News from the Downtown Alliance
June 18, 2021
A note from the president

Friends,

Another week of excitement and momentum toward a return to "normal" has whizzed by in downtown Saint Paul. In case you missed them here are just a couple of things that were going on this past week :

In addition to all of the great events that are part of the #WelcomeBackStPL campaign, we've also been sharing a series of videos highlight the best of downtown. Whether it's Councilmember Noecker on a slide, a behind-the-scenes look at our one-of-a-kind downtown mosaics, or my own appearance outside my favorite restaurant, these have been so fun to watch come together. We're especially proud to share this week's video that highlights the work being done by the Street Team Ambassadors. This team is out every day making sure that downtown not only looks its best, but that its workers, visitors and residents feel safe and welcome. If you haven't seen the video yet, I'd encourage you to check it out and share with colleagues or neighbors who may have wondered what they should expect when they return downtown for the first time.

Along those lines I'd like to extend an invitation to any of our downtown employers, large or small. If you or your staff have questions about what all is happening in the coming months, what to expect, where to find information or anything else I would be more than happy to attend a staff meeting to share all of the great resources we have ready. Please don't hesitate to reach out to coordinate.

Finally, I'd like to wish everyone a safe and very happy Juneteenth celebration this weekend. The weather couldn't be more beautiful to spend the day together tomorrow.

Keep reading to check out the results of last month's COVID-19 sentiment survey, news about the sale of the JJ Hill Library, restaurant love along West 7th, and a look ahead at the upcoming week of events - including Live at the Loading Dock at the Ordway and Rose Fest this weekend, I hope to see you there!

Take care,
Joe

Joe Spencer
President
Saint Paul Downtown Alliance
Return to work and play survey results
Thank you to everyone who participated in last month's survey. The results are in, and there's no way around it - Saint Paulites are ready to return to downtown.

The majority of the respondents were either vaccinated or intended to get vaccinated, and overwhelmingly responded as very likely to visit restaurants, retail shops, outdoor festivals, farmers markets, museums, and other public spaces, as well as hotels, private offices, and short-term rental properties. And 82% of respondents wanted to keep expanded outdoor restaurant seating on sidewalks and parking spaces either permanently or during certain times.

#WelcomeBackStPL events & news this week
Have you reserved your spot for the first Vinai & Company feast yet? If not - don't wait too long! We couldn't be more excited for this summer-long series from Chef Yia Vang, who will bring along a rotating cast of the Twin Cities top chefs to prepare unbelievable feasts right here in downtown. The first dinner is a week from tonight.

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

  • June 18-27 - LIVE! At the Loading Dock | Ordway Theatre
  • June 19-20 - St. Paul Saints vs Iowa | CHS Field
  • June 20 - Rose Fest | Kellogg Mall Park
  • June 21-24 - MMC Buskers | various locations
  • June 24 - Lowertown Sounds | Mears Park
  • June 25 - Vinai & Company Feast | Farmers Market

Be sure to bookmark WelcomeBackStPL.com - new events are added daily!
More like.... Best 7th Street!
West 7th Street was feeling the love this week.

The Pioneer Press referred to the West 7th restaurant scene as an "embarrassment of riches" and we certainly agree! There are so many favorites on the list, it's a great place to look if you're in a take out slump.

Hope Breakfast Bar owners Sarah and Brian Ingram also made headlines sharing their passion for Saint Paul.
Changes likely in store for the JJ Hill Reference Library
This week the sale of the James J. Hill Reference Library to First & First Creative Real Estate developer Peter Remes was announced. The building has been closed and on the market since 2019, but prior to that was known for it's towering book shelves full of thousands of antique tomes and as a popular event space in downtown. Plans for the property have not yet been announced but First & First are known for their unique vision for historic properties.

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