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Saint Paul Development

This is intended to give you a list of the main things going on in the downtown vicinity. Some are big, some are not. Some things aren't even on this list. Pioneer Press, Saint Paul's resident newspaper, put this list together on May 3rd, 2001. The list has been updated as of November 5th, 2001. These are listed in bold at the end of each item, where applicable.

  1. U.S. Bancorp Financial Services Center: Under construction across the Mississippi from downtown, this $78 million facility will house about 2,100 employees and will be the major tenant of the urban village slated to go up around it. It will replace "The Bosnia Building", a half demolished shell of a building that sits as an eyesore (its real name is the Amhoist Building). UPDATE: The Amhoist Building is now demolished and the new U.S. Bancorp Financial Services Center is under construction.
  2. Galtier Plaza Renovation: Galtier Plaza, as said before, is spending $1 million on renovating its failing retail space into office space for high-tech tenants, adding to Lowertown's reputation as a cyber-village. Its recent sale to Wasner Schroeder Company includes the historic McColl Building, which will be renovated as well. It currently holds a jazz bar called The Artists' Quarter. UPDATE: So far, Galtier Plaza has renovated all the second and third floor space along the eastern area of the shopping concourse. Since starting the renovation, Galtier Plaza has gained three visible clients, all high-tech companies as desired by the owners of Galtier Plaza.
  3. World Trade Center Renovation: Like Galtier Plaza, the World Trade Center is suffering a lack of retail clients. Since Kinko's and Hallmark has just left, it has cut down the number of stores to about 5 (Station Shoes, Charlie's, Bean Counter Coffee Co., Manchu Wok, and Subway) besides Daytons. Currently, Zeller Corp., the Chicago-based owner, is renovating the interior, which Wells Fargo will lease a majority of it, turning two of the three floors into a full-service bank, including exterior drive thru. There is a possibility that some stores, namely Sam Goody, may return once the renovation is completed. UPDATE: Wells Fargo has moved into the World Trade Center and now occupies roughly 40-50% of the former vacant space, largely concentrated on the second (skyway) and third levels. The 5 stores still remain, though some have gotten some upgrades in their facade to match Wells Fargo's polished wood decor and one store (Charlie's Conveinent Store) has moved to a new location on the first floor, overlooking the Cedar St. entrance. Wells Fargo no longer occupies its old site in the Wells Fargo Building. It seems that the office space above may possibly be vacated and Wells Fargo will leave the building all together. No word on potential clients for the former space.
  4. Wabasha Court: This eyesore is an outdated failure of a retail center (like any other downtown project). The city wants to buy it for $2.7 million, demolish the building and hopefully replace it with a extended stay business hotel (possibly a Mariott). The city is also thinking about purchasing the adjacent Grace Building to open up more land for redevelopment. However, that will mean Walgreen's and Great Water Brewing Company would have to move, which means Walgreen's may not come back (it is downtown's only drug store). It is an attempt to make Wabasha St. a true commercial center for downtown. Just recently, the U.S. Post Office, the only major client of Wabasha Court, has moved out, set to open in the Hamm Building a block away. Only two stores (Ideal Image and Spirit of St. Paul) remain in the building, both adjacent to the skyway connecting to Dayton's. UPDATE: Saint Paul has arranged to buy this building from the owner, and now the remaining two stores are gone. The city will soon tear it down.
  5. New Hotel: A limited service hotel is proposed for a triangular block of surface parking between Eagle Parkway and Chestnut Street. It is about two blocks west of Rivercentre and the X-Cel Energy Center. It would be set to add 150-200 rooms to the hotel market downtown, which is experiencing a boost under current economic conditions.
  6. Dayton's downsizing: Target Corporation has pledged to stay downtown for at least a decade for a payment of $6.3 million by the city to help them downsize from five floors to three. Business is not as good as the suburban locations (or Minneapolis), but Target Corp. is dedicated to staying in Saint Paul, regardless of laging sales. The city doesn't want their most important downtown retail client to leave either, since it is the only remaining department store. The renovation will cost $20.3 million and should be completed next year.
