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Restaurateur To Bring U.S.'s Biggest Retractable Roof To Mpls

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – You could think of Union's rooftop as the Maserati convertible of restaurants.

"Literally within the press of a button this structure will close and open," said restaurateur Kam Talebi.

He's looking to build the largest all-glass retractable rooftop in the country on Minneapolis' Hennepin Avenue. It will sit atop a restaurant backed by the owners of Crave, Urban Eatery and the soon-to-be re-opened Figlio.

Plans show Union with a 28-foot tall retractable roof that covers a kitchen and bar on the top floor.

Talebi says the ability to open the restaurant to the elements will add a different sort of flavor to the eclectic American menu.

"We have a great chef, Jim Christensen, who just came back from spending some time at Noma restaurant in Copenhagen, which was voted the best restaurant in the world by Restaurant Magazine," Talebi said.

Union has more planned than just a rooftop. The main floor will hold a formal dining room and the basement will provide a lounge experience.

So when is Union opening? November.

In just months the tired building that now sits on the intersection of 8th Street on will be the next big thing on the already high profile corner.

"I think people will look at it as an iconic addition to downtown Minneapolis," Talebi said.

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