The end of an era is unfolding before our very eyes right now, and it's absolutely heartbreaking.

I will never be able to bring my kids shopping there before Christmas and watch their eyes light up as bright as Christmas trees as they conjure up a giant wish-list to send to Santa Claus. The more I think about it, the more it bums me out because some of my fondest memories as a kid were roaming their aisles during the holiday season and daydreaming what I would get as gifts that year.

In case you haven't heard, Toys “R” Us in Rochester and its other stores across the U.S. will be closing their doors in the upcoming months, and there's nothing we can do about it. With the DMC Project in full swing and the city growing bigger by the day, there hasn't been any speculation (yet) on what will replace the store or what could take its place within it's lot in the near future. But that doesn't mean we can't have fun dreaming up ideas!

Here is a list of 5 things that I would like to see take over this lot:

  • 1

    Dave & Buster's

    Because, why not? The nearest one I can think of is in the cities, and that's way too far away. Basically they're like a Chuck E. Cheese, but for adults... and they're so much fun! See for yourself HERE.

  • 2

    State of the Art Water Park

    Last week we heard about the possibility of Rochester getting one at Foster Arends, but a lot can happen between now and then... so why not clear out this lot and build a monster indoor/outdoor water park? First of all it'll be on full display on one of the busiest stretches of roads in the city for everyone to see. Plus, if it were an indoor park we'd have it open all year-round and wouldn't have to worry about fighting with mother nature when our kids want to take a swim! This would be awesome.

  • 3

    Go-Cart Track

    Here's another idea for the kiddos; Why not build a giant indoor/outdoor racetrack? Better yet, this could also be added to the water park if that idea goes through! It'd be like a mini amusement park, and it'd save you gas from traveling to Wisconsin Dells or the cities to find this type of fun. Wouldn't that be nice?

  • 4


    I've personally never shopped at one, but my wife and a ton of her friends have and they talk about wishing one were closer all the time.

  • 5

    A Music Venue

    Honestly, I saved the best idea for last because Rochester really deserves one. I might be asking for too much with this but it would be awesome if it were an outdoor venue. When I lived in Fargo, I attended several shows at Moorhead's Bluestem Amphitheater and it was absolutely amazing. C'mon Rochester, we need something like this!