Minnesota Capitol Mall Design Framework Phase One Report for Comment

Page 1

CAPITOL MALL DESIGN FRAMEWORK FOR CAAPB BOARD APPROVAL 03.01.2024 UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

O WHERE WE ARE AT

O WHAT WE HAVE HEARD

O RESEARCH SUMMARY

O BOLD MOVES

AGENDA

O FRAMEWORK DESIGN

O IMPLEMENTATION

O PHASE 1

O NEXT STEPS

O Q&A

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

WHAT IS A CAPITOL

MALL DESIGN FRAMEWORK

1 2 3 4 5

Specific recommendations for physical changes across the District that touch all public realm areas

Detailed Design Guidelines for public spaces and elements such as planting, streetscapes, security, materials, and lighting

A specific design proposal (Schematic Design) for the first phase of implementation in 2024

Urban Design Framework Elements to assist in evaluating building placement, major infrastructure changes, maintenance, public realm changes, and recommended policy changes to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan

A prioritization matrix that outlines phasing over the coming years and decades into the future

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

Dec 1

Initial Site

Visit

TASK

Site Analysis

CLR Work Tree Inventory

Framework Approval and Phase 1 Identification

LEARN + CREATE REFINE+ DESIGN CELEBRATE + LAUNCH

Draft of Final Framework and Schematic Design Submission and Hand-Off

Capitol Mall Design Framework Draft

Final CLR

Phase 1 Schematic Design Submission

Sasaki presentation to CAAPB Board and State Legislators

Draft CLR and Phase 1 Submission

Feb 5th - Feb 8th

Keystone Engagement Event One - Charrette Week

ENGAGEMENT

CMDF Website launch and “Survey One” release

+ IMPLEMENTATION WE ARE HERE! UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

Final Capitol Mall Design Framework Submission

Jun 30

Anticipated CMDF Project Completion

Keystone Engagement Event Two

3 TASK 4

Phase Detailed Design and Implementation

Keystone Engagement Event Three

CMDF Final Roadshow

“Survey Two” release “Survey Three” release

Dec 31

Phase 1 Implementation Complete

DEC NOV 2023 2024 2025 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN
TIMELINE 1 TASK 2 TASK
Mar 1
PROJECT SCHEDULE
PHASE 1 DETAILED DESIGN

STAKEHOLDER & TAT MEETINGS

JANUARY

TECHNICAL ADVISORY TEAM (TAT) KICK-OFF MEETINGS CMDF DESIGN CHARRETTE WEEK

01/12/2024 KICK-OFF OPTION A

01/17/2024 KICK-OFF OPTION B

STAKEHOLDER & TAT LISTENING SESSIONS

01/18/2024 STATE LEGISLATORS

01/18/2024 OFFICE OF ENTERPRISE SUSTAINABILITY (OES)

01/18/2024 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DIVISION (FMD) AND DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY (DPS)

01/19/2024 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DIVISION (FMD) AND DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY (DPS)

01/25/2024

CITY OF SAINT PAUL

01/25/2024 RAMSEY COUNTY

01/25/2024 CAPITOL REGION WATERSHED DISTRICT (CRWD)

01/25/2024

CITY OF SAINT PAUL DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NICOLLE GOODMAN

01/29/2024 HOUSE SPEAKER MELISSA HORTMAN

STAKEHOLDER & TAT CHARRETTE PREVIEW

01/30/2024

DESIGN CHARRETTE SNEAK PEEK

02/05/2024 DAY 1 | FOCUS GROUP KICK-OFF MEETING

02/06/2024 DAY 2 | CHARRETTE DAY

02/07/2024 DAY 3 | OPEN STUDIO DAY

02/08/2024 DAY 4 | FOCUS GROUP CONCLUSION

TAT MEETINGS AND LISTENING SESSIONS

02/20/2024 TAT CHARRETTE WEEK RECAP OPTION A

02/21/2024 TAT CHARRETTE WEEK RECAP OPTION B

MULTIPLE DAYS TAT FOCUS GROUP MEETINGS WITH CAAPB

WE ARE HERE!

03/01/2024 PRESENTATION TO CAAPB BOARD AND MINNESOTA STATE LEGISLATORS

03/08/2024 PROPOSED BI-MONTHLY TAT MEETING 1

03/22/2024 PROPOSED BI-MONTHLY TAT MEETING 2

04/05/2024 PROPOSED BI-MONTHLY TAT MEETING 1

04/19/2024 PROPOSED BI-MONTHLY TAT MEETING 2

05/03/2024 PROPOSED BI-MONTHLY TAT MEETING 1

05/17/2024 PROPOSED BI-MONTHLY TAT MEETING 2

FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
ENGAGEMENT OUTCOMES UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

REACH A WIDE RANGE OF ALL MINNESOTANS

LEVEL 4: STATEWIDE ENGAGEMENT

LEVEL 3: REGIONAL & INFORMAL ENGAGEMENT

LEVEL 2: CITYWIDE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT EVENTS

LEVEL 1: DESIGN CHARRETTE & FOCUS GROUPS

Design Charrette Focus Group Stakeholder Meetings Keystone Engagement Event Roadshow Pop-up Events Mobile Engagement Online Survey & Website In-person Survey Youth Engagement
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT WINDOW 1

REACH

EVENTS AND POP UPS

O 5 events attended or hosted

O 422 estimated participants

INCLUDING A ONE-WEEK INTENSIVE DESIGN CHARRETTE WITH OVER 80 COMMUNITY MEMBERS

ONLINE ENGAGEMENT

O 1,441 surveys (partial + complete)

O 2,900 unique website visitors

O over 4,700+ community members emailed

WORKSHOP
DESIGN CHARRETTE SURVEY 1
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GROUPS

FOCUS
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DESIGN CHARRETTE &

1,441 respondents across Minnesota (partial + complete)

While the survey had statewide reach, a majority of respondents live in the Twin Cities area.

1The Survey had statewide reach, with respondents from the Twin Cities area, Rochester, Duluth, and many smaller communities in northern and western Minnesota. The number of respondents has significantly increased since the public engagement charrette in early February. Thank you for sharing!

