Church of Scientology starts work on St. Paul building
Construction workers have started a remodeling project at the former Science Museum of Minnesota, now owned by the Church of Scientology.
Crews put up fences and started tearing out carpet this week, after a construction permit was issued on Monday. They're working in one of the former science museum buildings on the northwest corner of Wabasha and Exchange Streets in downtown St. Paul.
The building was turned into the Minnesota Business Academy after the science museum relocated in 1999. The Church of Scientology bought the building in 2007.
The church said it was planning a $7 million renovation and relocation from Minneapolis at the time, but the project has been dormant until this week.
The permit says the current project is a $2.5 million interior renovation.
The church has offices on the Nicollet Mall. Officials there didn't immediately respond to an inquiry about the St. Paul project.
The project is slated to be completed by May 12, according to the permit.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.