Around (down)town: New cocktail bar coming to Lowertown, Annual Meeting & Happy Hour event April 28 and more!

Musings from NYC; Alley Cat to activate Lowertown's alleys

Friends,

I had the pleasure of spending last week with my family in one of my favorite cities, New York. The scale might be incomparable (did you know you can fit roughly three downtown Saint Pauls in Central Park?) but the ability to spend a day wandering around a place to find a show to go to, a new restaurant to try or a park to rest in is certainly not unique to New York. As much as I love visiting other downtown environments, there's nothing like coming back with fresh eyes, or to good news!

I was delighted to see the news announced yesterday that Terry John Zila, owner of Hepcat Coffee at Osborn370, would be opening Alley Cat, a new cocktail bar and food truck lounge in Lowertown. I can't think of a better use for the space at Pioneer Endicott and can't wait to watch it come together and open this summer. You can read more about that below.

Keep reading as well for details regarding the open position in the City of Saint Paul’s Planning and Economic Development department, a remind to register for our upcoming Annual Meeting and more.

Take care and enjoy the weekend!

Joe Spencer

Hepcat Coffee owner opening Alley Cat Cocktail Lounge in Lowertown

The owner of a new food-forward coffee shop in downtown Saint Paul is launching a cocktail lounge and food truck operation just a few blocks away. Chef, baker and caterer Terry John Zila opened Hepcat Coffee in the lobby of the Osborn370 building, located at 370 N. Wabasha Street, in February.

City looks to hire economic development director

The City of Saint Paul Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED) is searching for its next director of economic development. This is such an important role in designing the future of our city. Downtown has a number of exciting development opportunities on the horizon and we're looking forward to working closely with PED Director Nicolle Goodman and her new economic development director.

If you are interested in learning more about the position or know someone who might be a great candidate, click here.

Don't forget to register for the Downtown Alliance Annual Meeting!

The Downtown Alliance Annual Meeting is happening Thursday, April 28, from 4-6 p.m. at Osborn370. We're excited to gather together after so long apart, celebrate the wins of the last year and share more of what's to come this year.

This year we're welcoming special guest speaker David Downey, president of the International Downtown Association. David will reflect on the state of downtowns around the country and share insights from Saint Paul's participation in the IDA Value of Downtown Study.

Fish Fry Face Off Final

We've reached the Fish Fry Final!

We started with eight downtown eateries stretching from West 7th to....East 7th.

But it's all come down to this weekend! Which side of Wabasha will claim the ultimate fried fish dish?

Dark Horse vs. Pillbox Tavern

Will it be sassy slaw at Dark Horse or the classic beer batter from Pillbox?

The first-ever Fish Fry Face Off winner will be announced on Tuesday, April 19!

Make sure you're following @StPLdowntown and @mspmag to see who it is.

Cast your final vote here!

This week's news roundup

Edina developer plans two apartment buildings near Saint Paul’s Harriet Island - Pioneer Press

History Theatre artistic director Ron Peluso to retire after 27 years on the job - Pioneer Press

Downtown Saint Paul Commuter Survey Results and the Future of Commuting - Move Minnesota

Downtown Alliance and Parks Conservancy to install dog waste stations in downtown - Pioneer Press

Saint Paul’s Freedom House drop-in day shelter to close May 8 - Pioneer Press

Troubled city-built parking ramp in Saint Paul heads to sheriff's sale - Star Tribune

Upcoming events

The Saint Paul Parks & Recreation and Public Works teams are hosting the 36th annual Citywide Spring Cleanup on Saturday, April 23!

Individuals and groups of all ages come together to pick up litter that has recently become exposed due to the melting snow. Join forces with your neighbors to clean up our parks and neighborhood streets.

Materials can be picked up in Mears Park between 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Here's a look at what else is coming up.

April 15 - Fish Fry Face Off Finals

April 15-17 - Saints vs Indianapolis | CHS Field

April 17 - MN Wild vs San Jose Sharks | Xcel Energy Center

April 21 - Skyway Blood Drive | Union Depot

April 21-22 - Spoon | Palace Theatre

April 21 - MN Wild vs Vancouver | Xcel Energy Center

April 22 - MN Wild vs Seattle | Xcel Energy Center

April 23 - Citywide Clean Up

See the full calendar of events.