INPUTiD: Themes, ideas and more
Between January and June of this year, more than 125 comments were posted on the INPUTiD Station Area Planning interactive map. Most comments were centralized around the river crossing, St. Clair and Grand Avenue stations, as well as Kellogg Boulevard. Common themes included the amount of space a streetcar would require on the Highway 5 bridge, suggestions on how traffic should flow with a streetcar present, positive reactions to a route "where the people are,” concern with the alignment of St. Clair Avenue to West 7th Street, elevation options around Grand Avenue and right-of-way opportunities throughout the corridor. These comments can be found in the six-month engagement report at RiverviewCorridor.com.
Station Area Planning begins in Highland
On September 13, the Station Area Planning Task Force toured the planned station areas in the Highland neighborhood to identify potential redevelopment opportunities and discuss ways to improve station access and safety. The station areas on West 7th Street at Davern Street, St. Paul Avenue, Homer Street and Montreal Avenue include a mix of retail and industrial buildings, multi- and single-family housing and natural area at the bottom of the bluff. Having a reliable transportation option, like the Riverview Corridor Modern Streetcar, provides a great way to connect people to these places and beyond.
To help us develop plans to guide future growth in and around these four station areas, tell us how you experience the neighborhoods around these planned stations by filling out the station area planning survey. Thanks for your help.
Enhanced transit is on the move
Enhanced transit has much to offer our community. It supports sustainable development, boosts mobility for residents, businesses and workers, and drives economic opportunities, particularly in low-income neighborhoods. Enhanced transit improves connections to jobs, education, health care, recreational and activity centers.
Selected in December of 2017 as the Locally Preferred Alternative, the Riverview Corridor modern streetcar qualifies as enhanced transit. Streetcar priorities include compatibility with the Blue and Green Lines, flexibility to run in its own right-of-way like light rail or in shared lanes with traffic with greater capacity, transporting more passengers than a bus and accessibility with level boarding to walk or roll directly onto the streetcar.
In support of key project goals, the modern streetcar transit benefits include:
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Reduced carbon emissions for healthier living
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Reduced road congestion for less frustration
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Improved productivity for riders
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Greater equity for our community
By investing in infrastructure and modernizing our transit options, we’re laying the groundwork for long-term equitable economic growth and job creation, and enhancing transit for a happier, healthier community.
Streetcars in action
Many people may not be familiar with modern streetcars and how they operate in shared lanes with cars and trucks. Watch a brief video to learn about the flexibility and unique features of modern streetcars.
Café Astoria is getting even more delicious
Touted as one of the most Instagram-able places in Saint Paul, Café Astoria, delights customers with savory crêpes, mouthwatering pastries, signature lattes and everything in between. Located in the historic Paulina building on West 7th Street, customers know they’ve got a real local gem in the neighborhood. As residents of West 7th, owners, operators and chefs John Occhiato and Leah Raymundo are thoroughly committed to the neighborhood. They strive to create a warm comfortable place for people to relax, work and socialize.
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If that’s not enough of an enticement, Café Astoria is growing its family of neighborhood restaurants. Sister restaurant, Stella Belle, opened in 2021. Now merged with Café Astoria and just around the corner, Stella Belle offers Mediterranean-inspired foods and all-day breakfast. Recently, the owners expanded with a modern Filipino-inspired restaurant in Saint Paul on Selby Avenue. Kalsada (aka “street” in Filipino) is a modern restaurant serving the food of chef Leah Raymundo’s native Philippines. This ‘Cafe Astoria West’ restaurant exemplifies Filipino soul with a Minnesota heart during the day and then again at night. The evening table service features a full dinner menu stacked with shareable dishes and a full bar stocked with some fun tropical cocktails
 Stella Belle Kitchen & Bakery
30 years and still shining
 Photo courtesy of Mall of America
The Mall of America opened its doors in 1992 with 330 stores and over 10,000 employees. 30 years later, it’s one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, attracting more than 40 million visitors annually and generating over $2 billion a year in economic impact for Minnesota. Today, the mall has over 520 stores, 50 restaurants and more fun than anyone could imagine. When not shopping, eating and wandering around with wonder, visitors can take in an amusement park with a roller coaster or a 1.2-million-gallon aquarium with sharks, stingrays and giant sea turtles. Mall of America has plans to expand later this year to include a water park
Photo courtesy of Mall of America and the City of Bloomington
With the expansion of the Mall of America, the Riverview Corridor modern streetcar’s planned 12-mile connection is even more exciting. From the MSP International Airport and downtown Saint Paul, it will make it easier for locals and visitors to enjoy all that our great big mall has to offer.
Summer may have gotten off to a slow start, but the art team has been busy promoting and providing information on the project corridor. It was wonderful to meet so many neighbors and be a part of so many amazing activities. Thanks to all who participated.
St. Paul Saints: Take me out to the ballgame—there are still some home games to enjoy at CHS Field. The team is in its first season as the Minnesota Twins' new Triple-A squad. Get your tickets today.
Yoga at Union Depot: FREE yoga sessions every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday taught by Studio 9 to 5 instructors. Union Depot’s grand setting and beautiful views make this a special experience. Schedule your session today.
Saint Paul Farmers’ Market: Fabulously fresh food, flowers and fun continues into September. Enjoy the downtown market every Saturday and Sunday. For details visit Saint Paul Farmer's Market.
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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