Partners Form Revitalization Framework

Capital City Partnership's first priority was to create strong partnerships to facilitate an organized approach to the city's revitalization. The Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework, published in 1997, was created to answer the need for a compelling, unified vision for the downtown core connected to its Mississippi Riverfront and serve as a compass to guide future development. This urban framework is built on the understanding that a high quality of life and the ability to balance community needs give the city a powerful, competitive advantage.

Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework

The focus was to develop Saint Paul as a vibrant, healthy riverfront downtown that is an attractive place for people to live, work, play, and shop. This requires a strong partnership between the public and private sectors, and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Each organization involved in developing the Framework brings a particular expertise on economic development, planning, marketing, and implementation. The collaboration has evolved and matured over the past ten years and the partners continue to pledge their commitment to the ongoing revitalization of the Capital City.

The goals and objectives in the Framework derive from a set of 10 guiding principles. Together, the principles signify a more holistic approach to city building. The adoption of the principles has guided major reinvestment in the core area.

Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework
Principles of City Building

1. Evoke a sense of place
   
2. Restore/establish the unique urban ecology
   
3. Invest in the public realm
   
4. Broaden the mix of uses
   
5. Improve connectivity
   
6. Ensure that buildings support broader city building goals
   
7. Build on existing strengths
   
8. Preserve and enhance heritage resources
   
9. Provide a balanced network for movement
   
10. Foster public safety

Framework Vision Continues

In 2007, the Framework was updated with a new chapter outlining principles for the National Great River Park, calling for river valley development that is more natural, more urban, and more connected.
It will guide the next phase of riverfront rebirth along Saint Paul’s entire 17-mile stretch of the Mississippi and will help position the Mississippi River as a regional asset of national significance.

Each organization involved in developing the Framework brings a particular expertise on economic development, planning, marketing, and implementation. The collaboration has evolved over the past 10 years, and the partners continue to pledge their commitment to work together on the city’s redevelopment priorities for the downtown of the 21st century based on their respective missions. This allows the key stakeholders to reaffirm the principles of the Framework and recommit the leadership and vision necessary to continue with the same fortitude, collaboration, and focus for the next phase of revitalization for Saint Paul.