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A New Home for a Piece of Minnesota History
 Photos taken by Erik Cedarleaf Dahl
New Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum Opens at Camp Ripley
On Thursday evening, September 10, Minnesota veterans, community leaders, supporters, and museum partners gathered at Camp Ripley to celebrate the completion of the new Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum, a 40,000-square-foot facility dedicated to preserving and sharing Minnesota’s military history.
Among the museum’s many significant artifacts is one with a particularly strong connection to the Minnesota State Capitol: the U.S.S. Ward Gun #3.
The gun was mounted aboard the U.S.S. Ward and was manned by Minnesota Naval Reservists on the morning of December 7, 1941. The Ward fired on and sank a Japanese mini submarine hours before the attack on Pearl Harbor, making the gun an important artifact of the opening moments of American involvement in World War II. The actual gun—not a replica—was placed on the Capitol grounds in 1958 and remained there for 67 years.
In 2024, Minnesota Military & Veterans Museum Executive Director Randal Dietrich submitted an application to the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAAPB) seeking removal of the gun from the Capitol Mall and its relocation to the new museum. CAAPB worked closely with Mr. Dietrich, the Minnesota Department of Administration, and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs throughout the review and approval process.
On September 2, 2025, the gun was carefully removed from the Capitol grounds in a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. It will be restored and prepared for permanent indoor display at its new home near Camp Ripley.
Now, just one year later, visitors can once again see the U.S.S. Ward Gun—this time in a setting specifically designed to tell its story and preserve it for generations to come.
For CAAPB, the project represents an important example of how careful stewardship of the Capitol Mall’s commemorative works can connect Minnesota’s history to new opportunities for education and public engagement. The relocation allows this remarkable artifact to be protected from the elements while placing it alongside the stories, collections, and experiences of Minnesota veterans.
The U.S.S. Ward Gun has left the Capitol Mall, but its Minnesota story continues.
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Urban History Project Gets Underway
CAAPB kicked off its Urban History of Commemoration in the Capitol Area project, launching a year-long effort to explore how the Capitol Area’s history, landscape, and commemorative works have evolved over time.
The project team recently held its kickoff meeting with CAAPB staff to establish the project’s scope, research approach, and next steps. The work will examine the history of the Capitol Area—from its early development through major periods of urban growth and change—and consider how that history shaped the monuments and memorials found throughout the Capitol Mall today.
The project will result in a public-facing historical narrative, tours, and educational resources, along with research and data that can help inform future conversations about commemoration in the Capitol Area.
CAAPB looks forward to sharing what the project uncovers and creating new opportunities for Minnesotans to learn more about the history of the place where our state comes together.
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Medicare Changes Presentation
Medicare Open Enrollment happens every year from October 15 - December 7. This is the time when you should review your current Medicare plan and compare it with other plans. If you make changes, they will take effect on January 1 of the coming year.
To help understand the new changes, Minnesota Aging Pathways, together with Ramsey County Sheriff's Office and CAAPB, will be offering free presentations in October. You can find the details below or by clicking on the flyer. If you'd like to attend, please register by clicking this link or by contacting us via the information on the flyer.
Monday, October 5, 2026
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Capitol Commons
546 Rice Street, St. Paul, MN 55103
Monday, October 12, 2026
7:00 - 8:00 pm
Capitol Commons
546 Rice Street, St. Paul, MN 55103
Thursday, October 15, 2026
10:00 - 11:00 am
Capitol Commons
546 Rice Street, St. Paul, MN 55103
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Capitol Area Vitality Program Updates
The View from My Corner
"From my corner office at Capitol Commons, I get to watch one small part of the Capitol Area each day—but the progress and possibility extend far beyond what I can see from my windows.
As September begins, I am genuinely excited about what is taking shape throughout the communities we serve. Keep your eyes open, because you will soon start seeing some new artwork appearing around the area.
Beautification is one of our pillars and one I have a real personal interest in—even if I have no artistic talent or expertise whatsoever. What I do know is how I want people to feel when they spend time here.