REACH SURVEY 1 FINDINGS UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

Respondent Age Respondent Race / Ethnicity

EQUITY SURVEY 1 FINDINGS UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

3.8% 3.6% 2% American Indian, Alaska Native 3.2%

4% Asian or Asian American

Multiracial Other Hispanic or Latinx

4.4% Asian, Asian American Race & Ethnicity (2020)

2% American Indian or Alaskan Native

2.8% Black

MN / SP

3% Black of African-American

White 76.3% / 54.3%

80% White
6.7% 70-79 1.1% 80+ 0.6% under 18

3% Hispanic or Latinx

Black 7.0% / 15.6%

Multiracial 6.1% / 7.8%

0% Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

Hispanic, Latinx 6.0% / 8.6%

2 12.1% 18-29 17.2% 60-69 19.3% 50-59

Asian, Asian American 5.2% / 18.4%

American Indian, Alaska

Native 1.2% / 0.7%

Other 3.1% / 0%

survey has not reached a demographic as diverse as the State of Minnesota or the city of Saint Paul. We need your help in the future to reach all communities. 22% 30-39

(2020)

following best describes
you?
e Percent Responses kan Native n an 2.0% 17 4.4% 38 2 8% 24 1% Under 18 12% 18-29 22% 30-39 21% 40-49 er
The 21% 40-49
Average Age
Minnesota 38.1 years
Saint Paul 32.5 years

FINDINGS

60

40

20

food at a food truck USER HABITS SURVEY 1

I Participate in demonstrations, rallies and marches

6 responses] Percent 0

Pass through on the way to work, home or daily activities elsewhere

Mall to... [top Visit for tourism and general sightseeing

Get

Engage with elected and government officials

3

the Capitol Mall to... [Select all that apply]: Conductofficial

Conduct official business at Capitol Campus buildings

Enjoynature (examples: birdwatching, enjoying gardens) 40

VisitaspecificmemorialOthe go to the Capitol

Beactive(examples:exercising, jogging, walking, playing) Participateinculturalgatheringsandperformances Restandrelax (examples:sitting,reading,takingabreak) 20

Imagine the Capitol Mall, what comes to mind?

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Gatherwithfriends andfamily(examples: picnicking, hangingout 60

Pass throughonthewaytootherculturalandtourism destinations(examples:MinnesotaHistoryMuseum,CathedralofSaintPaul) 0

Respondents report that they currently view the Mall mostly as a place to conduct official business and pass through on the way to other destinations, and less so a place to linger and enjoy themselves. When respondents are actively using the Mall, the most common reasons are to participate in demonstrations, rallies, marches and visit food trucks.

businessatCapitol Campusbuildings hroughonthewaytowork, meordailyactivitieselsewhere
atafoodtruck
Participatein demonstrations,ralliesandmarches Getfood
Engagewithelectedandgovernmentofficials
Visitfortourismandgeneralsight-seeing

is well-maintained

4

On issues of performance (accessibility and maintenance), respondents were relatively positive about the Mall; on issues of placemaking and meaningfulness, respondents were split about whether the Mall represents Minnesotan culture, has exciting activities and is a memorable place.

PERCEPTIONS OF PLACE SURVEY 1
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The Capitol Mall... is accessible
has lots to do and see is exciting Neutral Neutral Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Strongly Disagree Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Agree Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Agree Strongly Agree I don’t know
FINDINGS

ere areas in the Capitol Area where you feel unsafe? If so, s to the map where you feel unsafe. Click the map to add a tell us what you find unsafe about that area.

Areas that feel unsafe?

When you come, where do you go?

rail

Count Comment 1152 460 Option Comment traffic and h ghways are really awful we should redu r traffic and cover or f ll in I-94

car

traffic

Value Count Comment Places I go 1754 675 ID Option Comment 36 40 lots of gather ngs here 42 Park ng and walking to the Capitol 42 Police memor al 44 Eat

The Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree

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5 Disagree Agree

Safety and connectivity were found to be interwoven topics, with most safety concerns related either to LRT stations or high traffic crossings. Perceptions of poor safety create a barrier between the Capitol Mall and surrounding city which reduces its connectivity — even where suitable infrastructure exists. Areas that people said they use the most were the least likely to be identified as unsafe. Capitol Mall wellconnected to the surrounding city Neutral
21 When you come to the Capitol, where do you go? Click the map to add a point and tell us where you go and what you like to do there.
unsafe unsafe go here
“Traffic and highways are really awful we should reduce
and cover or fill in I-94”
SAFETY AND CONNECTIVITY
“The light
line is a haven for crime.”
SURVEY 1 FINDINGS

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

e creation of a welcoming and beautiful Capitol Mall wil ement recent restoration of the Capitol Building and ens ccess of Minnesotans to their seat of democracy. Of the ments proposed in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to ma Mall more welcoming, select five (5) that would be mo

Of the investments proposed in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to make the Capitol Mall more welcoming, select five (5) that would be most important to you... Enhance pedestrian bridges across I-94

Increasetree canopyInstallmore furniture,benches andpicnictables

6

Add gardensandsymbolicplantings

AddfoodandbeverageEoptions nhance pedestrianbridgesacrossI-94

and beverage options

Enhancepedestrianpathways

ExpandgreenIspace

Constructmore restrooms

ntegratecampussecurity andpublicsafetyintolandscapedesign

Improve educationalsignage

Rank the roles for the Capitol Mall from most important to least important...

For the future, Respondents see value in both reinforcing the Mall’s role as a civic space for first amendment practices and education, as well as expanding its tree canopy, furnishings and vegetation for a more comfortable and connected open space.

Expandbicycle infrastructure

Improvephysical accessibility(handrails,ramps,lifts, removalofsteps)

OtherImprove directionalsignageImprovelighting Inco

Add food
Increase tree canopy Add gardens and
Install more furniture, benches and picnic tables Percent 0 20 40 60
symbolic plantings
0 20 40 60
SURVEY 1
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FINDINGS

Survey 2 (open March 16 - March 30)

Pop-Up Events

1. Duluth: UMD Hockey Pre-Game (March 8)

2. Saint Paul: Black Market (March 9)

3. Bemidji: The Great Thaw Craft Fest (March 9)

4. Saint Paul: Capitol Rotunda (March 18)

5. Willmar: Kids Day at the Mall (March 19)

6. Saint Paul: Capitol Rice LRT (March 19)

7. Rochester: (detail TBD)

Virtual Focus Group Meetings (March 12)

Virtual Town Hall (March 14, state-wide)

Share the website with access to the survey!
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!
ENGAGEMENT
https://mncapitolmall. engage.sasaki.com UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
NEXT STEPS
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
RESEARCH SUMMARY UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

CONNECT PRESERVE GROW ACTIVATE

BUILT ON A RIGOROUS AND DEEP CONVERSATIONS
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CONNECT

O Regional connectivity

O Arrival points

O Thresholds to the Capitol Campus

O Utilities

O Existing parking

O Street typologies

The Capitol Mall will forge connections between Minnesotans and their democratic institutions, through shared experiences, heritage, and physical connections which link the Capitol to the surrounding city and state.

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PRESERVE

O Timeline

O Capitol Mall evolution

O Historical demographics

O Period plans

O Historical site elements

O Viewshed analysis

The Capitol Mall will be an enduring representation of Minnesota’s rich past, design legacy, and landscape heritage while adapting to new maintenance and climate challenges.

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ACTIVATE

O Capitol Area amenities

O Existing park gap analysis

O Demographics

O Existing programming and events

O Security and access

O Future opportunities

The Capitol Mall will become more welcoming for more Minnesotans to gather and share ideas through events, activities, and opportunities to authentically tell a diversity of Minnesotan stories.

