Friends,

This week we shared a six-month status update on the Downtown Investment Strategy including Gensler Architecture’s report on office-to-residential conversion opportunities in Downtown Saint Paul. The report concludes that of the 20 buildings assessed, 10 of them could make for strong conversion candidates based on their scoring criteria (floor plate size, building form, services, context and envelope). Gensler has conducted this type of analysis on more than 1,400 buildings in cities around the country, and on average, only 30% of the buildings they've looked at make for promising candidates. The report does not take into account all of the external factors that can impact a building's ability to convert, but the fact that 50% of our analyzed building stock clocked in as good candidates is a solid indicator. This confirms assumptions we've held about ways that we can add vibrancy and vitality downtown, and address rising commercial vacancy and growing concerns of blight and disinvestment in our commercial core.

In addition to the Gensler findings, we are also excited to share progress updates on the public realm priorities (more than $240 million in public sector infrastructure investment is underway!) as well as positive redevelopment progress on key redevelopment projects. You can find the full announcement here, along with several stories linked below.

This week I also want to call your attention to the start of the Saint Paulidays season kicking off Saturday evening in Rice Park, GLOW opening this Thursday at CHS Field, the Mears Park Lighting happening next weekend and near-daily events rolling right through to the end of the year. While I can't believe they're here already, there really is nothing better than the holidays in downtown.

Finally, please take a moment to look at the construction update at the bottom of this week's newsletter. The good news is that Minnesota Street will be fully reopened in the coming week! However, as Robert Street continues its multi-year transformation there will be a number of closures in the coming weeks that will require detours around 6th and 7th Streets. Please pay special attention to these updates in the coming weeks and if you can, make an intentional effort to patronize these businesses along Robert Street that will remain open during construction.

Take care,

-Joe

Saint Paul could convert 10 office properties to housing

A new study shows downtown Saint Paul could gain nearly 4,000 residential units by renovating office buildings.

The First National Bank Building, once a prestige office location in the Upper Midwest, is the most compatible property for conversion to housing in downtown Saint Paul.

That’s the conclusion of a new study released Wednesday by the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance, which hired architectural and design firm Gensler to assess which office buildings could readily be renovated for housing.

The Downtown Alliance provided Gensler with 20 properties to examine at a time when vacancy rates are high, and Saint Paul’s urban core has been hurt by the pandemic’s work-from-home trend. Gensler gave 10 of the 20 properties “category 1” scores, which the firm defined as “good candidates for conversion, success likely.”

Mark your calendar...

2024 Mears Park Tree Lighting is next Saturday, Nov. 23!

Join fellow Lowertown neighbors and guests at the official Lowertown Holiday kickoff!

Hot beverages, hot dogs, kids activities, caroling and more!

The group Tiny Christmas Elves will be leading Christmas carols, and the kids will have an opportunity to sing later with "Elf: Buddy's Musical Christmas" playing sing along songs!

Folks are invited to bring an ornament that symbolizes "community" so you can hang it on a community tree during the event, which will also have Kwanza and Hanukkah presence.

Click here to learn more.

Reminder - 2024 Rice Park Tree Lighting is this Saturday, Nov. 16!

Click here to learn more.

Construction season is underway, and each week we'll provide updates on projects and road closures happening around downtown to ensure a smooth trip whether you’re coming for dinner, the farmer’s market, a show or work.

The update as of November 15 is as follows, changes highlighted:

Ongoing activities on Robert Street

Utility work continues through spring 2025 on Robert Street between 11th and 7th streets and through December 2024 between 7th Street and Kellogg Boulevard in advance of the reconstruction project.

Please be aware of the following impacts:

Between 9th and 7th streets

Beginning Monday, Nov. 18, Robert Street will close to all traffic between 9th and 7th streets. This closure is needed for Xcel Energy and Xcel Gas to work on their utilities. Robert Street is anticipated to remain closed for up to four weeks, or until work is completed.

Between 7th and 6th streets

Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 20, Robert Street will close between 7th and 6th streets while Xcel Gas works on their service lines. Robert Street will open to traffic on Friday, Nov. 22.

Access on Robert Street between 9th and 6th streets

Access to driveways off Robert Street will be maintained during these closures
Intersections across Robert Street will remain open
9th Street intersection – the east side remains closed to/from Robert Street.

Other traffic impacts

Robert Street remains reduced to one lane in each direction between 11th and 9th streets and between 6th Street and Kellogg Boulevard. Intersection restrictions/closures will occur periodically as needed for safety reasons or as required to complete construction activities.

Other area closures and restrictions in Downtown Saint Paul

5th Street: Lane restrictions between Sibley and Wacouta streets.

6th Street

Traffic restrictions expected near the Robert Street intersection through mid-November.
Traffic restrictions expected through the intersection of St. Peter Street.
Reduced to one lane of traffic between Wabasha and Cedar streets.

9th Street

Parking and sidewalk restrictions will be in place between Minnesota and Robert streets. Please pay extra attention to signage and follow any posted pedestrian routes.

11th Street: Lane restrictions between Robert and Jackson streets.

Kellogg Boulevard: Bridge Closure

Kellogg Boulevard will have periodic lane closures between Wabasha and Jackson streets, and around the Xcel Energy Center.
Kellogg Boulevard/3rd Street bridge is closed between Broadway Street and Mounds Boulevard.
Access to parking lots and businesses will be maintained.
For more information and detailed access maps, visit the Kellogg-3rd Street bridge project website.

Minnesota Street

All major construction work is completed between 11th Street and 6th Street.
Closed between 4th Street and Kellogg Street for utility work.
In the coming weeks, intermittent lane closures are anticipated to occur for private utility work.
For more information, visit the Minnesota Street reconstruction project website.

St. Peter Street: Lane restrictions between 5th Street and Kellogg Boulevard.

Pedro Park: No current traffic impacts are expected. For more information, please visit the Pedro Park project website.

NOTE: All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather and schedule permitting and subject to change.

Click this link to sign up for weekly updates directly from the City regarding all downtown road construction projects.

Are you following the Alliance on Facebook? What about Instagram?

Make sure you're following the Downtown Alliance on social media to stay up to date on all the latest downtown events and news. Plus, we do love giveaways, so you never know when you could end up with tickets, swag or other great downtown prizes.

@StPLdowntown

stpdowntownalliance.org

Have questions?

Drop us a line!