The Muni – Wayzata’s Municipal Bar & Grill and Liquor Store

Community Life

Historical buildings are valued for their traditional design and craftsmanship. But some special places are beloved more for the memories they have made possible. In Wayzata, the “New Muni” is one such place. The Municipal Bar & Grill and liquor store has been a lively part of the community since 1947. In 2010, as Wayzata planned a major revitalization of its downtown district, the city asked Miller Dunwiddie to preserve this institution while integrating it into a contemporary and upscale streetscape.

Our new building design preserves the spirit of the “old Muni.” Details like a distinctive mosaic pattern that wraps around the bar and historical photographs add context and texture throughout the space. A fresh interior includes warm wood paneling and glowing pendant lights that invite passersby inside at night. The restaurant shares an entry vestibule with the liquor store, a separate but visually cohesive building. The buildings feature simple siding and rooflines that convey a seaside vernacular. We included sustainable mechanical and electrical systems and efficient heat recovery technologies that will provide long-term performance for this city-owned property. In its new incarnation, the Muni sets a warm and familiar scene for Wayzata’s community life.