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GROW

O Natural Heritage and Climate Change

O Human Comfort

O Environmental Concerns

O Landscape Quality

O Maintenance

The Capitol Mall will steward its landscape with sustainable maintenance practices. The cultivation of a diverse and resilient ecosystem will enable this important district of Saint Paul to adapt to a changing climate while preserving cultural heritage.

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CULTURAL

What is a Cultural Landscape Report (CLR)?

Cultural landscapes are historically significant places that reveal human interaction with the physical environment over time.

A Cultural Landscape Report (CLR) describes the physical history, analyzes existing conditions, and recommends treatment actions to preserve, restore, or rehabilitate the cultural landscape.

(National Park Service)

Damon Farber Landscape Architects and 106 Group are currently working on the CLR.

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The Capitol Mall Design Framework draws upon the CLR to best understand the historic intentions and features of the site.

How does the CLR influence the Capitol Mall Design Framework? LANDSCAPE REPORT PAST TODAY
The CLR also informs how the Capitol Mall can be adapted to accommodate evolving needs, while still paying homage to the past.

A MN State Capitol, 1900

B State Office Building, 1932

C State Office Building Parking

D MN Dept of Transportation, 1956

E Parking Ramp F, 2013-2015

F Veterans Service Building, 1954

G National Guard Office, 1961

H Centennial Office Building, 1959

I Centennial Parking Ramp, 1976

J MN Judicial Branch, 1917

K Power Plant, 1900

1 Leif Erickson, 1949

2 Quadriga, 1906

3 Judicial Plaza, 1990

4 Floyd B. Olson, 1958

5 John Johnson, 1912

6 Knute Nelson, 1928

7 Christopher Columbus, 1931

8 Hubert H. Humphrey, 2012

9 MN Woman Suffrage Memorial, 2000

10 Charles Lindbergh, 1985

11 Spiral for Justice: Roy Wilkins, 1995

12 Special Forces in Laos Memorial, 2016

13 MN Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 1992

14 MN WW II Veterans Memorial, 2007

15 Court of Honor, 1950-1953

16 MN Korean War Veterans Memorial, 1998

17 MN Workers Memorial Garden, 2010

18 Military Family Tribute; Gold Star Table, 2015

19 Military Family Tribute; Story Stones, 2015

20 MN Fallen FIrefighters Memorial, 2012

21 Memorial to the Living, 1982

22 Promise of Youth, 1958

23 USS Ward Gun, 1958

24 Peace Officers Memorial, 1995

25 Earthbound Monument, 1956

26 Liberty Bell, 1950

Contributing Building

Non-contributing Building

Contributing Memorial Structure

Non-contributing Memorial Structure

Contributing Small Scale Site Structure

LEGEND CONTENTS 1 2 3 7 8 5 4 6 9 10 11 12 13 15 15 14 16 17 19 18 20 21 23 25 22 26 24 A B C E D F G H J K I J Rice St University Ave W Aurora Ave John Ireland Blvd CedarSt RobertSt E12thSt I-35E WabashaStN Rev Dr MLK Jr Blvd Fuller Ave Rev Dr MLK Jr Blvd W. 12th St.
& STRUCTURES N 0’ 75 150’ 300’ CLR: PART 1
DRAFT DRAFT UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
BUILDING
CONTRIBUTING FEATURES

CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT

Each space was lined with a row of trees reinforcing circulation.

Based on aerial photography

Tree loss at Leif Erickson Park

Significant tree loss

Significant tree gain

Tree planting emphasis shifts toward Court of Honor and middle EW arcing walkways.

Based on aerial photography

LRT Rail Station

Wabasha Ave converted to pedestrian walkway

Aurora Ave terminated at both east and west of capitol mall

Aurora Ave converted to pedestrian walkway south of capitol building

Fuller Ave terminated

Middle E/W arcing road converted to double walkway

Interior-mall radiating roads removed, one converted to pedestrian walkway

Removal of street Walkways

Roadways

Based on aerial photography

Based on aerial photography

Trees Locations
1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 1 2 3 4 CIRCULATION 1962
TODAY TREE CANOPY 1962 TREE CANOPY TODAY
CIRCULATION
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KEY PRESERVATION ISSUES AND

KEY PRESERVATION ISSUES AND KEY PRESERVATION ISSUES AND TREATMENTS

HONOR THE CONSISTENT INTENT OF THE ORIGINAL DESIGNERS.

HONOR THE CONSISTENT INTENT OF THE ORIGINAL DESIGNERS.

O Preserve the three axial approaches to the Capitol Building.

O Preserve the three axial approaches to the Capitol Building.

O Maintain the wide views to/from the Capitol framed by the approach corridors.

O Maintain the wide views to/from the Capitol framed by the approach corridors.

O Honor the character defining features of the Upper Mall

O Honor the character defining features of the Upper Mall

PRESERVE EXTANT CONTRIBUTING FEATURES.

PRESERVE EXTANT CONTRIBUTING FEATURES.

O Retain and maintain existing contributing features

O Retain and maintain existing contributing features

O Consider expanding the list of contributing features to include extant original structures

O Consider expanding the list of contributing features to include extant original structures

ENHANCE DISTRICT-WIDE ACCESSIBILITY.

ENHANCE DISTRICT-WIDE ACCESSIBILITY.

O Expand accessibility throughout the district while following preservation treatment standards.

O Expand accessibility throughout the district while following preservation treatment standards.

O Design interventions with care so as not to obscure, damage, or destroy character-defining features in the process of undertaking work to meet code requirements.

O Design interventions with care so as not to obscure, damage, or destroy character-defining features in the process of undertaking work to meet code requirements.

RESPECT HISTORIC VEGETATION PATTERNS.

RESPECT HISTORIC VEGETATION PATTERNS.

O Replace missing tree canopy along major approaches, district streets, and pedestrian corridors.

O Replace missing tree canopy along major approaches, district streets, and pedestrian corridors.

O Consider planting in groves which can reinforce linear corridors.

O Consider planting in groves which can reinforce linear corridors.

O Develop guidelines for a consistent planting palette district-wide – including within commemorative spaces.

O Develop guidelines for a consistent planting palette district-wide – including within commemorative spaces.

REINFORCE URBAN CONNECTIONS AS HISTORICALLY INTENDED.

REINFORCE URBAN CONNECTIONS AS HISTORICALLY INTENDED.

O Maintain and reconnect historical approaches into the urban fabric.

O Maintain and reconnect historical approaches into the urban fabric.

O Improve the human experience along the approach corridors.

O Improve the human experience along the approach corridors.

O Evolve land use at the periphery of the district with contemporary planning strategies.

O Evolve land use at the periphery of the district with contemporary planning strategies.

FOSTER RESILIENCY WITHIN THE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE.

FOSTER RESILIENCY WITHIN THE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE.

O Consider strategies for stormwater management within the Capitol Mall that emulate the character of the cultural landscape.

O Consider strategies for stormwater management within the Capitol Mall that emulate the character of the cultural landscape.

O Replace turf lawn with more sustainable or native seed mixes with lower maintenance requirements.

O Replace turf lawn with more sustainable or native seed mixes with lower maintenance requirements.

