News from the Downtown Alliance
November 15, 2018
A note from the president
Greetings friends,

As we head into the holiday season, there is so much going on in downtown Saint Paul. Earlier this week we had a fantastic event at Wellworth with smart technology companies, where dozens of entrepreneurs came together to talk about the potential and power of creating a hub downtown. Later today, the Historic Preservation Commission will be considering a huge development project on Kellogg Blvd. Next week will see more conversation about development on one of the most important sites on the Mississippi River in downtown Saint Pau l . Plus, there are a ton of events coming up and plenty of micro-entrepreneurship and retail incubation projects at the Union Depot over the next several weeks. So mark your calendars, and watch for more news as the weeks roll along. 

See you all around (down)town,

Joe Spencer
President
The Saint Paul Downtown Alliance
WintersSkate Block Party this weekend
The unofficial kick off to winter downtown is happening this Saturday in Landmark Plaza, with the grand opening of Wells Fargo WinterSkate! This family-friendly outdoor ice skating series is better than ever, with all new rental skates this year! The grand opening will feature music, skating performances, the Winter Carnival knighting ceremony, and the tree lighting in Rice Park and Hamm Plaza. Events are family friendly and scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. and conclude with the grand opening of the rink at 7 p.m.

Winter is coming...
Despite the warmer temps we're expected to get this weekend, the early snow this year reminded us that it's never too early to brush up on snow emergency procedure. Luckily the City has a ton of resources available to make sure you don't end up on the wrong side of the road, including text alerts, a snow emergency app and this video featuring Mayors Carter and Frey. Now let's all hope for a few more weeks of 40s before more snow.

Micro-retail at Union Depot
There are a number of great opportunities in the coming days and weeks to support small businesses at Union Depot. Tonight, Shopcicle is hosting their Women Artisans event. Women makers, crafters and artisans will be selling unique and often one-of-a-kind goods from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Also happening at Union Depot – every Wednesday through December 19, vendors from the Saint Paul Farmer's Market will be set up over the lunch hour from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., selling produce as well as sandwiches, baked goods and more. Later this month the charming European Christmas Market will be back as well – we'll announce more details as that event draws closer. 

Downtown Saint Paul in the news