A City Where People SHOP

An essential element of Capital City Partnership's vision is strengthening downtown's existing retail, establishing a critical mass of retail options in the downtown core, and creating an experience for downtown shoppers. The economic and social spin-off s from a vibrant downtown retail scene are crucial to the life of a city and its citizens. Retail creates the places where people meet, and get their needs met.

Capital City Partnership and the City of Saint Paul are continuing to develop a retail revitalization strategy that will attract new retail options to create an exciting urban retail experience.

Creating a downtown experience

Downtown St. Paul retail is emerging in response to the growing number of downtown employees, and the increased number of downtown residents and visitors. Retail is an integral part of the downtown experience, and its success requires a safe and vibrant street scene with pedestrian traffic created by downtown workers, residents, and visitors.

Downtown St. Paul retail is anchored by Macy's, along with an assortment of specialty boutiques including Heime's Haberdashery, Artist Mercantile, Lee's Books, Kid Spark, and unique gift shops in all of the major attractions. Coffee shops, restaurants, and service businesses are also growing with the increase in downtown workers. With the increased entertainment traffic fueling the need, St. Paul will continue to see an infusion of retail options that will knit the downtown together.

In Lowertown, a $2.2 million upgrade was recently completed on the existing St. Paul Farmers' Market. To further the retail and housing development in this downtown neighborhood, the $15 million Market Lofts project is underway that includes a year-round market, 44 loft-style condominiums, and parking.

St. Paul's European charm and historic riverfront ambiance create a desirable destination that is home to fine dining and cultural cuisines. Twin Cities' critics have cited The St. Paul Grill, Kincaid's, Pazzaluna, Fhima's, and Sakura among the Top Ten metropolitan-area restaurants. Downtown dining also includes a nostalgic experience at Mickey's Diner, a classic 1930's railroad dining car that is on the National Register of Historic Places. This popular landmark has also served as a location for several movie productions.

The development of new urban bars and restaurants has followed St. Paul's investment in arts, culture, and entertainment. A' Rebours, LoTo, Fujiya, Margaux, Matty B's, and Chico Chica are recent additions to the downtown restaurant scene. Also, a new expanded retail/restaurant area is developing along West Seventh Street to support the emerging entertainment district anchored by the Xcel Energy Center and RiverCentre.