O Allow turf and turf replacements to enter dormancy during hot and dry seasons.

O Allow turf and turf replacements to enter dormancy during hot and dry seasons.

O Consider alternative options to monocultural plantings, including native species and disease resistant varieties.

O Consider alternative options to monocultural plantings, including native species and disease resistant varieties.

PLAN FOR FUTURE COMMEMORATIVE SPACES.

PLAN FOR FUTURE COMMEMORATIVE SPACES.

O Utilize the Lower Mall for future expansion of commemorative spaces.

O Utilize the Lower Mall for future expansion of commemorative spaces.

O Organize memorial interventions according to massing and space allowed, not according to content themes.

O Organize memorial interventions according to massing and space allowed, not according to content themes.

O Refrain from expanding commemoration into the Upper Mall, an area of high integrity.

O Refrain from expanding commemoration into the Upper Mall, an area of high integrity.

O Encourage future commemorative interventions to have smaller footprints and utilize existing pedestrian circulation patterns.

O Encourage future commemorative interventions to have smaller footprints and utilize existing pedestrian circulation patterns.

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FRAMEWORK APPROACH UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

THEMES

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LESS DETAIL

SCALES OF INQUIRY & DESIGN

CAPITOL AREA

DESIGN TOPICS

Framework Ideas

Big Moves

Implementation Partnerships

Phasing

MORE DETAIL

CAPITOL CAMPUS

DESIGN TOPICS

Design Guidelines

Early Phase Implementation

Possibilities

CAPITOL MALL

DESIGN TOPICS

Conceptual Design

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>

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

As Minnesota’s seat of government and destination for thousands of people each year, the Capitol Area offers the highest quality experience to visitors.

The Capitol building and Mall are central to the identity of Saint Paul and are a unifying focal point for the city, as Cass Gilbert once envisioned.

The Capitol Area is a model for Minnesota, where best practices are utilized in the planning, design, and development of public and private projects.

The entire Capitol Area provides an integrated, high quality, human scale public realm experience.

The Capitol Area is an urban multi-modal district, seamlessly connected to destinations and the larger mobility network of Saint Paul. Land use diversity is encouraged throughout the Capitol Area.

DESTINATION CONNECT PRESERVE ACTIVATE GROW

FOCAL
LAND
In all parts of the Capitol Area, new development respects community, assets and context, including the distinct identities of the Capitol Rice District, Capitol Heights and Fitzgerald Park neighborhoods. COORDINATED
POINT MODEL FOR MINNESOTA PUBLIC REALM SEAMLESSLY CONNECTED
USE DIVERSITY
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PLANNING POLICY DESIGN LENSES

RECOMMENDATION TO THE 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN STRATEGY

THE ENTIRE CAPITOL MALL DESIGN FRAMEWORK IS DEVELOPED CREATIVELY BASED ON THE 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Support the continued use of the Capitol Mall as a welcoming community gathering place by adapting security practices. Explore design measures which discretely incorporate security features without interrupting the ability of all Minnesotans to enjoy the Mall.

ACTIVATION SECURITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Historic character-defining elements of the Capitol Area should be priorities for preservation, but historical preservation guidelines need to be flexible enough to allow reasonable modernization that addresses principles of accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability.

Revise regulations to enable small businesses like retail, food and beverage to lease space on the ground level of government buildings, helping to activate the public realm and support workplace wellbeing.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The State can leverage their underutilized land to develop private partnerships that catalyze economic development and community vitality. Partnerships can also be forged on privately owned land in the Capitol Area to incentivize owners to adopt practices that benefit the entire district. Funds raised through private development can be directed back into the management and maintenance of the shared public realm.

PARKING MANAGEMENT

Parking should be approached as a collective and district wide resource to increase utilization efficiency. The district can explore ways to provide free visitor parking for those with government business. Surface parking should be prioritized for accessibility and service needs with structured parking meeting most parking demand at strategic locations within a 3 minute walk of workplaces.

Explore the formation of new management structures that enable efficient coordination and resource use for the Mall and surrounding public realm including a “Mall Conservancy” model that is a MOU between the State, City, and County utilized for both programming and maintenance.

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TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE CAPITOL MALL BOLD MOVES 10

EXTRA LARGE LARGE

10 BOLD MOVES

SMALL

POLICY SCALE

A CHANGE THAT WILL OCCUR BEYOND DISCRETE SITE

INTERVENTIONS THAT DEFINE REQUIREMENTS

DISTRICT SCALE

A SERIES OF INTERCONNECTED PROJECTS THAT SPAN ACROSS THE MALL OR DISTRICT

SITE SCALE

A DISCRETE INTERVENTION AT A SPECIFIC PLACE IN THE DISTRICT/ON THE MALL

A SPECTRUM OF PROJECT TYPES AND SCALES
A SCALAR APPROACH BOLD MOVES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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FRAMEWORK APPROACH BOLD MOVES

Enhance the user experience and make for a more inclusive and welcoming space

EXTRA LARGE LARGE

Reinvigorate nodes that connect the community to the capitol in each direction

Right-size the roads and reinforce them with trees.

Sculpt topography to improve accessibility, seamlessly integrate security and provide a platform for events

Introduce new strategies to represent Minnesota’s cultural diversity and ecological variety

Celebrate Minnesota’s connection to water in all seasons

Create a gradient of planting strategies that support cultural programming, sustainable maintenance and human comfort goals

SMALL

Transform Cass Gilbert Park into a multi-generational space for play, recreation and views

Establish a Cultural Walk that draws visitors in and provides opportunities for representation

Convert Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. into a community shared street

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ENHANCE THE USER EXPERIENCE AND MAKE FOR A MORE INCLUSIVE AND WELCOMING SPACE

SURVEY RESPONDENTS REPORTED THAT THEY ONLY GO TO THE MALL TO PASS THROUGH OR FOR OFFICIAL BUSINESS OR EVENTS. COMMUNITY MEMBERS OFTEN SAID THEY DIDN’T THINK THEY SHOULD BE AT THE CAPITOL WITHOUT GOVERNMENT BUSINESS.

I go to the Capitol Mall to... [top 6 responses]

Pass through on the way to work, home or daily activities elsewhere

Pass through on the way to other cultural and tourism destinations

Conduct official business at Capitol Campus buildings

35.9 % OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS LISTED “ADD FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPTIONS” AS A TOP PRIORITY FOR THE CAPITOL MALL, THE NUMBER 4 RESPONSE OUT OF 17 OPTIONS

“MULTIPLE LANGUAGES AND ACCESS FOR ALL ABILITIES”

“HAVE AMBASSADORS THAT HELP PEOPLE AND PROVIDE SECURITY”

EXISTING SIGNAGE IS DESIGNED FOR CARS AND OUT OF SCALE WITH THE PEDESTRIAN EXPERIENCE

Engage with elected and government officials

Participate in demonstrations, rallies and marches

Participate in cultural gatherings and performances

“CLEAR SIGNAGE AND DIRECTIONS...PEOPLE DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT SPACES ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC”

“MAKE IT MORE PEOPLEORIENTED...ADD CAFES AND PLACES TO GATHER ”

WHAT WOULD MAKE THE MALL MORE WELCOMING FOR MORE MINNESOTANS?

