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News from the Downtown Alliance
September 17, 2020
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A note from the president
Friends,
Many thanks to everyone from The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra who helped to make last night's Lowertown Local gathering a truly special experience. Last night Mears Park was full (without being crowded) of people who love downtown, have missed this local treasure or who were experiencing it for the first time. Thank you to the SPCO staff including Erin Jude, Eleanor GrandPre, Jon Kjarum and many others and to the musicians Sarah Lewis and Kyu-Young Kim (pictured at right).
Many more opportunities exist in the days ahead for folks to come downtown and enjoy the things that make this a special place. The Ordway has a “Loading Dock” series starting tonight, Big River Pizza will host their final concert event of the season, Pillbox continues to host music, the Lowertown Art Market continues this Sunday at CHS Plaza and we’ll have music in Mears next Thursday and Pedro next Friday.
I want to thank the property owners and community members who voiced their support at this week's City Council public hearing for establishing a downtown improvement district. As the Star Tribune reported earlier this week, the district has received a strong show of support and we're happy to see this effort reach this point. Years of work from countless downtown stakeholders have brought us here. We'll report more after the final City Council vote next week.
Finally, be sure to keep reading to learn how you can sign up for our next Downtown Clean Up Day, provide important feedback for the future of Robert Street, and participate in an awesome upcoming virtual event from Landmark Center.
Mask up and take care,
Joe Spencer
President
Saint Paul Downtown Alliance
P.S. Don't forget that the Lowertown Art Market continues this Sunday at CHS Plaza and Lowertown Local happens every Thursday evening in Mears Park.
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Fall Downtown Clean Up Day is October 1 |
Early this Spring more than 50 volunteers came out to help clean up litter and debris that had accumulated over the winter. Now we're once again asking for your help for the Fall Downtown Clean Up Day on October 1 to do the same before cold weather sets in.
Just like last time, volunteers will choose a zone to walk in order to observe safe social distancing. We will still have supplies available if you'd like to pick them up, or if you're bringing your own supplies you can walk your zone any time during the day.
(Plus, there will be a fun 'thank you!' event in Mears Park at 5:30 p.m.!)
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Share your ideas for Robert Street |
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is planning significant improvements to Robert St. between downtown St. Paul and Annapolis St. in West St. Paul and would like your input!
Share your ideas for how Robert St. can be improved – whether they involve safety improvements, new signage, different landscaping or something else. Community feedback will help shape MnDOT’s plan for more significant improvements, which are tentatively planned for 2025 or 2026.
You can provide your input by taking this community survey (available in English, Spanish and Somali). You can also use this handy interactive comment map to quickly comment on specific areas along the road.
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Upcoming events around downtown |
The third installment of the Big River Pizza summer concert series is scheduled for 4-9 p.m. this Saturday, September 19. This installment includes music from The Brothers Almanac, a Midwest tribute to the Alman Brothers, from 4-6 p.m., followed by jam-based folk and funk band The Brad Raisins. As with previous Big River Pizza concerts, this event will take place outdoors at the Saint Paul Farmer's Market. Please plan to bring your own chairs.
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Join Landmark Center online this Sunday, September 20, for the return of the "Mid-Autumn Moon Festival!" This perennial favorite will be virtual this year, on the Landmark Center website and social media pages. It will begin on Sunday, September 20 and remain on the website until the end of October. You can still enjoy lion dancers, traditional dress, cooking demonstrations (with recipes), craft instructions and more.
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Kicking off tonight and continuing September 19 and 26, Twin Cities-based artists Reese Britts, Rajané Katurah, Ruthanne Heyward, Ben Bakken, and Ordway Resident Artist Jamecia Bennett will perform songs from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Color Purple, Rent, An Officer and a Gentleman, Waitress, and more. Directed by Ordway Producing Artistic Director Rod Kaats with music direction by Sanford Moore. Capacity is extremely limited, so reserve your seats as soon as possible.
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Artwork from members of The AZ Gallery is on display now through October 5. The show is open to the public during gallery hours - Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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After a wonderful kick off event last week, Music in Pedro Park will be back next week! The Minor 9th will play from 5:30-7 p.m. on Friday, September 25.
As with Lowertown Local, social distancing must be observed in Pedro Park, masks are strongly encouraged and in the event of bad weather, announcements can be found on the downtown Facebook pages. A list of local takeout options can be found on the flyer as well.
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Seeing this online?
#StPdowntown
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