Saint Paul 2015
View the St. Paul 2015 Report Here
"In the midst of one of the toughest economic climates in decades, obstacles are presented that few of us have seen. Our vision of what downtown Saint Paul and Central Corridor will be in 2015, though, remains clear. Our challenge in these times is to think creatively and strategically to open doors to new opportunities and investments. Fewer resources during this turbulent economy mean we must do business more efficiently, and we must stay focused on the goals we want to achieve. Saint Paul is built on a strong steady foundation, and the financial investments that have been made over the past several years have positioned us to be a powerful economic force that drives change in our region. Ours is a city of rich tradition, strong values and a unique sense of place. That ethic can be seen in our commitment to the river, historic and cultural landmarks, and our diverse cultures and time-honored traditions. Now is the time to build on these assets to maximize the benefits for our city’s future. Construction will begin soon on the Central Corridor Light Rail project, a $1 billion economic stimulus that will be the spine of a multi-modal transportation system linking Saint Paul and Minneapolis to northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the economic centers of the Midwest. Beyond a transportation project, Central Corridor represents another $1 billion in development opportunity along the University Avenue corridor, creating jobs, business, and new housing. At the start of the line, Union Depot will once again become a vital regional transportation hub with high speed rail direct from Chicago. With massive investments in our health care institutions, new night life and music festivals, redevelopment in historic downtown high rises like the First National Bank Building, and developing plans for the Penfield that include a new, full-service grocery store, downtown is becoming a destination for business, home, and play. As cities have been the historic driver of our nation’s economy, Saint Paul is reestablishing itself as a key component of our region’s economy. We are doing it while respecting the values of our historic neighborhoods and reclaiming the Mississippi River as the lifeblood of this great city. The projects outlined in our vision for 2015 represent once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that will change the face of Saint Paul. With this road map, we stand ready to take advantage of investments coming back to America’s cities, and, through our collective resources, Saint Paul will drive economic growth in the region."
Saint Paul Mayor Christopher Colman
