RELEASE: Coleman task force: Build on downtown’s momentum

March 28, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Sara Swenson, Marketing & Public Relations Manager                       
City of Saint Paul                                                                    
Department of Planning & Economic Development               
sara.swenson@ci.stpaul.mn.us
651-266-6575 (office); 651-387-2343 (cell)

Mike Brown, VP Marketing and Communications
GREATER MSP
mike.brown@greatermsp.org
651-287-1347 (office); 651-408-3900 (cell)

Coleman task force: Build on downtown’s momentum
Site planning scenarios and opportunities illustrated for key redevelopment sites

SAINT PAUL – At his State of the City address last year, Mayor Chris Coleman announced the establishment of a task force charged with understanding the potential of key redevelopment sites in downtown Saint Paul and exploring the highest, best and most practical uses for the sites. Today, that group released its discoveries.

Led by Ecolab CEO Doug Baker and GREATER MSP CEO Michael Langley, the group convened regular meetings and engaged with real estate brokers, regional and national developers, and downtown business leaders and owners.

The task force report, “Prosper: Momentum is Building,” outlines site planning scenarios for four large redevelopment sites: 7 Corners Gateway, Macy’s-Grace-Wabasha Court, Central Station, and Ramsey County Government Center West. These sites provide opportunities to create a mix of residential, Class A office space, retail, hotel, and public spaces.

“Saint Paul’s downtown vitality continues to grow, and understanding the best way to build on that momentum is crucial,” Mayor Chris Coleman said. “Saint Paul is home to some of the most creative people and industries in the country, and we will continue to work to enhance downtown’s vibrancy while attracting a new generation of talent. I want to extend my thanks to the task force for their work, and I look forward to working with city staff and city partners to make the report a reality.”

“Downtown Saint Paul’s unique charm and accessible size already make it a great place,” said Doug Baker, CEO of Ecolab. “Given its strengths, Saint Paul has tremendous potential to become an even better place to live, work and play.”

“Our region is fortunate to have multiple excellent business centers,” stated Michael Langley, CEO of GREATER MSP. “The recent and on-going development in Saint Paul is creating a community where business and people will prosper. The future is bright in Saint Paul.”

An example of the task force’s recommendations included transforming the 7 Corners Gateway site into a mixed-use development, including hotel, retail, and assembly space that would support activities at the Xcel Energy Center and RiverCentre.

The 7 Corners Gateway site is owned by the City of Saint Paul’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority. This year, the city’s Planning and Economic Development Department will be soliciting Requests for Qualifications to solicit developers.

To read the full report, visit www.stpaul.gov/ped.

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ATTACHMENTS:
Prosper: Momentum is Building report
7 Corners Gateway Concept