News from the Downtown Alliance
August 20, 2021
A note from the president
Friends,

Last night was one of those magical evenings in downtown Saint Paul. I stopped by Osborn370 for the 370Sets, their Thursday happy hour and music series, and had a chance to visit with building tenants while listening to the fantastic Southside Aces. If you're working in downtown next week, I'd invite you to stop by on your way out for the day, regardless of whether or not your office is at Osborn370. All are welcome. I then meandered over to 7th Place and caught Ms. Arnise playing soul music as part of Park Square’s Summer Sunlight series, followed by Debbie Briggs crooning away at the Loon.
 
On the other side of downtown, Lowertown was a sight to behold. There was an electricity in the air as as Saints fans headed to the ballpark, stopping along the way at Barrio or the Bulldog, and music fans set up chairs and spread out across Mears Park to hear Lucy Michell and The New Standards at Lowertown Sounds. Downtown was bustling with visitors and residents, young families and old friends. I couldn't imagine there was anywhere more perfect than Mears Park at that moment.
 
If you weren't among the crowd you may have missed the exciting announcement - two additional dates have been added to the Lowertown Sounds schedule. Mark your calendars for September 2 and 9 and keep an eye out here and on social media, performers will be announced soon.
 
In the planning and policy world it was a busy week. At this week's CapitolRiver Council board meeting I was more than willing to voice my support for the Saint Paul Port Authority and St. Paul Saints' desire to revisit city ordinances that currently prevent them from adding dynamic signage to the exterior of their properties. SPDA and CRC continue to work together to study ways that we can make it easier for downtown businesses and restaurants to attract new customers and this is an important component. This week the City Council also voted to eliminate parking minimums citywide and approve the development proposal at 695 Grand Ave. Both decisions recognize the need for continued investment and adding density in our growing city.
 
Keep reading to get the lowdown on events coming up in the next week across downtown.

Take care,
Joe

Joe Spencer
President
Saint Paul Downtown Alliance
Venues reopening for fall shows
This week the Ordway joined downtown neighbors Palace and Fitzgerald Theatres in requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result for entry to upcoming shows. Our performance venues have been some of the most negatively impacted businesses over the past 18 months and are at the core of what sets downtown apart as a world-class destination. We're thrilled to see audiences beginning to return and appreciate the amount of work that has gone into reopening the doors.

#WelcomeBackStPL events & news this week
Lowertown resident and jazz musician Ken Takata will be back in Pedro Park this Sunday evening. Concerts at Pedro combine the musical backing of Ken and his friends with the lights and sights of local sculptor Heather Cole's 3D installations. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and pick up dinner from one of the great spots surrounding the park.

Here's a glance at what else is coming up:

  • August 21: Central Library Storytime & Chinese American Dance Company | Rice Park
  • August 22: Ken Takata & Friends | Pedro Park
  • August 25: Farmers' Market & Music | Securian 400 Building
  • August 25: D1 Fitness in the Park | Rice Park
  • August 26: Saint Paul Summer Sunlight | Park Square on 7th Place Mall
  • August 27: Lowertown Jam Rage to Order concert | Northern Warehouse
  • August 28: Summer Beer Dabbler | CHS Field

Be sure to check WelcomeBackStPL.com for full details, new events are also added daily!
Save the date: Our next Speaker Series is September 2
Whether you're already back in the office or are currently preparing for the return, tune in on September 2 to hear from downtown employers, public safety officials, event planners and more about what you can expect and all the exciting things happening in downtown Saint Paul.
 
We'll share additional details in the coming weeks, but be sure to save the date and register now.
 
WHAT: Downtown Alliance Speaker Series : Preparing for the return to downtown
WHEN: September 2, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
WHO: Full lineup to be announced soon 
Snap, Tag, Win!
All summer, the #WelcomeBackStPL statue will move around downtown, making stops at our favorite parks, venues and destinations.

You’re likely to run into it at one of our events, or you may stumble upon it out of the blue. Either way, we want to see your pictures showing off your StPL pride!

To participate:

  • SNAP a picture with the statue - a selfie, a shot of your dog, or just admiring the scenery, we love them all!
  • TAG us in your post - use #WelcomeBackStPL and @StPLdowntown on your favorite social channel.
  • WIN - each tag gets you entered to win a downtown gift card. Winners are selected randomly.
Follow #WelcomeBackStPL on social media
Downtown has a lot going on these days and we're not slowing down anytime soon.

Make sure you don't miss anything by following along on each of our channels:
Downtown restaurant and retail options
Stumped for where to order dinner from these days? Or who has a patio to visit?

Have questions?

Banner photo cred : Visit Saint Paul