Friends,

Last week we had the pleasure of joining our friends at the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District as they welcomed more than 100 downtown practitioners like ourselves (or "urban place management organizations" as they're known in the biz) to Minneapolis for the International Downtown Association Placemaking and Operations conference. My sincere congratulations and gratitude to everyone involved in the planning and execution, it's no small lift to make these events happen and we had a great time showing our friends from around the country some of our favorite local spots. I will absolutely admit my bias here and tell you that my favorite was bringing conference attendees on a walking tour through our own downtown Friday morning. Our final stop was at Kellogg Mall Park to show off what you all likely know by now is my favorite, and the most underrated and underappreciated, park in the country.

I also want to extend my congratulations to everyone at the St. Paul Area Chamber for the launch of their new brand and redesigned office space this week. As an organization whose mission is to lift up and amplify other businesses in our community it was fantastic to see so many of those businesses present to return the favor and celebrate the Chamber as they cut their own ribbon.

One more thank you before we sign off for the weekend — and this one is to all of you! Despite the chilly temps and hazy skies we were thrilled to see so many of you at the first Food Truck Wednesday of the summer this week. The line up for next week's trucks is posted below and we hope to see you all — and more! — back again on Wednesday.

Take care!

-Joe

For Saint Paul students, stretch of drab skyway is ideal canvas

Over the years, many of downtown Saint Paul's residents, workers and visitors have come to know the Victory Ramp's long, white-walled stretch of skyway as a windowless corridor leading to lunch breaks or Wild games.

But for high school students at the neighboring Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, the hallway was a canvas in desperate need of some color.

Sixteen students in the school's visual arts program spent a semester-long class designing, painting and installing a 40-foot mural in partnership with the Minnesota Museum of American Art. The city and nonprofit Saint Paul Downtown Alliance both chipped in $5,000 for supplies and class visits from seasoned Twin Cities muralists.

See the full story from the Star Tribune.

World-class conductor now making beer for a cause

William Eddins is a Minnesotan who makes music … and beer.

How does a world-class orchestra conductor end up co-owner of a brewery?

It started during the COVID-19 pandemic when orchestras abruptly canceled live performances and Eddins found himself out of work with time on his hands. He and a friend turned their beer-making hobby into MetroNOME brewery in downtown Saint Paul, with the goal of raising money to pay for music instruments and instruction for Twin Cities children and teens.

See the full story from MPR News.

At future Pedro Park site in downtown Saint Paul, public safety annex building comes down after 14-year saga

Backed by $1.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funding, the demolition of the public safety annex building began this week and is expected to wrap by June 15. The building has sat vacant since 2018, costing city coffers some $100,000 annually to maintain.

The park saga is far from over. City officials have acknowledged they still don’t have cash in hand to fully realize Pedro Park. That will require additional city planning to identify funding sources, including fundraising.

Nevertheless, the city plans to make some interim park improvements this summer, likely including lighting and security, short sections of walkway, seating, trees and turf.

See the full story from the Pioneer Press.

Here's a glance at what's happening downtown this week.

A full look at what's coming up can be found on our event calendar. Check it out!

May 19-28	The Defeat of Jesse James	History Theatre
May 19	Trip to Brasil with Quatro Bossa Nova	kj's hideaway
May 19	John Butler	Fitzgerald Theatre
May 20	Pilates for the People	Farmers Market
May 20	Fraser Festival, presented by Central Roofing Company	RiverCentre
May 20	Saturday Vibe: Paper Airplane Derby	George Latimer Library
May 20-21	Gangsterland Walking Tour	Rice Park
May 20-21	MN Opera Presents - Don Giovanni	Ordway
May 23-28	Saints vs Omaha	CHS Field
May 23	Level Up! Dungeons and Dragons	George Latimer Library
May 24	Food Truck Wednesdays	Rice Park
May 24	Trivia Night at Station 81	Union Depot

Food Truck Wednesdays - May 24

This summer you'll be able to enjoy lunch and music in Rice Park at Food Truck Wednesdays. Each week will feature multiple different trucks as well as live music.

Mark your calendars and tell your coworkers - on Wednesdays we dine al fresco!

WHAT: Food trucks and live music

WHERE: Rice Park

WHEN: Wednesday May 24

Food trucks from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
VB & J's
El Burrito Mercado
Hers & His
Music from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
RayCabaret

Follow the Alliance on Instagram to get the latest updates on trucks and musicians.

2023 Fraser Festival

The Fraser Festival, presented by Central Roofing Company, is coming to downtown tomorrow, Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at RiverCentre. This fun, one-of-a-kind, sensory-friendly festival is for anyone who wants to show their support for individuals and families impacted by autism. This year’s festival will focus on your body’s senses.

The festival will support and engage with all of the senses:

Tantalize your sense of touch through face painting, bubbles, and therapy animals
Test your tongue with a tasty treat from a food vendor
Follow your nose to the garden activity
Engage your ears with the silent disco
Stimulate your eyesight with our photo booth, a virtual reality activity, and entertaining performers
Increase your body awareness with carnival games

Participants can participate in games, fun activities, snacks and giveaways. Most importantly, you can help raise funds to support autism programs and services for your neighbors, friends and family members.

Learn more about the 2023 Fraser Festival here.

2022 Annual Report now online

The Saint Paul Downtown Alliance works to ensure Saint Paul is continually thriving. One way we mark progress with our goals and initiatives is by diligently tracking our statistics!

Our 2022 Annual Report includes everything from tracking how safe and clean our downtown is by monitoring public safety stats, to how vibrant and welcoming it is with insights into our thriving bar and restaurant scene.

View the 2022 SPDA Annual Report.

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

Event season is in full swing! 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!

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