Judge rules wig shop can stay in Rochester eviction case

An Olmsted County judge has said a Rochester wig shop owner can stay in her current location despite efforts by her landlord, the Kahler Hotel, to evict her.

The corporation that owns the historic Kahler Hotel — and a growing footprint in downtown Rochester’s real estate — had claimed wig shop owner Renee Carlson was notified of a lease termination effective June 30 but had failed to vacate the property, according to court documents.

Carlson argued her lease is effective through 2018; Judge Joseph Chase agreed.

In his order, Chase said Carlson has a valid three-year-lease and is in compliance with the lease terms.

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“It’s such a relief,” Carlson said. “This means a lot for our clients that need help, especially with wigs and hairpieces, because we do provide a service.”

An attorney representing the hotel told the Post-Bulletin his client is considering an appeal. Carlson’s shop, Revelation Les Wigs Renee, is located on the ground level of the Kahler Hotel, facing a popular pedestrian walkway in downtown Rochester. It’s directly across the street from the Mayo Clinic.

In October, the Kahler Hotel Group announced a new company, Colorado-based Richfield Hospitality, would manage the package of Rochester properties, which includes about 60 storefronts and five downtown hotels.

The Kahler Hotel is also asking shuttle service Go Rochester Direct to move out of its current space and relocate to a “substantially similar space,” according to a complaint. The Post-Bulletin reports negotiations between the shuttle company and the hotel continue.