A bold approach to further density, vitality and desirability
The Saint Paul Downtown Alliance, in partnership with public and private stakeholders, created a Downtown Investment Strategy to dramatically increase density, vitality and desirability in downtown Saint Paul.
Working collaboratively to achieve this vision, the Alliance and its partners are focusing efforts on three priority areas:
- Converting under-utilized office space into housing
- Investing in pedestrian-oriented streetscape improvements
- Advancing downtown Saint Paul’s most strategic redevelopment opportunities
The strategy was announced in March 2024.
Read the strategy report.
Tracking progress
As of November 2024, the Alliance and its partners have made several advancements in alignment with the Downtown Investment Strategy
OFFICE-TO-RESIDENTIAL CONVERSIONS
On November 13, the Alliance shared the results of a recently completed study that analyzed the feasibility of converting several downtown office buildings into residential units.
Conducted by architecture and design firm Gensler, the study evaluated the compatibility of 20 commercial properties as office-to-residential conversions.
Buildings were identified by the Alliance and analyzed based on five key criteria for successful conversions: overall floor plate; size and form; services such as loading, parking and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; facade and window design; and contextual elements like walkability, transit and natural light.
- 10 buildings were identified as strong potential candidates for a successful conversion. Converting these buildings could create an estimated 3,951 new residential units.
- Six properties were identified as potential candidates.
- Four properties were identified as unlikely candidates.
All buildings would require additional study to fully determine feasibility.
View the study results.
Construction is currently underway on two office-to-residential conversions in downtown Saint Paul at the former Ecolab University and Landmark Tower buildings. Additionally, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter proposed a $1 million investment in permit fee waivers to facilitate two office-to-residential conversion projects annually as part of the City’s 2025 budget.
PUBLIC REALM ENHANCEMENT
The Saint Paul City Council approved an expansion of the Downtown Improvement District to cover all of downtown effective Jan. 1, 2025, which will enhance existing safety strategies.
Construction began in July on Pedro Park at the corner of 10th St. E and Robert St. N.
Nearly $250 million of street repairs and infrastructure improvements are underway across downtown by the City of Saint Paul and Minnesota Department of Transportation.
PREDEVELOPMENT EFFORTS
Metro Transit issued a request for proposals for the Central Station block this summer.
Ramsey County is advancing schematic design for the Park at RiversEdge.
Planning conversations are underway for an enhanced entertainment district tying the Xcel Energy Center to the core of downtown.
Developing the strategy
Work on the Downtown Investment Strategy began in early 2023 and involved market and economic analyses, stakeholder outreach and community engagement. The final report with strategy recommendations was released in March 2024.
Urban strategy consulting firm James Lima Planning + Development (JLP+D) worked alongside the Alliance, City of Saint Paul and the Steering Committee to develop the strategy. Additional support was provided by Perkins+Will and NEOO Partners.