Capital City Partnership promotes housing development as an essential part of downtown’s
growth into a 24-hour community. Saint Paul’s
growth as a residential destination plays a
significant role in its long-term viability, retail
success, and community atmosphere. The
downtown housing market not only enriches the
lives of its citizens, but also increases business
volume of downtown businesses. Saint Paul’s
quality of life is evidenced by being recognized
as one of America’s Most Livable Communities
from the Partners For Livable Communities.
Fundamental demographic shifts have resulted
in a new generation of people who are moving
downtown to live. They are attracted to downtown
by the ease of commuting, the diversity
of entertainment, dining and retail options,
proximity to arts and culture venues, and the
stimulating environment.
Saint Paul offers a remarkably diverse range
of housing, from lofts in renovated turn-of-thecentury
warehouse buildings, to apartments
and luxury condominiums, to renovated
single-family historic homes. Due to the current
vacancy in Class C office space, downtown
building owners are adjusting to the soft market
by converting Class C office space into residential.
The historic renovation of downtown Saint
Paul’s buildings enhances and preserves the
character and history of its unique downtown
architecture.
The number of housing units in downtown
Saint Paul has grown from 5,600 in 2000 to
nearly 7,500. This has pushed the downtown
residential population to over 12,100 residents,
representing a 25% increase in the downtown
population. Nearly an additional 1,025 units
and 1,374 residents are expected by the end of
2008, with the completion of planned housing
developments.
Strategic investment areas for major downtown
housing include:
Wacouta Commons – a progressive new urban
village surrounding the new Wacouta Commons
Park. The development is comprised of several
buildings including 9th Street Lofts, Printer’s
Row, Essex, and Dakota on the Park, totaling
550 units.
The Fitzgerald Precinct - redevelopment plans
on the site of the former Public Safety Building
include The Penfield, a proposed 33-story,
$130 million project with over 100 luxury
condominium units and a hotel.
Upper Landing – construction is completed on
the $175 million, mixed-use development along
a 21-acre riverfront site. The project includes
706 condominiums and town home units and
is among the largest redevelopment projects in
Saint Paul’s history.
Westside Housing – a proposed new $64
million mixed-use urban village including 120
high-end condominiums to complement the
new U.S. Bancorp Operations Center.
Ramsey County’s Riverfront Facilities - a
proposed multi-use redevelopment project
with spectacular river bluff views makes this a
premier piece of real estate in Saint Paul.
Lowertown - construction has begun on the
Farmers Market Flats, a new $11 million facility
that includes 48 condominium units atop a
year-round, indoor farmer’s market. Construction
is expected to be completed in fall of 2008.
• 88% of residents enjoy living downtown and
choose downtown for easy access to culture,
entertainment, events, and restaurants,
proximity to work, and the urban setting.
• 12,100 people currently are living in
downtown Saint Paul – an estimated
increase of 25% from 2000.
• 63% of downtown residents have a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• 32% of households have a pre-tax annual
income of more than $75,000.
• 53% of downtown residents are employed full-time and 23% of residents
are employed downtown.
• 68% of residents have lived downtown
5 years or less.
• 60% of residents are under 55 years
old, 30% of residents are under 35, and
38% of the downtown population is over
the age of 55.
• 64% of residents are not married.
• 88% of downtown Saint Paul households
have no school-aged children
living in residence.
• 55% of downtown residents are male,
45% are female.
• 52% of downtown residents own and
48% of downtown residents occupy
rental units.
• Average downtown apartment rent:
$992*, average downtown housing:
$180,613**
Sources: 2005 Downtown Demographic Study Capital City Partnership
/ JH Pool Consulting; *GVA Marquette Advisors – First Quarter 2007
Apartment Trends; **Saint Paul Area Association for Realtors – 2005
