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The Riverview Corridor is an area we can all be proud to call our own. Stretching from Union Depot in downtown Saint Paul all the way to Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport and Mall of America, there is no end to what you can discover. Diverse art and culture. River-rich vistas. Endless entertainment options. And great restaurants. Each quarter, this newsletter will celebrate all that can be found along this vibrant corridor.
 Stay in the Know
The upcoming Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting is July 15, from 9 -11:30 a.m. The committee will review acceptance of the Purpose and Need based on the additional input from the community and consultant team.
June 23, from 6 - 8 p.m., is your opportunity to learn more about the Riverview Corridor Modern Streetcar project. It’s also a chance to tell us what you think. Register today for our virtual open house.
  A modern streetcar is a form of rail transit that operates on tracks, in both shared use (with traffic) and dedicated lanes. Compared to light rail, modern streetcars tend to be smaller with stations spaced closer together. The Riverview Modern Streetcar will mostly run in dedicated lanes, with planned stops about one mile apart. It will share tracks with the METRO Blue Line (south of the Mississippi River) and the METRO Green Line (in downtown Saint Paul). Many cities around the country and world have modern streetcar lines, but Riverview will be the Twin Cities’ first.
The locally preferred alternative for the Riverview Corridor, approved by the Policy Advisory Committee in December 2017, operates on State Highway 5 (West 7th Street) connecting downtown Saint Paul, its neighborhoods, MSP International Airport and Mall of America. Factors contributing to the selection of this preferred alternative include:
- Reduced traffic impacts with shared use lanes.
- Additional space for other modes of transportation and parking.
- Need to improve transit service over existing bus service.
- Direct access to local destinations.
- Ability to serve future ridership demand, especially those who rely on transit.
- Potential to attract new riders.
- Accessibility of service to people with disabilities.
- Improvement to regional competitiveness through the buildout of a regional network.
- Incentives for development and reinvestment in the community.
We will continue to analyze the modern streetcar alternative to determine its ability to fit the unique needs of the corridor while meeting the project’s revised “Purpose and Need.” To learn more, view a video about modern streetcars.
 A river view
As the city of Saint Paul has more shoreline along the Mississippi than any other American city—26 miles, in fact—Riverview Corridor is aptly named. Following along the Mississippi, this important transit corridor connects downtown Saint Paul and Mall of America in Bloomington as well as Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport.
The “Mighty Mississippi” continues towards Fort Snelling, converging with the Minnesota River. The confluence of these two great rivers, Bdote, is one of the most powerfully historic landscapes in the Twin Cities. Although the Mississippi no longer plays the central commercial role it once did in the lives of Saint Paul’s residents, the city owes its existence to the river. Without it, Saint Paul would not have grown into an industrial age shipping hub, nor would it have likely become the capital of the “North Star State.”
 Exciting new bar and music venue
 Things got a little wild at 974 West 7th with the June 1 opening of The White Squirrel. Named after the unofficial neighborhood mascot (aka Kevin), this intimate bar is a tasty place for residents, visitors and local musicians eager to showcase their talents. Since moving to the West 7th neighborhood, owner Jarret Oulman has seen the appetite for original local music grow and has worked hard throughout the pandemic to get everything ‘just right’ for the opening. Oulman saw this as another beginning in his long-term vision for the neighborhood—an opportunity for increased foot traffic and a street bustling with activity, particularly as early studies show a streetcar stop at Randolph and West 7th. The White Squirrel has indoor seating for 55 and an outdoor patio for 25. Learn more about the opening.
 Create it and they will come
Ramsey County has engaged a team of professionals to encourage community involvement with the Riverview Corridor Modern Streetcar. The selected team includes two local artists who specialize in community engagement through artistic means—Mica Lee Anders and Seitu Jones. Mica and Seitu have embarked on an artist call and are currently working on developing arts-based engagement opportunities for community interaction. Their work inspires community participation by meeting people where they are, listening closely, then reflecting what they have heard and observed. Whether through a shared community meal or a striking mosaic, they’re known for making art both accessible and personal.
Mica and Seitu’s installation at the Dale Street bridge over I-94.
What's your Riverview story?
If you have an upcoming event, a great story idea or interesting news you’d like to see in “Riverview Streets,” email us at info@riverviewcorridor.com
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