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Land flap prompts Twins to keep stadium design under wraps

BY EMILY GURNON
Pioneer Press

The Minnesota Twins today decided to postpone unveiling the design of a new downtown Minneapolis stadium, citing a dispute over the proposed ballpark site.

"Because the land deal is not done yet, we thought it would be premature to do anything," said Twins spokesman Kevin Smith.

The team was scheduled to publicly display the stadium design Thursday. A new date has not been set.

"We're ready to go," Smith said. "We're ready to pull the trigger on it. But we're waiting until the time is right."

Hennepin County officials said last week plans for the new $522 million ballpark are in jeopardy because the county hasn't closed a deal to buy the land. The site is near the Target Center.

The owners are some 150 investors in three groups: Land Partners II, Duddy Limited Partnership LLP and Minikahda Mini Storage. Hines Interests Limited in Houston is the managing partner.

The owners have said they are holding out for a fair offer.