 2022: Power to the community
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The last 12 months have been very busy for the Riverview Corridor Modern Streetcar project. At many events throughout the year, we listened to your concerns. We were inspired by your enthusiasm. We took your feedback to heart. It’s what powers our quest to ensure a community-driven path moving forward. Here’s a recap of some of our engagement efforts:
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In an online survey in February and March, the Riverview Corridor team received feedback from bicyclists and pedestrians about their experience crossing the Mississippi River on the Highway 5 bridge. Nearly 600 responses were collected. This information will be used to help choose design features for a future pathway. See an overview of the survey results.
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The Station Area Planning Task Force (SAPTF) went on two walking tours of West 7th Street, visiting the Grand Ave. and Kellogg Blvd. area in April and the Highland Park stations between the I-35E interchange and the Mississippi River in September. The purpose of visiting the proposed station areas was to identify areas of potential redevelopment and take note of traffic conditions, the pedestrian environment and other unique characteristics to consider in planning for these station areas.
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Throughout the summer months, the Riverview Corridor team was out in the community at several public events, including a Highland bike event and the Sibley Manor food event in June. Our team participated in the Highland Park Transportation Fair in August and made an appearance at the Friedli Art Gallery in September. In the fall, the project team went door-to-door visiting businesses along west 7th Street and in downtown Saint Paul to raise project awareness and collect feedback about streetcar routing options. We also released a short video about streetcars. Many people may not be familiar with how they operate in shared lanes with cars and trucks. The video details the flexibility and unique features of modern streetcars.
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We continue to receive numerous comments and suggestions via the interactive map. If you haven’t already, please share your questions, comments and feedback on the planned route and station areas. The more you share, the more it helps us plan a truly desirable and practical public transit option.
We anticipate 2023 to be another busy year of community engagement as we continue to seek feedback on concept design alternatives and prospective station areas.
Smooth sailing on West 7th Street
A pavement resurfacing project will smooth out the rough edges while improving safety along Hwy 5/West 7th Street in Saint Paul from Munster Avenue to St. Clair Avenue in 2027. In 2028, MnDOT is planning to continue the project moving east on Hwy 5/West 7th Street between St. Clair Avenue and Olive Street, near downtown Saint Paul. MnDOT has started public engagement and will continue throughout the entire project.
Get involved in the transportation decision-making process and share your transportation experiences online by completing a survey or adding your ideas to an interactive map on the project webpage.
Coordination with the Riverview Corridor Modern Streetcar is happening over the duration of this project. Look for one or both teams at future engagement events.
Yep, palm trees on West 7th Street
Purpose Restaurants, the team behind local favorite Hope Breakfast Bar and The Gnome Craft Pub, has stepped up to plate with a spectacular addition to their portfolio. Meet The Apostle Supper Club at the active intersection of Kellogg Boulevard and West 7th Street. This intriguing new restaurant, with an outpost in Duluth, serves up supper club fare like a Tomahawk pork chop with lemon capers, ox tail chili and fried fish served with a lemon and vinegar powder. You’ll enjoy tasty delights like this in a cool, mid-century Palm Springs meets Saint Paul style environment that includes a piano lounge and tiki bar. Plus, there’s more to come with ambitions to create a hearty outdoor experience year-round on its’ patio which may include ice bars, a skating rink, movie nights and more.
A quick hop on the Riverview Corridor Modern Streetcar could make it easier to get a quick pregame cocktail or enjoy a piano side sing-along or cozy up next to a fireplace lounge at the Apostle Supper Club.
Nyob Zoo Xyoo Tshiab (Happy New Year)
The Riverview Corridor engagement team participated in events large and small to provide awareness and listen to how the community uses West 7th Street and public transit.
Some of our smaller events have focused on listening sessions of various people who live with or work directly with our community elders and others who may have more challenges getting around. Our largest event to date, the 42nd Annual Minnesota Hmong New Year Celebration, was held Nov. 26 and 27 at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. This is one of the two largest Hmong New Year celebrations in the country. Our table was visited by the young and old alike – thanks to the assistance of an interpreter, those who provided comments talked about experiences from the perspective of using public transit as a new immigrant to Minnesota.
The Riverview Corridor team will continue to participate in events throughout the winter. Follow us on social media for event updates and share your ideas for engagement with Kevin Roggenbuck, Senior Transportation Planner for Ramsey County.