  7. New District Energy Plant: District Energy, who runs a plant downtown (facing the river), wants to build a $52 million plant that would use scrap wood instead of coal to generate electricity. Even though some are concerned about the ecological impacts, District Energy needs the plant built and running by 2003.
  8. Capital Plaza...A Parking Garage: Capital Plaza is a $14 million parking ramp that will carry an extra 990 spaces. Most have already been bought in monthly contracts. It will be open by September. It will have skyway links, and a retail space (or two) on Kellogg. UPDATE: Almost finished and is in use
  9. The Renaissance Box: The historic O'Donnell Shoe Company in Lowertown is finding a new use as the Renaissance Box, holding a variety of artists, an ad agency, woodworkig shop, and possibly a theater (which would be downtown's only one after Galtier closed a few years ago). The building was built in 1914, and has a 6-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty on it. I never heard of this building, but I vow to find it this summer! I never found it...
  10. Minnesota Public Radio: MPR has been looking at moving out of their crowded downtown facility for four years. The city doesn't want the major employer to leave, and are still in talks about addressing their need for space. MPR has a history with the city, beginning downtown in the basement of the St. Paul Building. UPDATE: Minnesota Public Radio has decided to stay downtown. It will be the adjacent Cedar St. office building and a small area of green space across from its current building to create a "campus" headquarters. For the city's forgivable loans and $1 purchase price of the green space, MPR has agreed to expand its downtown workforce by over 40%.
  11. Upper Landing: A long triangular piece of abandoned land sits along the river southwest of downtown. Formerly the area called "Little Italy" because of its Italian residents, the whole neighborhood was demolished and replaced by a scrap heap in the 1950's. Now, the site is clear, and the city's wants to redevelop it. Centex, a Texas-based developer, is planning a mixed-use urban village that would add 587 housing units (the first available late 2002). The project would cost $20 million. UPDATE: Nothing building-wise has been done, but the land appears to be noticably prepared for construction.
  12. West Side Flats: Another urban village, which will grow around the U.S. Bancorp Financial Services Center, a key component of the plan. This $35 million development will add 700-900 housing units, with direct access to downtown Saint Paul. The flats was once a busy working-class neighborhood, but shortsighted planners demolished it in the 1950's because of flood damage and built light commercial and industrial buildings in the area. This urban village would be linked to the adjacent Latino business community of District Del Sol. UPDATE: With the building of the U.S. Bancorp Financial Services Center, it seems very possible that this project will start soon.
  13. Essex on the Park: Currently being constructed in the Northeast Quadrant of downtown, this development will feature nearly 40 condominium/townhouse units, nearly 60% of which had been sold. The first units are set to open by Christmas. UPDATE: Exterior is almost done and the interior detailing has begun.
  14. Sibley House: A 28-story condominium tower that will feature 110 units of housing. It is set to begin construction this fall. The city is looking to relocate downtown's public playground on the site, possibly to Fourth and Wacouta, one block east of its current location.
  15. James J. Hill Warehouse: This 1888 building has been purchased by developers Sherman Rutzick and Colleen Carey, and will feature 52 units of condominiums. 42 units have been reserved so far. UPDATE: Under renovation right now, but nothing much noticable on the exterior.
  16. Lyngblomsten Home: The First Baptist Church, located at the far northern end of Lowertown, is discussing with the Lyngblomsten Care Center about building a 65-unit senior housing project. It would replace a surface parking lot next to the church. If built, the Wacouta St. exit from 35E would need to be moved.
  17. Charlie Brown Around Town: The sequel to "Peanuts on Parade" will feature 100+ Charlie Brown statues. Last year was heavily successful in drawing visitors and bidders, whose purchases go to the Charles Schultz Memorial Fund. The city hopes for a even bigger success this year. UPDATE: While the Charlie Brown statues have brought the city some needed tourist revenue, the auctioning of the statues only resulted in about half a million dollars, about 40% less than the Snoopy statues. The money goes to helping the needy in NYC and supports the Charles Schultz Fund, which awards scholarships.