I want residents to feel proud of where they live, businesses to feel supported and visitors to notice that something positive is happening. I want people to see the color, energy and improvements and understand that this community is cared for.
To me, beautification is about more than artwork, flowers or a fresh coat of paint. It creates pride and tells people that our neighborhoods are worthy of attention, creativity and continued investment.
We have some exciting projects ahead, and I cannot wait for you to see them.
There is plenty of work ahead, but the momentum is real. I believe deeply in this community and its people—and I want others to stop, take notice and believe in it too."
- Inspector Darin McDonald, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office
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More Than a Backpack
 As the new school year approached, we wanted to make sure children in the Capitol Area had what they needed to walk into school feeling prepared, confident, and ready to succeed.
Through our backpack giveaway at Capitol Commons, more than 250 new backpacks were given to school-aged children from our community. Each child had the opportunity to pick out a backpack they liked, and each one was filled with supplies needed for the school year.
We will continue checking in with students throughout the school year to make sure they have access to the resources, opportunities, and tools they need to be successful. We know that needs can change, and we want our children and families to know that Capitol Commons remains a place they can turn to for support and connection.
We are thankful for every partner, volunteer, and community member who helped make this giveaway possible.
A backpack may seem like a simple thing. But when it is filled with the right supplies, carried with pride, and followed by a community that continues to show up, it can be the beginning of something much greater.
Growing Community in Fitzgerald Neighborhood
 Spring blossomed in the Fitzgerald neighborhood—with a little help from some hardworking hands! Residents of Gallery Tower Condo welcomed the season with 17 planters built and delivered by the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office through the CAAPB/RSCO Safety and Vitality projects.
The community garden committee, pictured above, has been tending the planters throughout the season, growing a colorful bounty of flowers and fresh herbs to share with fellow residents. What started as a collection of planters has blossomed into a welcoming space for connection, conversation, and community.
A mid-summer garden gathering gave residents an opportunity to celebrate the garden, enjoy the fruits of their work, and recognize the support that made the project possible.
Projects like this do more than brighten a neighborhood. They create opportunities for residents and CAAPB/RSCO staff to connect and strengthen relationships. Like a garden taking root, these connections grow with care—creating new opportunities for community vitality to bloom.
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Saint Paul Port Authority Announces First Round of CORE Grant Award Recipients
Original article on Saint Paul Port Authority's website
"The Saint Paul Port Authority has announced recipients of the first round of funding through its CORE (Capitol Outreach for Revitalization & Expansion) Grant Program, awarding grants to four Capitol Area businesses for capital improvement projects that will modernize their facilities, enhance public safety and accessibility, and strengthen the surrounding neighborhood.
The inaugural round of CORE Grant awards supports improvements to restaurants, neighborhood retail businesses, and entertainment destinations that serve residents, employees, and visitors throughout the Capitol Area. Collectively, the projects will improve building conditions, reduce energy costs, enhance accessibility, expand business opportunities, and create safer and more inviting commercial corridors."
First Round CORE Grant Recipients:
- Mama Thai Kitchen
- Friendly Grocery and Meat Market
- Sam’s Market & Deli
- PAR Cade / Two Bit Game Room
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Fitzgerald Neighborhood Alliance Celebrates One-Year Anniversary
 The Fitzgerald Neighborhood Alliance recently marked its one-year anniversary on July 20th. What began in July 2025 as a small gathering of 12 neighbors meeting with the St. Paul Police Department at the Church of Scientology has since expanded into a completely volunteer-led coalition connecting over 175 local residents.
Dedicated to building a safer, more vibrant, and welcoming community, the Alliance facilitates ongoing dialogue between neighborhood residents and city leaders. Meetings have been hosted across the district by local partners, including the Celeste Hotel, the Fitzgerald Theater, 3D Wellness Endowment, the Pointe of St. Paul, and LaNoire Bridal. Neighborhood participation is essential to driving these projects forward—residents looking to get involved or join the contact list are encouraged to contact jennywelchatwork@gmail.com and attend community meetings.
