabooze, the Joint, and the Saloon locations around the twin cities. To them I say Good Luck!

Interesting story about a restaurant franchisee looking to move into the Twin Cities...Might this be the next (and hopefully lasting) use for the Roadhouse?

http://www.restaurantnews.com/wingstop-flies-into-minneapolis/?utm_source=August+24%2C+2012&utm_campaign=Newsletter-August-24&utm_medium=email

That would surprise me if Afternidnight group bought the place. The have a track record of picking great locations. Here's why this place failed: Too big, too expensive, bad ownership.

How about locating a Senior Center there, if Red Roof crime issues & road access problems can be resolved? Check zoning. And it should be a private sector venture, or non-profit operation.

Otherwise, a Consignment shop for Veterans offering free furniture, clothing, etc from donations of items or cash by the community. Lots of vets on that site may take care of the crime spree at RRInn too.

Good ideas everyone. And I've got an email in to the After Midnight folks, but I'll probably be following up with the Red Roof Inn shooting the rest of today.

Off topic.. but what ever happened to Melting Pot coming to Woodbury?

Hadn't heard that one Justin. What is Melting Pot?

Get a priest for an exorcist.

I've been in touch with those folks Jimmy, but they weren't ready to say anything as of a couple of weeks ago. I heard there's some working going on there now. I'll stop by tomorrow and see if I can pry any info out of the crews.

Good timing ZGS, just posted something today: http://patch.com/A-yLjh

Cool. Can't say I've been to one.

If The After Midnight Group need volunteers to help the new staff practice their new jobs, sign me up. I love free food & drinks.