Percent 0 20 40
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

ENHANCE THE USER EXPERIENCE AND MAKE FOR A MORE INCLUSIVE AND WELCOMING SPACE STRATEGIES

O Digital infrastructure includes features like the “Cap App” with GPS- enabled wayfinding and/or augmented reality.

O A visitor amenity center can provide a home base or starting point for those visiting the Capitol Campus with restrooms, educational materials, and so on.

O Amenity guidelines ensure consistent landscape treatments and reinforce the Capitol Mall as distinct and special place.

DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE

GUIDELINES

To City To Capitol University Ave W Rice St
WabashaStN E12thSt W 12th St St Anthony Ave
CedarSt
RobertSt VISITOR AMENITY BUILDING AMENITY
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
PRECEDENTS VISITOR AMENITY BUILDING
PRECEDENTS WAYFINDING AND INTERPRETATION UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PRECEDENTS

reas in the Capitol Area where you feel unsafe? If so, he map where you feel unsafe. Click the map to add a us what you find unsafe about that area.

REINVIGORATE NODES THAT CONNECT THE COMMUNITY TO THE CAPITOL IN EACH DIRECTION

“THE LIGHT RAIL IS A HAVEN FOR CRIME”

“IT FEELS LIKE NOBODY CARES” “FEELS DESERTED”

VISITORS ARRIVING TO THE CAPITOL AT ITS PERIMETER THRESHOLDS ARE MET WITH A SENSE OF DESOLATION AND FEW PEOPLE IN THE PUBLIC REALM

“I FEEL TRAPPED ON THE BRIDGE” “FEELS DESOLATE”

34.4 % OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS LISTED “ENHANCE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES ACROSS I-94” AS A TOP PRIORITY FOR THE CAPITOL MALL, THE NUMBER 5 RESPONSE OUT OF 17 OPTIONS

“COULD THIS BE A LAND BRIDGE?”

“DESIGN IT FOR MORE ACTIVE PEDESTRIAN USE TO GET EYES ON THE STREET” “THERE IS VERY LITTLE STREET ACTIVITY AND CONNECTIONS INTO DOWNTOWN. THIS MAKES A PEDESTRIAN FEEL ISOLATED AND UNSAFE.”

“IT SHOULD SEAMLESSLY CONNECT TO DOWNTOWN”

“INTIMATE GATHERING SPACES”

“PEOPLE AND VITALITY WOULD SOLVE A LOT”

Count Comment

SURVEY RESPONDENTS OVERWHELMINGLY

PERCEIVE THE THRESHOLDS OF THE CAPITOL CAMPUS TO BE UNSAFE

1152 460

“BEING MORE CONNECTED TO THE NEIGHBORHOODS ON ALL SIDES OF THE MALL WOULD MAKE A TREMENDOUS DIFFERENCE”

COMMUNITY DESIGN CHARRETTE
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

REINVIGORATE NODES THAT CONNECT THE COMMUNITY TO THE CAPITOL IN EACH DIRECTION

CAPITOL RICE DISTRICT

HISTORICAL HILL DISTRICT

SEARS

COMO & RICE BRT NODE UNIVERSITY & RICE MOBILITY HUB

ROBERT STREET STATION PLAZA MHC

MN STATE CAPITOL MALL

FITZGERALD

CEDAR & WABASHA DECK NODE

STRATEGIES

O Nodes are opportunities to focus placemaking investments in intentional areas rather than spread them too thin.

O Creating a vibrant public realm at each of these nodes will provide a welcoming and inviting face to the Capitol where visitors arrive by car, pathways and transit.

Cass Gilbert Memorial Park I-94 I-35E University Ave W Rice St Park St CedarSt Cedar St E12thSt
Ireland Blvd Aurora Ave Charles Ave Marion St St Anthony Ave WKelloggBlvd JacksonSt UniversityAveW Como Ave ComoAve WPennsylvaniaAve RobertSt 10thStE Valley Park
Sculpture Park CAPITOL HEIGHTS
SAINT PAUL
AIRY
John
Western
DOWNTOWN
MT.
PARK
& RICE BRT NODE
PLAZA
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

UNIVERSITY AND RICE MOBILITY HUB PLAN

UNIVERSITY

PARKING GARAGE OPPORTUNITY WITH GROUND FLOOR AND BALCONY ACTIVATION

PPSOB LANDSCAPE TO BE COORDINATED

LIGHT RAIL STATION

NEW STATE OFFICE BUILDING

MN STATE CAPITOL

CIRCULATION ROUTE WITH WAYFINDING

AVE W
RICE
ST
PARK ST
STATION
BRT
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

UNIVERSITY AND RICE MOBILITY HUB

VISION AND KIT OF PARTS

DISTRICT PARKING

ACTIVE GROUND FLOOR

ACTIVE GROUND FLOOR

CONCENTRATE PUBLIC REALM INVESTMENT

MOBILITY CONCENTRATIONS

SOB LANDSCAPE TO BE COORDINATED

PUBLIC GATHERING SPACES

INCREASED CONNECTIVITY

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
UNIVERSITY AND RICE MOBILITY HUB PRECEDENTS UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

FROM 1962TODAY

RIGHT-SIZE THE ROADS AND REINFORCE THEM WITH TREES.

52.2 % OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS LISTED “INCREASE TREE CANOPY” AS A TOP PRIORITY FOR THE CAPITOL MALL, THE TOP RESPONSE

“A LARGE, MATURE TREE CANOPY SHOULD BE A HIGH PRIORITY FOR THIS PROJECT”

TREE LOSS HAS REDUCED PATHWAYS IN SHADE

“RIGHT NOW ITS HARD FOR A PEDESTRIAN TO CROSS A LOT OF THE WIDE ROADS”

“REDUCE JOHN IRELAND TO TWO LANES AND CREATE WIDER PEDESTRIAN PATHWAYS”

77 % OF THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY IS DEDICATED TO CARS

228 SURVEY COMMENTS MENTIONED CARS AND TRAFFIC AS A REASON THE CAPITOL FEELS UNSAFE

CANOPY COVER IN DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL IS SOME OF THE LOWEST IN THE REGION

LTR Rail Station Wabasha Ave converted to pedestrian walkway Aurora Ave terminated at both east and west of capitol mall Aurora Ave converted to pedestrian walkway south of capitol building Fuller Ave terminated Middle E/W arcing road converted to double walkway Interior-mall radiating roads removed, one converted to pedestrian walkway Removal of street Walkways Roadways Each space was lined with a row of trees reinforcing circulation. Based on aerial photography Based on aerial photography Tree loss at Leif Erickson Park Significant tree loss Significant tree gain Tree planting emphasis shifts toward Court of Honor and middle EW arcing walkways. Trees Locations 17 Cultural Landscape Report 1944 1960 TODAY 17 Cultural Landscape Report MORELL & NICHOLS 1944 1960 TODAY 17 Framework Cultural Landscape Report 16 17 Capitol Mall Design Framework Cultural Landscape Report
1 2 2 3 3 2 4 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 1 2 3 4 28 29 Capitol Mall Design Framework Cultural Landscape Report CIRCULATION 1962 TREE CANOPY 1962 CIRCULATION TODAY TREE CANOPY TODAY CLR: PART 1
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

O The streets around the Capitol Mall are currently over-sized.