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Get to Know Your Neighbors: Christ on Capitol Hill Lutheran Church
 Christ on Capitol Hill Lutheran Church remains committed to the Capitol Area community by investing inside and outside the building and by engaging in activities throughout the neighborhood.
Pastor Peter Weston Miller shares, "Our vision right now is about bridging the beautiful historic nature of our building while also making it more welcoming and public-facing for the ever-emerging good work of the neighborhood. We hope to start restoration any day on the exterior of the building: rebuilding the grand staircase, front porch on Park Street, fascia and facade. But we are also investing in the interior of our space with better signage, more modern design, and user-friendly tech updates to better serve a variety of worshipping communities and bustling local non-profits."
Community activities continue, including Shobi's Table pay-as-you-can food truck (every Tuesday at 12pm at Christ on Capitol Hill) and an effort to regularly convene the nonprofits and interested businesses of Rice Street. They are continuing to host outside groups in the basement of the sanctuary, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Pastor Peter adds, "Christ on Capitol Hill has a big heart for hospitality, and we regularly open our sanctuary, restrooms, and fellowship hall for large rallies or gatherings to pray, to rest, or to enjoy a cup of coffee. It's been a lot of fun to meet and join the people here as we seek to be a tree of life in the city, a refuge and a shelter for the community, as well as a place to convene stories, share our voices, and organize to make the world a better place for all."
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Meet CAAP Board Members!
Ellen Anderson
Hello, it’s great to meet you! I am Ellen Anderson, and I am excited to serve on the CAAPB and share my skills and experience with the community.
I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a B.S. in architecture, and one of my favorite parts of that training was learning how the designed environment influences people’s lives and builds opportunities to connect. I’ve used those lessons throughout my career in communications and government, including more than a decade of work in the Capitol area with the Minnesota Senate, Minnesota Management and Budget, and the Minnesota Governor’s Office.
In my current role as Chief of Staff at the Minnesota Department of Transportation, I provide strategic agency leadership for more than 5,000 MnDOT employees in Saint Paul and across the state. I oversee communications, engagement, civil rights, equity, and organizational planning for the agency and help advocate for transportation and planning projects at the state and federal level. A big part of my job at MnDOT is helping people get connected to the right program or person across state government — that’s a skill that has also been helpful to my work on the board and something I hope to do more of as we continue to work together.
Coming to work every day at the Capitol and surrounding area is an honor, especially as I think about the generations of my family who have lived and worked in this city. I’m proud to carry on their legacy and continue to serve my community as a member of the CAAPB.
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Upcoming Events
Medicare Changes Presentations (register here)
Monday, October 5, 12pm - 1pm, Capitol Commons (546 Rice St)
Monday, October 12, 7pm - 8pm, Capitol Commons (546 Rice St)
Thursday, October 15, 10am - 11am, Capitol Commons (546 Rice St)
Open Hours
Wednesdays - Fridays, 11am - 1pm, Capitol Commons (546 Rice St)
Como Place Sports Camp
Tuesdays, 4:30pm - 6pm, Como Place Apartments (195 Edmund Ave)
Chess Club
Wednesdays, 4:30pm - 6:30pm, Capitol Commons (546 Rice St)
Button Mashers
Thursdays, 4pm - 6pm, Capitol Commons (546 Rice St)
Free Community Meal
Fridays, 11:30am - 1pm, Capitol Commons Back Parking Lot (546 Rice St)
More fall events at Capitol Commons will be announced soon! Follow them on Facebook to stay up to date on all local activities.
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If you have any questions, please reach out to CAAPB or our partners:
CAAPB Staff | Office: 651-757-1500
Erik Cedarleaf Dahl, Executive Secretary
Peter Musty, Principal Planner & Zoning Administrator
Jessie Hughes, Office and Administrative Support
Ramsey County Sheriff's Office
Inspector Darin McDonald, Project Lead
Saint Paul Port Authority | Office: 651-224-5686
Use this link to email questions about grants
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