Photo courtesy of City of Hopkins.
Hopkins' Depot Coffee House announced March 3 it will suspend operations on April 2 after nearly 25 years, ending a west metro community hangout and long-running leadership opportunity for local teens.
Why it matters: The renovated train depot aimed to be a student-led, drug and alcohol-free environment for youth of all ages to hang out with friends, watch live music and participate in their community.
- The Depot's shop employed local teens and was led by an elected student board of directors, including adult advisors. The city of Hopkins managed the money.
Plus: It doubled as The Freight Room, an all-ages concert venue that booked local high school talent and up-and-coming artists.
What they're saying: The Depot had been operating at a loss for years, in part due to Highway 169 and light rail construction that closed the well-trafficked regional bike trails adjacent to the shop, it said on Facebook last week.
- After the Depot facility and program manager resigned in February, it didn’t have enough revenue to fill the position.
What's next: Three Rivers Park District will continue to offer parking, portable bathrooms, water and a bike repair station outside the Depot, a spokesperson confirmed.
- Hopkins is soliciting ideas for future youth programming, according to the Facebook post.
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