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Friends,


As you know, I love downtowns. While ours is my favorite, I love all downtowns. I love visiting other downtowns and our counterparts who run them. Sometimes this means looking at which of their successful programs and policies could potentially be replicated in Saint Paul. Oftentimes it gives me the opportunity to share what we're doing well with our peer organizations, and it always involves some level of commiserating about lessons learned and struggles we're all facing. Last week while in downtown Memphis I was struck by two things in particular. First, as I traversed the sprawling 6.5 square miles that constitutes downtown Memphis, I was especially conscious of the tremendous asset we have in our compact size (not quite 1 square mile). Second, I was also reminded of the need (outlined in the Downtown Investment Strategy) to prioritize investments in walkability and our public realm.


Keep reading for more news from around downtown this week including a further look into the Madison Equities portfolio. Finally, congrats both to the PWHL Minnesota for clinching a spot in the inaugural playoff season and to the History Theatre on the opening and subsequent rave review of their newest production, Blended.


Have a great weekend,


Joe

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Could a big week for St. Paul's Union Depot hint at a brighter future?

This week, Union Depot celebrated the announcement of a second daily Amtrak train to Chicago and the opening of Choo Choo Bob's Train Store in the quiet landmark.

Read more from the Star Tribune
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PWHL Minnesota backs into final playoff spot

Ottawa could have taken the league's fourth playoff berth with a regulation victory at Toronto, but Minnesota will get in despite an 0-5 finish to the regular season.

Read more from the Star Tribune
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Twin Cities developers, city leaders bet big on converting office buildings to homes

With Twin Cities office space increasingly empty post-pandemic and the region's rising need for housing, city officials and builders see a generational chance to transform empty buildings into livable downtown spaces. But it's not an easy path.

Read more from MPR News
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For sale: Downtown Saint Paul's historic Lowry Hotel, now home to affordable apartments

Downtown Saint Paul's largest property owner is selling a historic apartment building that opened nearly a century ago as the posh Lowry Hotel.


The real estate listing from Madison Equities comes less than a week after the company put its entire downtown office portfolio on the market. The firm's longtime owner, Jim Crockarell, died in January, leaving the properties to his wife, Rosemary Kortgard.

Read more from the Star Tribune

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!

Review: 'Blended Harmony' at History Theatre shines light on Minnesota's Kim Loo Sisters with style

With clever writing, catchy songs and strong performances, the ambitious Theater Mu co-production lives up to expectations.


They were stereotyped, typecast and planted in hostile soil. But they pushed through like stubborn flowers, and now the world gets to see them in their ultimate bloom.


The Minneapolis-born Kim Loo Sisters are being celebrated in "Blended 和(Harmony)," an elegant new musical about the first Asian troupe to have a revue on Broadway, seven years in the making. The show, inspired by the writings of Leslie Li, a granddaughter, premiered Saturday at St. Paul's History Theatre in a snazzy co-production with Theatre Mu.

Read 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.


To view a larger version, click on the table. Click the map to visit the City of Saint Paul road closure map.


Follow these links for additional details on Kellogg Blvd.Minnesota St. and the Robert St. reconstruction and utility work.

2023 Annual Report now available


As the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance celebrated its fifth anniversary in 2023, we are reflecting proudly on the remarkable resilience and growth our downtown has achieved in the face of collective challenges and change.


We're excited to present this year's annual report, including a timeline highlighting key milestones and achievements that shaped our journey. 



Download the full report here.

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

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