THE BRAINSTORMING

The development principles were introduced by Historic Saint Paul’s consultant, Mary deLaittre, facilitator for ongoing neighborhood workshops associated with this project.

By this time others had joined the group. A list of attendees is included in team member. All had an opportunity to give their first reactions and additional thoughts as the discussion made its second and third trip around the room.

Broad themes included the need to capitalize on the neighborhood’s considerable assets, such
as, its late 19th century housing stock, tree-lined streets and unique features, such as, its high-profile location on the bluff, its steeply sloped topography and its dramatic views of downtown Saint Paul. Strategies for overcoming the neighborhood’s drawbacks were also discussed. While several properties are carefully maintained, many houses are in disrepair and/or require restoration. Many houses do not have garages, which makes them less marketable. Rental properties and unsupervised places attract unwanted activities. Safety is a issue. The consensus seemed to be that these problems are not insurmountable and toward the end on the discussion, the group had identified several possible strategies for sparking this neighborhood’s recovery, including the following:

• 
  Commercial along the primary traffic routes on 7th
  and 3rd Streets should be reinforced and enhanced.
  
• Mixed-use secondary commercial and residential
  should be encouraged along Maria, which could
  serve as a link between these two commercial streets.
  
• A mixed use development at the west end of Maria
  could bridge the separation currently experienced
  between Metro State campus and the neighborhood.
  
• Streetscape features such as decorative pavers, light
  fixtures, signage, etc. could be repeated throughout
  the neighborhood strengthening its identity.
  
• The bluff overlooking downtown should be become
  a green space and accommodate a parklike
  pedestrian way and/or community gardens.
  
• The adjacent house at 334 Mounds could become a community gathering space. This prominent white house is a highly-
  visible marker of the neighborhood suitable for a public
  use. Its ample yard could be developed into a small park.