urbanMSP

The Strib has two articles up about Osborn370, otherwise known as the former Ecolab tower:

A year in, St. Paul's Osborn370 gains momentum as Twin Cities startup hub
Unlikely neighbors add to Osborn370's entrepreneurial energy

I have to say, I find downtown St. Paul really interesting. As has been discussed in this thread, there's this shift in focus towards smaller firms with flexible and new office space which feels fresh and exciting, while the older Class B and C spaces are being converted to housing, which is extremely necessary for the feel and vibrancy of the area. Not many cranes like in downtown Minneapolis, but a lot is happening under the surface.

St. Paul HPC doing a preliminary review of plans for "a proposal to construct a multi-story, mixed-use building" at 2250-2264 University and 731 Hampden Avenue, which is the east side of the block SW of University/Hampden.

Excellent! That's such a sad block.

That block on University was the original location of Summit Brewing, FYI.

Can’t wait to see this proposal! I walked by that area often when I go to State services for the Blind. I always think to myself that it’s such a shame to see so many empty, or under used, lots along university.

Slightly unrelated question: does anyone know what that strange smell is at the station area. It’s definitely from some sort of manufacturing. If we want to make that area more livable, maybe trying to do something about that strange oder would be a good start.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The smell comes from Rock-Tenn. They recycle paper goods.

Industrial areas sometimes smell. It's almost like people used to not live by them or something.

I guess after you live there for awhile you would not notice it anymore.

Personally, I would not move somewhere new if the area around it had a strange smell. If they want to attract people though, that smell may act as a Deterrent.

Anyone know, According to the small area plans for the area, how many of the sites along the south side of university are identified as residential? I would imagine that a number of those sites have some serious pollution

It would be awsome to see this area take off. The segment north of university has already done so.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Don't get me wrong; I think they should attempt to mitigate the odor if it is reasonable for them to do so. I'm not advocating for them to just do whatever they want. But this is an existing industrial area, and has been for a long time, so people need to keep their expectations in check. Cities need industrial areas the same as they need commercial and residential.

Totally understand what you are saying. I would imagine there would be some mitigation that they could. As long as the stuff people are breathing in is not toxic.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Does anyone know how I can look up the history of buildings or certain addresses in Saint Paul? For example: I'd like to know when my apartment building was built, so I can look up what the zoning code allowed at the time it was built.

Is this information publicly available? On the city website, county website, or somewhere else? At the History Center?

Start Here: https://maps.co.ramsey.mn.us/Html5Viewe ... ig/Default

Then check out RCHS down at Landmark Center for permit cards etc. https://www.rchs.com/

Realignment of Lexington and senior housing. We talked about this somewhere already. Will be interesting to see if this is the first of many along W 7th.

https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/ ... -west.html [locked]

Was by there today and it looks like they are stating construction on this.

R7 Lofts at 7th Street & Robert

https://i.imgur.com/CbVlfFg.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

SpringHill Suites

https://i.imgur.com/DomTn4r.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Grand Ave North Face -> Lund:

https://www.twincities.com/2019/03/18/l ... ce-stood/#

I prefer the top proposal:

Quoting myself... this project is underway. This feels like a big deal!

Article from January about the sale of the site and Lexington Landing name. With project details.
https://finance-commerce.com/2019/01/de ... hool-site/

Did the street alignment get finalized?

Do we have info about this change for Lexington Pkwy and W 7th on the forums? I drive past this site all the time and I'd be interested to follow it. Are the buildings on either side of the realigned Lexington going through the process of approval?

Lunds & Byerly’s moves ahead with Grand Ave. plans.

https://finance-commerce.com/2019/04/ju ... nue-plans/

Anyone heard rumors about Brasa getting new location in the area? That would be a real blow if they don't land nearby. They did have the world's most awkward surface lot, though, so at least that will go with their old location.