O Right-of-way dedicated to vehicles can be slightly reduced and given back to pedestrians, street trees, and green infrastructure.

954 Cass Gilbert Memorial Park I-94 I-35E UNIVERSITY AVE W Park St CEDARST Cedar St E12THST JOHNIRELANDBLVD Aurora Ave Charles Ave Marion St ST ANTHONY AVE WKelloggBlvd JACKSONST Como Ave ComoAve WPennsylvaniaAve ROBERTST 10thStE MN STATE CAPITOL MALL Valley Park Western Sculpture Park CAPITOL HEIGHTS DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL MT. AIRY CAPITOL RICE DISTRICT FITZGERALD PARK HISTORICAL HILL DISTRICT RICE ST N CAPITOL BLVD MLK JR BLVD
RIGHT-SIZE THE ROADS AND REINFORCE
TREES.
MALL TREES UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
THEM WITH
STRATEGIES PROPOSED

Over-sized

Rice Street section taken at proposed METRO G-Line stop (Bus Rapid Transit): Rice and Fuller. Rice Street fluctuates in width from St Anthony Ave / W 12th St (approx. 105’ ROW) to University Ave (89’ ROW).

No

Water Stormwater Electrical

C W S ST

Underground Communication Sewer

*Flex Zones include street trees, landscaping, BRT shelters, street lighting and street parking.

E
LEGEND
sidewalk buffer
travel lanes
stormwater management Large median; minimal street trees
pedestrian lighting
At its widest, the 10’ Public Frontage on the west side of Rice Street grows to 16’. At its narrowest, the sidewalk on the east side of Rice Street gets absorbed by the proposed Mobility Hub plaza space. PROPOSED
No
No
EXISTING
Stormwater management Protected existing trees Pedestrian lighting Right-sized vehicular lanes BRT G-Line per 2040 Comp Plan Increased tree canopy
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
RICE STREET VISION

JOHN IRELAND BLVD.

Large median; minimal street trees

No sidewalk buffer

Over-sized travel lanes

Capitol views from vehicles prioritized over views from pedestrians

No stormwater management

Separated and protected bike lanes per 2040 Comp Plan

Stormwater management

Right-sized vehicular lanes

Primary Capitol views reoriented to pedestrians

Increased tree canopy

Protected existing trees

E W ST Electrical Water Stormwater LEGEND
EXISTING PROPOSED ZOOM-IN
VISION UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

UNIVERSITY AVE W

Intimidating concrete barrier

No stormwater management

LEGEND

Water Stormwater Electrical

Increased tree canopy

VISION UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

Over-sized travel lanes

Lack of direct access to Capitol Campus

Stormwater management

EXISTING W ST

Right-sized vehicular lanes

Potential bridge over University Ave PROPOSED E
Euclid Avenue BRT in Cleveland, OH Ben Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia Hudson Square streetscape in New York City Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, TX VISION STREETSCAPE PRECEDENTS UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

SCULPT TOPOGRAPHY TO IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY, SEAMLESSLY INTEGRATE SECURITY AND PROVIDE A PLATFORM FOR EVENTS

A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE UPPER CAPITOL MALL HAS TOPOGRAPHY AT SLOPES OF GREATER THAN 5% - LACKING WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY AND NOT WELL SUITED TO EVENT USES.

“KEEP THE PLAN AN ACCESSIBLE CIVIC PLACE THAT IS MORE REPRESENTATIVE OF OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING THE YOUTH, AND AN OPEN AND SAFE SPACE WHERE EVERYONE IS WELCOME AND CAN FEEL A SENSE OF BELONGING IN GOVERNMENT AND TO THE STATE.“

26.8% OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS IDENTIFIED

EXISTINGCONDITION OPPORTUNITY

NO BARRIER

STEEPSLOPE REDUCEDSLOPE

BARRIER + ADA ACCESS

“INTEGRATE CAMPUS SECURITY AND PUBLIC SAFETY INTO LANDSCAPE DESIGN” AS A TOP PRIORITY FOR THE FUTURE OF THE CAPITOL

SURVEY RESPONDENTS FELT THE SECOND MOST IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE CAPITOL MALL IS TO ACT AS “A PLACE TO EXERCISE FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS TO CIVIC EXPRESSION”

“I WOULD LIKE TO EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF PHYSICALLY BEING ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES”

CAAPB Boundary Campus Boundary 5 - 10% 0 - 5% +10% +20% 5 - 10% 5 - 10% UPPER MALL University Ave W Aurora Ave Park St Cedar St CedarSt E12thSt I-35E
P P P P P P P P P
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

SCULPT TOPOGRAPHY TO IMPROVE ACCESSIBILITY, SEAMLESSLY INTEGRATE

SECURITY AND PROVIDE A PLATFORM FOR EVENTS

STRATEGIES

O The Upper and Lower Malls have vastly different slope profiles, with the Upper Mall being particularly steep.

O By strategically sculpting the existing topography, the spaces become more flexible, easier to traverse, and safer for those using them.

ACCESSIBLE PROMENADE

2% 1.68% 2% 1.68% Cass Gilbert Memorial Park MLKJRBLVD
NEW ADA ROUTES NEW ADA ROUTES GENTLE SLOPE FLATLAWN GENTLE SLOPE FLAT LAWN BRIDGE CONNECTION University Ave W Rice St CedarSt RobertSt John Ireland Blvd STAIRS STAIRS
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

CREATING SPACES FOR PROGRAM

LOWER MALL

EXISTING SLOPE 1.43%

PROPOSED SLOPE 1.68%

UPPER MALL

EXISTING SLOPE RANGES 5 TO 10%

PROPOSED SLOPE 2%

2% 1.68%
Planting (beyond) 3’-0” Retaining Wall or Seatwall 3’-0” Retaining Wall or Seatwall
SITE SECTION UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
TOPOGRAPHY & SECURITY WALLS
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
SCULPTED
PRECEDENTS

INTRODUCE NEW STRATEGIES TO REPRESENT MINNESOTA’S CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND ECOLOGICAL VARIETY 11

MINNESOTA IS THE HOME OF FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES

8.8 % OF MINNESOTANS ARE FROM OUTSIDE THE U.S..

