February meetings recap
At their meeting on February 17, the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) provided comments on the Blue Line/Riverview Connection Study that is underway, heard updates and provided feedback on the development of the downtown and West 7th Street segments, station area planning, community engagement and cultural resources work. A summary of the CAC meeting is posted to the Riverview project website. The CAC is comprised of area residents, business owners and commuters and their purpose is to provide a community-level perspective on project design, environmental analysis and community engagement opportunities to the Policy Advisory Committee.
The Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) convened on February 24. The PAC also reviewed presentations given to the CAC as well as the concept designs being considered at the Highway 5 river crossing and along segments of West 7th Street. PAC members considered public comments to studying river crossings other than the Highway 5 bridge. A summary of the PAC meeting will be posted to the Riverview project website. The PAC includes elected and appointed officials from communities in the study area and representatives from key partner agencies. The PAC provides overall guidance and direction for the project.
Calling bicyclists and pedestrians
We're seeking feedback from bicyclists and pedestrians regarding safe and effective ways to cross the Mississippi River at the Highway 5 (West 7th Street) bridge, which is part of the Riverview Corridor Modern Streetcar project.
Please take a few moments to complete a brief online survey by March 25 and share it with others who may be interested. Take the bike and pedestrian survey
Sláinte
“slawn-che” = “Cheers” in Irish
The Irish design of the ‘claddagh’ depicted in the Claddagh Coffee sign signifies friendship, loyalty and love. Image courtesy Claddagh Coffee
In August of 2011, Mary Hogan-Bard made her dream to own a favorite neighborhood coffee shop come true with Claddagh Coffee on West 7th Street, and it’s been a popular community hangout in the corridor ever since. Their house special, The Claddagh, is a dreamy drink featuring Irish cream, dark chocolate, espresso and steamed milk.
After graduating from the University of Saint Thomas, enjoying extensive travel and, of course, time managing Claddagh Coffee, daughter Molly Bard was ready to follow her own passion. Ignited by her mother’s success, Molly opened Emerald Lounge right next door to Claddagh Coffee. Sharing a kitchen with Claddagh Coffee, Emerald Lounge offers many tasty dishes, like braised pork shank and shrimp & grits. Add delectable desserts and drinks and you’ve got a recipe for a truly refreshing way to end the day.
May the road rise up to meet you . . . morning, noon and night.
Emerald Lounge, now open 4:00 - 10:00 p.m., Wednesday - Sunday at 455 7th Street West, Saint Paul. Image courtesy Emerald Lounge
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 Drink in the history
Saint Paul’s West 7th Street is the oldest commercial corridor in the state of Minnesota. That distinction comes with quite a history. It was originally a historic Native American and fur trading path along the Mississippi River, from downtown Saint Paul to Fort Snelling. It then became a diverse neighborhood of immigrants, bringing together several different cultures to the area over the years. The first wave of immigrants was mostly Germans, who built several breweries in the area, like the Schmidt Brewing Company. During the 1880s, large populations of Irish immigrants arrived.
Small independent businesses line West 7th Street with great food, beverages and experiences. That includes Summit Brewing, Bad Weather Brewing Company, Waldmann Brewery & Wurstery and Vine Park Brewing, the first Hmong-owned brewery in the U.S. And of course, there is no shortage of Irish pubs. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, be sure to stop in at one along the corridor.
 Plan for progress
There are two noteworthy groups dedicated to achieving successful outcomes in the Riverview Corridor.
- The Station Area Planning team creates plans for the potential growth and development opportunities for each station area along the Riverview Corridor. The team reviews each area for potential stops, evaluating the potential impact while also providing a vision to help each station area thrive. These transit plans are intended to guide the next 20 plus years of development.
- The Station Area Planning Task Force helps to guide the development of station area plans and future land uses within walking distance (1/2 mile, generally) of Riverview Corridor Modern Streetcar stations within Saint Paul. The Task Force will forward recommendations to the Policy Advisory Committee for approval prior to forwarding the plans to the City of Saint Paul’s Planning Commission. Once amended, the plans will be integrated into the city’s comprehensive plan.
Station area planning is a collaborative process to develop a vision for each station area to thrive as a result of the transit investment. Here is a summary of the most recent survey results regarding the St. Clair, Randolph and Otto Avenue stations area completed by the Task Force.
 The art of inclusivity
Heather Friedli opened Friedli Gallery and Studio on West 7th Street (across from Keg and Case) in 2020. With the mission to be an inclusive gallery and community space, the gallery features artists in several mediums, like textiles, ceramics, photography, paintings and more. There are also engaging activities to be found, such as monthly exhibitions, classes and community events.
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Friedli is best known for contemporary impressionist oil paintings depicting her heritage and the land. She is a first-generation descendant of the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians and has family legacy with the Indigenous peoples of Sonora, Mexico. Originally from Los Angeles, Heather now lives in Saint Paul with her husband and two sons. In addition to Friedli’s paintings, she has been sculpting snow for the past 14+ years. In fact, she was part of the first all-woman, all-Anishinaabe snow sculpting team to participate at the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. The team created a large-scale Native American “jingle dress.” The jingle dress originates from Ojibwe traditions to heal those who were sick during the 1918 flu pandemic. The snow sculpture was an opportunity to represent healing in today’s world.
Above: Friedli Gallery and Studio. Images courtesy of Heather Friedli
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 Left: Jingle Dress at the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. Right: Summer Breezes by Heather Friedli
 Red Cross National Blood Donor Month: There’s a critical need for blood. Thankfully, the corridor offers many donation spots, from the Mary Coultrap Johnson Blood and Platelet Donation Center to the Mall of America, where there will be a blood drive on Thursday, Mar. 31, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For more locations, contact the Red Cross.
Landmark Center: Enjoy an Irish Day of Dance on Sunday, Mar. 13 and a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on Thursday, Mar. 17. And if that’s not exciting enough, experience Ballet Tuesdays featuring free ballet performances and demonstrations. Visit the Landmark Center website for details.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade: The Saint Paul St. Patrick’s Day parade starts at noon on Thursday, Mar. 17 at Rice Park. And don’t forget the post-parade party at CHS Field. The Saint Paul Parade is presented by the St. Patrick’s Association.
Blue Line/Riverview Connection Open House: Learn more about the Blue Line/Riverview Connection Study and register. Join us for a virtual open house on Thursday, Mar. 31 from 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. The Blue Line/Riverview Connection Study is an 18-month-long study to create a community-focused, equitable transit vision for the greater Highland Park area.
March Madness: Cheer on your favorite teams at one of the many fine establishments along the corridor, like Joe & Stan's Pub & Grill , Tom Reid’s Hockey City Pub and Station 81 Drink & Eatery in Union Depot. And don’t forget some of the many sports bars at the Mall of America, like Cadillac Ranch and Wahlburgers.
 For additional questions about Riverview Corridor, check out the FAQ section.
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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