  18. The Eagle: Taken off of the New York Insurance Building before its destruction, this historic bronze sculpture was on display until 1999, when it was repaired and cleaned by Public Art St. Paul. The city wants to put it on display again, and is looking at Mears Park and Summit/Ramsey as possible sites. UPDATE: The Eagle will be located on Summit Avenue, but not for a couple of years because it is still undergoing some extensive and intricate repairs. A new perch will be made for the Eagle as well.
  19. Music Tech: A Roll N' Roll university is looking to relocate to downtown Saint Paul. The 1965 Arts and Sciences Building is being considered as a possible site. This building was formerly the eastern half of the old Science Museum. The university would bring 280 downtown and would contribute to the city's effort to make the northeastern part of downtown an educational center. UPDATE: Music Tech has agreed to move into the Arts and Sciences Building. Signs announcing their coming move are now up.
  20. U of M Showboat: The Theater Arts at the U of M owned a showboat that was destroyed last year by a fire during its renovation. A $2 million replacement is being built, and will dock at Harriet Island, will features some compliementary facilities (like restrooms and picnic grounds). In Summer 2002, the boat will be open for use, adding another cultural opportunity for downtown.
  21. The Minnesota Twins: Mayor Coleman is not giving up after his plan for a Twins Stadium (by raising the sales tax) was defeated almost two years ago. This new proposal will cost $300 million, of which makes the city accountable for only $125 million, instead of the full amount like the previous plan. The stadium would sit kiddy-corner to the X-Cel Energy Center, and may result in the demolishion of a few old and underutilized buildings. UPDATE: With the abolishing of the Minnesota Twins, this will not occur since the state will have no major league team. The plan feel apart even before the issue of the team's demise.
  22. The Saint Paul Saints: The popular minor league team may make a move from Energy Park Drive (in northwest Saint Paul, to a new site across the river from downtown. Costs would range from $18-$25 million. The team already needs $10 million to repair their current stadium, which won an award recently as the best maintained baseball field in North America (!). The team draws 292,000 fans a year. Chances for moving is quoted at "50-50" by manager, Bill Fanning. UPDATE: This is probally not happen. Though not 100% certain, it definitely looks in doubt after citizens of the local neighborhoods complained about the relocation and believes it would be cheaper to renovate Midway Stadium rather than building a whole new one.
  23. The St. Paul Palace: The long abandoned Ordway in Seventh Place has recently been reopened under its original name, The Palace, and is running small interactive plays in its lobby (Flanagan's Wake, an Irish comedy set at a funeral). The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra is looking at using the facility for some performances. UPDATE: Open and running Flanagan's Wake regularly.
  24. Riverfront Gondolas: A gondola system costing $4 million is awaiting approval by a federal transportation commission. If built, it would provide a new attraction for visitors and a new possibly for a Park-and-Ride location across the river.
  25. Streetscaping: Kellogg Blvd., a major downtown street, will close through the summer for an extensive $5 million beautification process that will replace sidewalks, lighting, and the street surface. The city has been working at improving the aesthetics of downtown streets for the past two summers. This is the third phase. Cleveland Circle, in front of the X-Cel Energy Center and Rice Park are previous areas of streetscaping. UPDATE: Currently, Kellogg has gotten a whole new pave job, new sidewalks, and new street lights. This renovation is not quite complete, but is definitely starting to show.
  26. Raspberry Island: Flooded by the Mississippi in Spring 2001, the island is looking for new life. Raspberry Island sits in the center of the Mississippi River, connected to the north and south by the new Wabasha St. Bridge. It was formerly a parking lot and a Navy training station. Proposed for the site is a $2 million band shell by the Schubert Club, the 131-year old boat club. They will also remodel its boat house on one end of the island. The Wabasha St. Bridge was have an amendment, building new pedestrian walkways to connect it to the downtown community. UPDATE: Raspberry Island is closed to the public as work commences on the damaged structures. No word on any new developments that will arise on the island.
  27. Farmer's Market: A $3.8 million renovation is planned for the popular (but outdated) Farmer's Market in Lowertown. Half the money has been raised so far. The site will be leveled off and expanded. Also in the works is an enclosed building to allow all-year service. Currently, the Farmer's Market only runs in the summer.