8 % OF MINNESOTANS LIVE IN RURAL AREAS

REPRESENTATION BEYOND

STATUES: 48.2 % OF SURVEY

RESPONDENTS LISTED “ADD GARDENS AND SYMBOLIC PLANTINGS” AS A

TOP PRIORITY FOR THE CAPITOL MALL, THE NUMBER 3 RESPONSE OUT OF 17 OPTIONS

EXISTING COMMEMORATIVE WORKS

“BRING IN HISTORIC STORYTELLING, GARDENS THAT DELIGHT, ART WITH MEANING“

“AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT OTHER THINGS LIKE ECOLOGY AND AGRICULTURE“

EXISTING COMMEMORATIVE WORKS FOCUS ON WAR OR SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS.

“LESS STATUES OF PEOPLE: HONOR IDEAS, ERAS, GROWTH“

“MORE REPRESENTATION OF OTHER ASPECTS OF OUR SHARED CULTURE“

“HAVE A RANGE OF REPRESENTATIONS, NOT JUST SCULPTURES“

MINNESOTA HAS A DIVERSE ECOLOGY, RANGING FROM THE PRAIRIES OF THE WESTERN PLAINS, LUSH HARDWOOD FORESTS OF EASTERN RIVER VALLEYS, AND THE TOWERING RED PINES OF THE NORTHWOODS.

War & Military Government Individuals Groups

White Men

BIPOC

Women

“PROVIDE MORE LANDMARKS THAT REFLECT THE DIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXPERIENCE“

WETLAND

S N T Y U G B
F
FOREST
MAPLE - BASSWOOD OAK - ASPEN
FOREST
OAK SAVANNA / MESIC PRAIRIE
/ LOWLAND HARDWOOD
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

INTRODUCE NEW STRATEGIES TO REPRESENT

MINNESOTA’S CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND ECOLOGICAL VARIETY

STRATEGIES

O The Upper Mall and Capitol Building are the democracy stage – a space for all people to come and exercise their first amendment rights.

O The cultural platform (which also includes the cultural trail) ties together various community points of interest.

O The history and reverence zone includes a majority of the commemorative works (both new and old) that celebrate all people in Minnesota.

RONDO NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION REGIONSCONNECTION R I NOITCENNOCEC D O NOCNWOTNW NECTION HISTORYCONNECTIO N DEMOCRACY STAGE CULTURAL PLATFORM HISTORY AND RELEVANCE
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
STAGE
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
DEMOCRACY
PRECEDENTS
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
CULTURAL PLATFORM PRECEDENTS
AND RELEVANCE
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
HISTORY
PRECEDENTS

CELEBRATE MINNESOTA’S CONNECTION TO WATER IN ALL SEASONS

AS THE LAND OF 10,000 LAKES, LINKED BY TWO OF THE NATION’S LARGEST RIVERS, WATER IS CENTRAL TO MINNESOTA’S IDENTITY.

Water

Stormwater

TODAY FUTURE

Days / year warmer than 90 °F C

Comparison between today and 2080

Days / 100 years when daily rainfall exceeds 4 inches

Comparison between today and 2080

RAIN IS A RESOURCE

SUMMER TEMPERATURES ARE RISING RAINFALL IS BECOMING HEAVIER

WATER FEATURES ARE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS RISING TEMPERATURES AND MAKE USE OF INCREASING RAINFALL

10 20 30 40 4 8 12 18
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

CELEBRATE

MINNESOTA’S CONNECTION TO WATER IN ALL SEASONS

STRATEGIES

As the land of 10,000 lakes, water is a critical component of Minnesota’s identity – as well as that of the many Indigenous American communities who first called this land home. Water will be utilized as a resource by:

O Integrating it as a major landscape feature for all to experience

O Capturing and storing underground

O Infiltrating it to filter it and return it slowly back to the system

O Reused for irrigation

The role of water on the Capitol Mall is both ecologically responsive and contextually relevant.

Interactive Jets

RainGardens

Water

Cascade

Regional Detention

Seasonal Pond and Skating Location

Regional Water Quality Treatment

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
PRECEDENTS STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
WATER FEATURES
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
PRECEDENTS

CREATE A GRADIENT OF PLANTING STRATEGIES THAT SUPPORT

CULTURAL PROGRAMMING, SUSTAINABLE MAINTENANCE AND HUMAN COMFORT GOALS

TODAY FUTURE SUMMER TEMPERATURES ARE RISING

“INCREASE TREE CANOPY” WAS SURVEY

MORE THAN 80% OF THE CAPITOL GROUNDS IS COVERED IN LAWN. WHILE LAWN IS GREAT FOR FLEXIBLE EVENT AREAS, OTHER PLANTING STRATEGIES ARE NEEDED TO SUPPORT CONTEMPLATIVE, RECREATIONAL AND DAILY USES OF THE GROUNDS.

3% GARDEN

RESPONDENTS’ TOP PRIORITY FOR THE FUTURE OF THE CAPITOL MALL

80%+ LAWNS

16% MEADOW

“EMPTY AREAS OF EXPANSIVE LAWN. HOT WITH LITTLE SHADE.”

A LACK OF SHADE MAKES MUCH OF THE CAPITOL MALL UNCOMFORTABLE IN SUMMER

“I’M DRAWN TO AREAS WITH TREES AND BENCHES, NOT LAWN”

“MORE NATIVE PLANTS, LESS CHEMICALS!”

“A LOT OF UNUSED SPACE”

“A LAWN IS JUST NOT THAT USEFUL”

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

CREATE A GRADIENT OF PLANTING

STRATEGIES THAT SUPPORT CULTURAL PROGRAMMING, SUSTAINABLE MAINTENANCE AND HUMAN COMFORT GOALS

STRATEGIES

O Native prairies showcase significant Minnesotan plants.

O The arboretum provides wind protection and shade while supporting commemorative works.

O An open glade with shade trees and generous lawn supports large events.

O Lastly, a civic plinth supports high performance event lawns and high pedestrian traffic.

MORE MANICURED AND MORE HORTICULTURAL

MORE NATURAL AND LESS MANICURED

PROPOSED MALL TREES

THE GREEN FRAME

WOODLANDS, MEADOWS AND PRAIRIE

CIVIC PLINTH

OPEN GLADES CULTURAL PLANTING

WOODLANDS, MEADOWS AND PRAIRIE

439
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
PLINTH PRECEDENTS UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
CIVIC
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
OPEN GLADES PRECEDENTS

GREEN FRAME PRECEDENTS

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

WOODLANDS AND MEADOWS PRECEDENTS

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

TRANSFORM CASS GILBERT PARK INTO A MULTIGENERATIONAL SPACE FOR PLAY, RECREATION AND VIEWS

“I WOULD LOVE TO SEE IT AS A BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED PARK, AND MAYBE ALSO HAVE A PLAYGROUND FOR LITTLE KIDS - SOMETHING GOVERNMENT OR HISTORICAL FOCUSED. “

“CASS GILBERT PARK IS VERY DISAPPOINTING”

“CASS GILBERT PARK IS UNDERUTILIZED”

“WE NEED A PLACE TO LET KIDS RUN AROUND AND GET THEIR ENERGY OUT”

Families

Families

HOUSEHOLD SIZES

“FELT OFFICIAL”

“IT SEEMED LIKE AN OLD, FORMAL PLACE”

WHAT ARE YOUNG MINNESOTANS’ FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE CAPITOL?

