News from the Downtown Alliance
August 28, 2020
A note from the president

Friends,

I'm delighted to be able to share our 2019-2020 Annual Report with you all.

It's been a year with more than its share of curve balls and confusion but also one of resiliency, adaptation and accomplishments. In this year's report you'll see how the momentum we built in 2019 has helped us through these challenging times - our residential population continues to grow, construction continues on new projects, public spaces continue to be activated. You'll see that downtown businesses occupy nearly 14 million square feet of commercial office space, and that we have more than 1.7 million square feet of new commercial real estate under construction or recently completed. You'll read about the ways that our community came together to lift each other up and create a "new normal" together. But more than anything you'll see that our downtown is strong and will come through on the other side stronger. Enough with the spoilers though, take a look for your self and share with your colleagues.

Congratulations to the leadership and staff of both the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Minnesota Children's Museum -- reopening has been a huge undertaking. Keep reading to learn more about how you can make plans to visit some of our favorite downtown museums.

Also, don't forget that the Lowertown Art Market continues this Sunday at CHS Plaza and Lowertown Local happens every Thursday evening in Mears Park.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Mask up and take care,

Joe Spencer
President
Saint Paul Downtown Alliance
Museums reopening - what to expect
Downtown Saint Paul is known for being home to some of the best cultural amenities and visitor destinations in the state, which made it all the more difficult for these institutions to close their doors this spring. However, in the past few weeks several have begun to safely reopen. Things will look a little difference for some time though, so here's what you can expect.

Science Museum of Minnesota - The museum, Omnitheather, Java Lab coffee shop and Explore Store have reopened. While the coffee shop and gift store are open to the general public, advance ticket reservations are required for museum entry. All payments must be electronic and mask wearing and social distancing are required at all times. Click the link to see additional information.

Children's Museum of Minnesota - Advance reservations are required to visit the museum to ensure all visitors have a safe and enjoyable visit. Exhibits are undergoing additional cleaning and sanitizing. Masks are required for visitors over five years old and strong encouraged for kids aged two to four.
Photos from around downtown
If you're among the estimated 90% of the downtown workforce who has been working from home over the summer, you've probably found yourself longing for any one of the many familiar sights and sounds of downtown. And we don't blame you one bit. So while it can't take the place of the real thing, we've been collecting photos this summer that capture our community - from changes and updates to new ways we've found to bring people together. Do you have a photo that captures the spirit of the summer that you'd like included? Send us a message for consideration!
Mosaic artist Dani Bianchini has installed more than a dozen new works of art.
Artist Jose Dominguez's work now adorns the skyway leading to The M.
Martin Devaney performs for a socially distanced group in the Landmark Center cortile.
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