Proposed Arts, Entertainment Complex to be built on Existing Hamm’s Brewery Site
In 2017, Rob Clapp co-founded Can Can Wonderland, a subterranean 19,000 square-foot space that houses a mini-golf course, collaborates with local artists, and includes bars and a vintage arcade. Clapp now plans on developing every non-occupied building in the former Hamm’s Brewery complex into an entertainment complex designed by local artists.
Numerous buildings in the Hamm’s complex in St. Paul’s Payne Phalen neighborhood have sat vacant for decades. Clapp plans to create an art and entertainment complex with slides, rides, a Ferris wheel, a zip line, and interactive exhibits.
Clapp has already purchased two of the buildings. In particular, Clapp and his partners have purchased a five-story space that used to be the Hamm’s Brewery stockhouse, as well as the old Powerhouse. The Powerhouse is the complex’s tallest building and the 15,000-square-foot space is planned to be converted into artist work studios.
Clapp has met informally with council members to put forth his idea for the complex—a project he predicts will take around 10 years to accomplish. Details of funding and governmental partnerships have not yet been revealed, though Clapp and his backers have already begun investing in the project.
The Payne-Phalen neighborhood has seen a significant resurgence in its housing market in recent years, as multiple art spaces and restaurants have chosen the area, and it remains one of the few neighborhoods young people can afford. Clapp is hoping to further strengthen the art scene in the area while looking to “create long-term affordability” for the people that live there.