Gameworks Wants Out of Block E

Gameworks is looking to get out of Block E, a move that could leave another massive space vacant in downtown Minneapolis.

Gameworks has been looking to sublease its two-story, 34,012 square foot space at the corner of Hennepin Avenue and 6th Street. The mega-arcade space includes the Hopscotch Grill restaurant, Block E Bowl bowling alley, a sports bar and the arcade.

Cushman and Wakefield has assumed marketing responsibility for the lease.

Gameworks has 14 U.S. locations. The Minneapolis Gameworks was the third to open.

In February 2008, Border bookstore closed after failing to sublease its space.
When Borders closed, the Minneapolis Downtown Council said it wasn't necessarily a surprise, with a retail space not expected to perform as strongly as an entertainment space in an entertainment district.

There have been well-documented problems around Block E, with drug dealing and loitering, which could scare potential customers away. In December 2007, undercover officers made a sweep of drug dealers in the area, making purchases from roughly 40 suspects.