Photography courtesy of Magic Mini Golf
Developer Joe Edwards is a fan of anything nostalgic, bringing people together through evocative spaces filled with memorabilia. Edwards’ newest attraction, Magic Mini Golf (6160 Delmar), slated to open in September, will bring the same sentimental vibe to the Delmar Loop and feature attractions that anyone can enjoy.
The Concept
“I like creating social places where you don’t have to be great at a sport to enjoy it,” Edwards says, “like darts at Blueberry Hill or bowling at Pin-Up Bowl. I just like creating experiences.”
While dreaming up the new space, Edwards envisioned a space similar to his previous projects, inspired by nostalgic games, where all types of people could get together. “A place where people can enjoy themselves and put their troubles behind them for a couple hours, whether it’s a date night or grandparents and grandkids or a business group,” Edwards says.
The Attractions
The 9,500-square-foot all-seasons venue will feature 18 holes of miniature golf designed by artist Andy Cross, two full-size shuffleboard courts, a five-car Ferris wheel, pinball, and basketball arcade games, as well as food, a full bar, and a stage for live entertainment or private events.
Photography courtesy Hope Edwards
Of course, Magic Mini Golf will also feature plenty of magic: The walls will be filled with magical memorabilia that Edwards has collected over the years. “All these magic posters I’ve collected all my life—all the décor, hopefully, will knock people’s socks off.” Edwards says.
If that’s not enough, Magic Mini Golf also features a 27-foot-tall animated, neon sign that will light up the Delmar Loop. The colorful sign, featuring a man and woman playing mini golf, was designed by Edwards and his daughter, Hope, and it was constructed by David Hutson from Neon Times. The sign recently earned Hope and Joe Edwards a 2023 Signs of the Times Magazine contest award in the Best Outside Design/Shop Fabrication Illuminated category.
“It was really important for me to, in a subtle way, let everyone feel welcome,” Edwards says. “I told my daughter that I want the design of the man to be a combination of Chi-Chi Rodríguez and Tiger Woods; I want people of every ethnicity to feel welcome in the Delmar Loop. When people see his smile and her smile, I think they’re going to feel welcome.”
The Venue
Edwards also put a lot of thought into the overall design of the building. He worked with Kiku Obata & Company to design the two-story building, which he wanted to "complement and fit in with the neighborhood.”
Soon after Magic Mini Golf’s grand opening, Edwards plans to open the Magic Chapel, allowing people to host weddings inside Magic Mini Golf. With a stage, projector, seating, and games, Edwards promises it will be the most magical wedding location in St. Louis, particularly for relatively small weddings. "It could be four or 40 people, but [it will be] for people who want to get married and have a fun time without a lot of extra effort,” Edwards says. “All of the staff will be ordained. I’m going to have a big projector screen behind the wedding chapel area for photos or whatever they want. I’ve always thought we need something like this in St. Louis.”
Wedding event details and prices will be posted on Magic Mini Golf’s website. Ticket prices will also be announced closer to the opening date.
