News from the Downtown Alliance
February 26, 2021
A note from the president

Friends,
 
I want to reflect on what a joy it was this week when I was reading the paper, and out of the corner of my eye spotted a concert review from the Baroque Room in Lowertown. A reminder that our local musicians from the Bach Society and The SPCO to rock bands at the Sounds Like Home festival are all still providing us with local flavors for our ears. It all makes me feel very excited to see shows in person again. We continue to proactively work on plans to do so in downtown this summer and are optimistic our public health conditions will allow it.
 
There are other hopeful signs emerging as well, including the reopening of the Science Museum and the first event at the RiverCentre in months as the MCCA State Cheerleading Competition kicks off tomorrow morning. We’ll continue to search for signs of hope in our Speaker Series next week talking about the future of office. There is plenty of speculation out there about what the future holds, but this conversation will be rooted in research and data that I think you’ll find enlightening. 

Stay warm and take care, 

Joe Spencer
President
Saint Paul Downtown Alliance
(re)Opening Weekend
The Science Museum of Minnesota will be reopening this weekend! Beginning tomorrow, February 27, the museum and Omnitheater will once again be open to the public. All tickets must be purchased in advance and COVID-19 safety protocols must be observed during your visit. Hop over to their website and reserve some facetime with the largest complete triceratops in the world.

Closing Weekend - Tears of Moons
If you have not already taken advantage of the watching the Park Square Theatre's production of Tears of Moons this weekend is your last chance to do so. The show was filmed on the Park Square stage and originally aired in November 2020.

Written and performed by Antonio Duke, Tears of Moons interweaves African spiritual figures and mythology with Greek epic theatre to reckon with the past and share a vision of strength.

Small Business Spotlight
B's Barbershop
written by Emma Burns
As you've made your way through Alliance Bank Center, you're sure to notice the glowing, welcoming storefront nestled in the corner just before you cross over Cedar Street. B's Barbershop has resided in its current location for about five years, but for ten years prior to that they called the Degree of Honor building home. As we were chatting recently, Mr. B shared with me that he's had many regulars that have been coming to see him these past 15 years.

"Over the years I've met a plethora of people and being a part of this community has been the highlight of owning an upscale barbershop downtown. After 27 years cutting hair, there's no customer I can't help - men, women, children of all ethnicities are welcome at B's Barbershop."

B's Barbershop is open for business weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with all COVID-19 safety protocols in place. Customers are required to wear masks at all times and can book their appointments by calling 651-338-2268. Walk-ins are also welcome.

This year we'll be regularly featuring the small businesses that make our downtown second to none.
Have a business you own or love and want to see it featured?
Upcoming Downtown Alliance Speaker Series
THE FUTURE OF OFFICE

March 5, 2021
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

The pandemic-induced work-from-home experiment has altered perspectives on work, flexibility and the office.

When COVID-19 is no longer a lingering health concern, workers may not be expected to come into the office for tasks that can be done from anywhere. What purpose does the office serve in the future and how will that purpose impact the way occupiers think about their portfolio footprints, location strategy and office layouts?

Join us with speakers Christopher Leinberger (Co-Founding Partner & Managing Director, Places Platform, LLC) and David Smith (Vice President, Global Head of Occupier Insights, Cushman & Wakefield) to explore potential outcomes of the future of the office and what it means for urban districts regarding office occupancy and the street life urban place management organizations oversee.
Downtown restaurant and retail options
Stumped for where to order dinner from these days? Or who might have that perfect gift?

Have questions?

Banner photo cred : Visit Saint Paul