  28. Post Office Problems: The Eugene McCarthy Post Office Building downtown wants to modernize its equipment. The city prefers it moves so the site can be open to redevelopment to connect Lowertown to the river. Plus, the Post Office owns the Union Depot Concourse, which the city, in talks with Amtrak, wants to reopen the Union Depot to rail service. William Hosko, a downtown architect, has come up with plans to build a new concourse and make the downtown location Amtrak's major stop. However, his plans ( which are great ) may not be realized by the city, who may just make it a secondary stop. Currently, Amtrak operates a facility in the Midway area.
  29. State Parking Lot: First the state will loose two blocks of parking in the Capitol Heights Neighborhood, and now the city wants the state to replace a block of surface parking along I-94 (adjacent to the Pointe of St. Paul). It was home to a now-razed state office building that had worker health problems. UPDATE: One of the two parking lot blocks in the Capital Heights neighborhood has been completely dug up and new housing is set to be built over the next year. The lot downtown has not been touched in the least...yet.
  30. Town Square Park: In late 2000, the city closed the Town Square Park, which costed $400,000 a year and needed $2 million in repairs. While the downtown community is very sad at having it go, the city is looking to turn it into office space. UPDATE: Still closed. The city sold off all the plants and fully intends to abolish the park.
  31. Roy Wilkins Auditorium: Currently 66 years old, the auditorium may be replaced, featuring about 5,500 seats and costing $30 million. Currently, the city is appealing to the state for planning funds.
  32. Underground Tunnel: Long in the works, an underground tunnel is finally under construction. It will link the Rivercentre to the skyway system, and in a second phase, connect via a second tunnel to the Saint Paul Public Library, finally connecting that building to the skyway system.
  33. Public Library Renovation: The St. Paul Central Public Library, is currently under a $16 million renovation. The James J. Hill Reference Library, part of the building, remains open during the work. The stone wall around the library is also being redone, in a separate project. The library features over 400,000 items. To make up for the lack of service, the skyway library, originally scheduled for closing, has remained open and operates as a full-service library. Formerly, the skyway branch mainly sold used books, offering a very small collection of borrowed materials. UPDATE: Still under construction.
  34. Firstar Site: The triangular block, fronting on Rice Park, is currently a surface parking lot. Plans have been thrown around for its use. The St. Paul Riverfront Corp. now wants to open the site as a new green space and a restaurant, scheduled for completion in Fall 2002. Later on, a possible collection of bronze sculptures honoring Charles Schultz will be placed on the site. UPDATE: Nothing has been done to date. It is still a surface parking lot.
  35. Transit Hub: Currently, the lot across from the X-Cel Energy Center sits as another surface parking lot. Soon, the city and Metro Transit will team up to build a $25 million (approx.) transit hub and parking ramp tat the site. Possible some mixed use commerical space could be involved in the project. The historic (abandoned) Armstrong-Quinlan House, in the center of the site, will be moved to the Irvine Park neighborhood and repaired for $2.4 million (all paid by the city in agreement with the state, which protects the home). UPDATE: In an 8-day project, the Quinlan-Armstrong has been finally moved and a transit hub is set up for the parking lot. The house will be placed near Irvine Park and most likely renovated into condominiums.
  36. Rice Park Renovation: "The Source", a 36-year old sculpture by Alonzo Hauser, and the pedestrian area around it, is being worked on. The project will eliminate the broad stairs so handicapped people can enjoy the park easier. The renovation will cost $750,000 and is set to by completed by the end of June. UPDATE: The park reopened over the summer. The stairs are gone and the sculpture repaired.
  37. ( My own addition to the list ) Legacy Park: William Hosko is promoting a plan to the city to build a park featuring a 800-foot tall tower with observation deck and restaurant. Formerly, plans for a river site fell apart, and now it is being proposed for the site where Sears operates, two blocks west of the Capitol. The plan looks doubtful at this point, but there is still a possibility. UPDATE: 99.9% chance it won't happen...unfortunately.