Fall focus group at Friedli Gallery
Heather Friedli graciously opened the doors of her gallery on West 7th Street to neighbors and local business owners for an enhanced transit focus group. A steady buzz of cars, emergency vehicles and a bus or two provided grounding for a productive conversation with the Riverview Corridor team about the modern streetcar project. Some comments at the Fall focus group included:
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Would like a rail transit connection to MSP Airport so I don’t have to continue using Uber.
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Traffic on West 7th Street goes too fast.
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We loved using transit in Portland OR and have been waiting for better transit on West 7th Street, a streetcar would be fun to use.
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Like where the proposed stations are but concerned about the loss of on-street parking at the stations.
- Would like to take a streetcar to Union Depot and connect to the Amtrak service.
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Would prefer a heritage-style streetcar because instead of modern ones looking like the light rail. Older styles could have a better fit with the historic buildings along West 7th Street.
- It can be intimidating to put a bike on a bus rack, but it would be easier to roll a bike on a streetcar.
- In the future, I’d like to see a connection running down Randolph Avenue to western Saint Paul.
- Feels like the bus system is not convenient. Infrequent riders struggle to get familiar with bus stop locations and the various lettered routes are confusing.
- BRT service is better than a local bus but not as good as a streetcar.
- Hope that the streetcar will travel more slowly for better accessibility and on/off options for easier access to businesses. The Green Line runs so fast, it feels like neighborhoods and businesses are being bypassed.
Saturdays through Feb. 26 | Twin City Model Railroad Museum
For more than 80 years, the Twin City Model Railroad Museum has created replica displays of trains and depots. Watch the tracks illuminate at this annual family event. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Keg & Case Holiday Market
Wednesdays - Sundays through Dec. 23 | Saint Paul
The holidays are just around the corner and what better place to shop local than at the Holiday Market at Keg & Case. Located on the grounds of the iconic Schmidt Brewery, Keg & Case offers a community hub for businesses and shoppers alike. From eateries to a craft beer brewery to a uniquely curated market. Don't miss your chance to experience an eclectic vibe.
Weekends, Dec. 9 - 18, | Circus Juventas
Bring the magic of circus to your yuletide celebrations with Solstice —the third annual holiday performance from Circus Juventas. This Cirque du Soleil-style performance will have you cheering for winter. From the opening candle-lit procession filling the darkness in honor of Santa Lucia, to the glittering snow-cascading finale, Circus Juventas will take audiences on a Nordic-inspired adventure that celebrates all seasons.
European Christmas Market
Weekends through Dec. 19, | Union Depot
This European-inspired, open-air market and magical Christmas Village at Union Depot is the only authentic Christmas Market in Minnesota running through the advent season. Shop for handmade European crafts, unique gifts from local vendors, or drink Glühwein (spiced mulled wine) and taste all of the European-inspired delicacies.
Now through Jan. 1, | CHS Field Saint Paul
The GLOW Holiday Festival brings this captivating holiday tradition and must-see wintertime attraction to CHS Field for more even bigger and brighter holiday fun. Stroll through over a million lights, sElfie Plaza, Enchanted Forest, Bright Bikes, Tremendous Tree and so much more. For tickets visit Glow Holiday.
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Jan. 26 – Feb. 5 | Downtown Saint Paul
From beard growing and cat showings to ice fishing and ice carvings, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival has something for everyone. In fact, it’s an annual favorite. Be sure to check out some of the Winter Carnival activities.
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Apr. 8 | Saint Paul
Good news for history buffs. Fort Snelling is open this winter. Stop in 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s lots to see and do, including touring the museum, museum store and seeing the restored 1905 cavalry barracks, which is now the new visitor center. Check it out.
There’s always something to do at the Mall of America. Be sure to check out the Community Commons for shopping, with a focus on supporting small, BIPOC-owned businesses. In early 2023, MOA will also host the Museum of Illusions which will feature more than 70 interactive exhibits, with optical illusions.
The Riverview Corridor would like your feedback. What makes this area unique for you? What are your favorite features? What questions do you have for us? Your input is valuable to our team.
We would be happy to come and speak to your association, company or housing group. If interested, please contact Kevin Roggenbuck, Senior Transportation Planner via email or phone 651-403-3092 and be sure to check out our latest fact sheet.
If you have an upcoming event, a great story idea or interesting news you’d like to see in the next ‘Riverview Streets,’ email us at info@riverviewcorridor.com.
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