Shaping Saint Paul's Future

Saint Paul has undergone a remarkable renaissance over the past 14 years. The momentum is continuing, and the city-building vision for the future is strong. Many development projects have been identified that will spur economic development in the city. Following is a selected list of future projects:

CENTRAL CORRIDOR – Design plans have been ap- proved for the 11-mile, $1 billion Central Corridor Light-Rail transit line that will connect downtown Saint Paul, the State Capitol, the University of Minnesota, and downtown Minneapolis. This project will help position Saint Paul as a regional transit hub and will increase jobs, housing, and visitors to downtown Saint Paul. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2010, with an estimated completion date of 2014.

LIGHT RAIL MAINTENANCE FACILITY – A state-of-the-art light rail maintenance facility will be located on a portion of the former Diamond Products site.

SAINT PAUL SAINTS BALLPARK – The Saint Paul Saints and the City of Saint Paul are exploring the feasibility of developing a $35 million, community ballpark in Lowertown. This downtown ballpark will be a state and regional center for youth, amateur, and Saints Baseball that will draw users from all over the State of Minnesota and the region.

UNION DEPOT AND DOWNTOWN POST OFFICE – The 12-acre U.S. Postal Service site and Union Depot will be redeveloped into a regional multi-modal transportation hub for commuter rail, light rail, high-speed commuter rail to and from Chicago, buses, and an Amtrak pas- senger terminal.

4TH AND CEDAR – The redevelopment of 4th and Cedar will create an activity area where light rail and bus transit converge.

LAFAYETTE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT – Design concepts are being developed for replacement of the aging Lafayette Bridge, which presents an opportunity to redesign the Mississippi River’s gateway to the Capital City. Construction will begin in 2011 for this $185 million investment, with completion scheduled for 2014.

EXPANDING VENUES The proposed McKnight Theatre renovation would transform the underused 300-seat theatre into an 1100-seat concert hall.

Focus on Housing New housing projects continue to be developed for downtown Saint Paul. 1) The Penfield/Lund’s project will rede- velop the former Public Safety Building into new housing and super market. 2) Redevelopment of the Ramsey County Riverfront Properties would provide a key linkage to the riverfront. 3) West Side Flats housing is proposed on a 45-acre site across the Mississippi River from downtown.

MCKNIGHT THEATRE RENOVATION – The Arts Partner- ship comprised of The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, The Schubert Club, Minnesota Opera and Ordway Center for the Performing Arts are currently in the fundraising phase for a $35 million renovation of the McKnight Theatre. Plans include transforming the underused 300-seat theatre into an 1100-seat concert hall, which will alleviate the scheduling pressures in the Main Hall and provide much greater community opportunities.

RAMSEY COUNTY RIVERFRONT PROPERTIES – The vision for the former Ramsey County Adult Detention Center and adjacent office building include a $200 million mixed-use project including a Class A office tower, hotel, and housing development.

WEST SIDE FLATS – A proposed $64 million mixed- use project on a 45-acre site will consist of residential, commercial, entertainment, and recreations uses. This project will help revitalize the downtown riverfront and connect to downtown.

PENFIELD/LUND’S – Redevelopment of the former Public Safety Building includes plans for a $88 million, mixed-use development including 208 housing units, a new hotel, a Lund’s grocery store, commercial and retail space, and easy access to the proposed Central Corridor light-rail line.

FORD MOTOR COMPANY REDEVELOPMENT – Ford has decided to keep its truck plant located on the east bank of the Mississippi River in the Highland Park neighborhood open until at least 2011. A development framework is being created to redevelop this 125-acre site if Ford closes the plant at that time.

SEVEN CORNERS – Phase 1 of this proposed mixed-use redevelopment at Cleveland Circle includes street level retail and commercial tenants, restaurants, a possible museum, and a state-of-the-art community ice rink for youth activities in partnership with the Minnesota Wild. This project will help connect the Xcel Energy Center with downtown and West 7th Street.