Publication: Black Enterprise [US]
Date: January 18, 1995
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Title: "Paisley Park May Be Considering Armory Bid"
Written By: Kevin Diaz

The long vacant and boarded-up Minneapolis Armory, aka a white elephant, could possibly take on a purplish hue in the future.

Hennepin county officials trying to interest private developers in the cavernous brick arena say that among the potential suitors is Minneapolis' own pop superstar, the artist formerly known as Prince.

Stuck with a $4.7 million historic relic that can't be a jail. can't be torn down and can't be changed much, county officials expect Prince's business arm, Paisley Park Enterprises, to submit a bid on the arena where the NBA Lakers once played. "Based on my prior conversations with folks there, it's serious consideration." said County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, who represents the downtown Minneapolis area.

A Paisley Park representative in Los Angeles had no comment, but those familiar with the county's marketing process say that the rock star of "Purple Rain" fame might be interested in developing the auditorium into a sound studio and youth center. It sits on the block bounded by S. 5th and 6th Sts. and Portland and 5th Aves. S.

Facing a Feb, 13 deadline for bids, county officials emphasize there are more than 300 firms or individuals are being contacted for bids. Other ideas that have been mentioned are a movie studio, an automobile show- room cooperative and an indoor volleyball bar.