Bye-Bye Quaint St. Paul

submitted by alexis

May 24 2005 — 2:00am

Construction on the Market Lofts in Lowertown is finally underway. The structure — consisting of 44 “true loft” condos complete with oversized windows and open floor plans — will be built over a 15,000 square foot enclosed expansion to the St. Paul Farmers’ Market, allowing it to stay open year-round. Gone are the days of huge lofts, dirt cheap rent, and nothin’ to do for St. Paul’s quiet art district. Over half of the Market Loft condos have been presold, and builders aren’t slowing down. Luckily, neither are restaurateurs. David Fhima’s LoTo opened just last week across Mears Park, and Farmers’ Market patrons will be treated to another new restaurant inside the expansion once construction is complete.

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7 Reader Comments

Scott McGerik May 25 2005
10:11 am

Kat and I are questioning whether the arrival of more downtown housing will enliven St Paul. We suspect that it will not because those who choose to live in downtown St Paul would be those looking for a quieter downtown whereas those looking for a lively downtown would choose Minneapolis.

rachael May 25 2005
11:44 am

rumor also has it that a (super?)target may be entering DT St. Paul – forget about quiet then.

Scott McGerik May 25 2005
12:23 pm

There is a SuperTarget currently being built at 1775 Robert St in West St Paul.

Alexis May 26 2005
1:11 am

Those loft prices aren’t all that high yet, so I’m betting it will stay quiet for a while. But as soon as the retail moves in, look out. At least it will be nice to see Mears Park and Galtier Plaza rise above their wasteland status.

Justin May 26 2005
11:37 am

Also rumors about Kowalski’s moving into Pedro’s previous spot on Robert and 10th.

Travis Jul 15 2005
11:18 pm

I think it would be great to get some activity downtown. I’m tired of driving to Minneapolis for the action. Where’s our movie theater, choice of coffee shops (I’m talking more than 2) and decent gay bar?? Still, it’s nice that rent is cheaper here than across the river.

The Gust Jul 24 2005
12:51 am

I work DT St. Paul in Galtier Plaza, and there are lots of coffee shops. LoTo in Galtier, Executive Coffee in First Trust, numerous Caribous, etc.

I hear that Target may be built where Wabasha Court used to be — and ironically it is right across from Marshall Field’s!

Anyone remember St. Paul’s retail heyday with Galtier Plaza entertainment complex (movie theaters, restaurants, unique stores, jazz club, etc), World Trade Center and Town Square shopping, etc? Before the mega-mall, DT St Paul was THE PLACE to go shopping…