“WE HAD TO EAT SITTING ON THE CURB”

“A LOT OF BUSINESS STUFF”

“WE NEED PLANTINGS THAT EDUCATE ABOUT OUR UNIQUE HABITATS AND SPECIES”

MOST SURVEY RESPONDENTS FELT THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE CAPITOL A PLACE TO LEARN

MALL IS AS ABOUT OUR GOVERNMENT AND OUR HISTORY

“I WANT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO COME HERE AND THINK ABOUT THEIR ROLE IN DEMOCRACY AND THEIR FUTURE IN IT”

AT POP-UP EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE TWIN CITIES, ATTENDEES FREQUENTLY EXPRESSED A HOPE THAT THE CAPITOL WOULD BECOME A MORE FAMILY-FRIENDLY DESTINATION

0 persons 1-2 persons 2-3 persons 3-4 persons
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

TRANSFORM CASS GILBERT PARK INTO A MULTI- GENERATIONAL SPACE FOR PLAY, RECREATION AND VIEWS STRATEGIES

O Cass Gilbert Park’s existing topography, sweeping views, and proximity to both neighborhoods and existing assets (like the Capitol Building itself) make it a prime location for a public space that serves the broader community.

O Integrating diverse programming such as a children’s play environment, tree groves, walking paths, an overlook and park pavilions will create a destination for varied user groups.

PLAYGROUND RESTROOM CAFE EXTENDED BUS PARKING COMMUNITY PLAZA PARK STREETSCAPE UPGRADES STREETSCAPE UPGRADES Cedar St University Ave W Charles Ave
Ave CapitolHeights RobertSt JacksonSt
Park MT. AIRY
HOSPITAL
STATE CAPITOL CAPITOL HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD
CASS GILBERT MEMORIAL PARK
Sherburne
Valley
REGIONS
MN
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
mmuni yt P l a az Viewpoint S o lar BusParking C a fe Bu i lding Children ’sPlay
GILBERT PARK PROGRAMMING AND PRECEDENTS UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
CASS

ESTABLISH A CULTURAL WALK THAT DRAWS VISITORS IN

AND PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR REPRESENTATION

MANY COMMUNITY MEMBERS EXPRESSED A SENSE THAT COMMEMORATIVE ELEMENTS HAVE BEEN RANDOMLY

PLACED ON THE MALL, WITHOUT A LARGER ORGANIZATIONAL LOGIC

“IT IS BEING FILLED UP WITH MEMORIALS”

THE “HORSESHOE” AROUND THE CAPITOL FORMS AN IDEAL WALKING PATH WITH VISIBILITY OF THE CAPITOL FROM ALL LOCATIONS

Best view of the Capitol Building

Hardly see the Capitol Building

“MANY STRUCTURES CLUTTERING THE LOWER MALL” “RANDOMLY PLACED STATUES”

LOCATIONS OF COMMEMORATIVE WORKS

SURVEY RESPONDENTS WERE LARGELY NEUTRAL OR NEGATIVE ABOUT THE CAPITOL MALL AS A CULTURAL DESTINATION

THE CAPITOL MALL...

Strongly Disagree Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree Strongly Agree

Disagree Disagree Agree Agree

has lots to do and see is exciting Neutral Neutral

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

ESTABLISH A CULTURAL WALK THAT DRAWS VISITORS IN AND PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR REPRESENTATION

MN SENATE BUILDING

STRATEGIES

O The cultural walk is a short tour undertaken on foot that highlights not only the various branches of government, but the many histories and stories of Minnesota’s people.

O It utilizes distinct landscape features, artwork, monuments, and so forth to create an easy-to-follow educational experience for all.

MN STATE OFFICE BUILDING

MN STATE CAPITOL

MN JUDICIAL BRANCH

N 0’ 200’ 100’ 50’
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
AND ARTWORK
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
MONUMENTS
PRECEDENTS
INTERACTION
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
EDUCATION AND
PRECEDENTS

CONVERT MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD INTO A COMMUNITY SHARED STREET

“ART THAT REPRESENTS OUR DIVERSE PEOPLE”

PAVED SPACE FOR GATHERING IS LIMITED ON THE CAPITOL MALL WHILE SPACE FOR CARS IS ABUNDANT. EVENTS FREQUENTLY OCCUPY ROADS THAT HAVE NO SHADE OR SUPPORTING EVENTS INFRASTRUCTURE.

“ SENTARME A LEER EN VERANO O HACER PICNICS”

” “SITTING AND READING IN THE SUMMER OR HAVING PICNICS”

52.1 % OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS LISTED “INSTALL MORE FURNITURE, BENCHES + PICNIC TABLES” AS A TOP

PRIORITY FOR THE CAPITOL MALL, THE NUMBER 2 RESPONSE

“FARMERS MARKETS”

“ROTATING ART INSTALLATIONS”

“PLENTY OF SPACE FOR SOCIAL GATHERING”

WHEN YOU COME TO THE CAPITOL, WHERE DO YOU GO?

“CULTURAL EVENTS AND FESTIVALS”

WHAT WOULD MAKE THE MALL MORE WELCOMING FOR MORE MINNESOTANS?

VIEWS OF THE CAPITOL BUILDING ATTRACT MINNESOTANS TO GATHER, DEMONSTRATE AND CELEBRATE NEAR ITS FRONT DOOR.

Value n Places I go ID Op 36 40 42 42 
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

CONVERT MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD INTO A COMMUNITY SHARED STREET

STRATEGIES

O MLK Jr. Blvd bridges the upper and lower malls as a critical pedestrian link in all directions.

O By creating a curbless and distinctly paved street, MLK Jr. Blvd becomes a safe and activated public space with occasional community programming, fewer cars, and more flexibility.

MORE TO COME ON MLK JR. BLVD...
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
MLK JR BLVD SHARED STREET EXPERIENCE A COMMUNITY HUB FOR EVERY DAY AND BIG DAY! UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
PLACE FOR
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
A
FUN AND LOVE
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
A COMFORTABLE STREET FOR COMMUNITY

FROM BIG MOVES TO DESIGN ELEMENTS

LIGHTING LIGHTING PAVING SITE FURNITURE
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
SITE FURNITURE

BRING

SHADE AND VITALITY TO THE UPPER MALL

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

HOW DOES THIS ALL COME TOGETHER?

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
A A A B C D D C B F F E D E D B B C A G G C H H I I J J K K L L M N N M CAAPB Boundary CMDF Limit of Work Proposed Building Memorials MN State Capitol New State Office Building* MN Senate MN Judicial Branch Aurora Promenade Civic Plinth Open Glades Arboretum Native Prairies Sears & Rice BRT Node University & Rice Mobility Hub Cass Gilbert Memorial Park Robert Street Station Plaza Visitor Amenity Building Cedar and Wabasha Deck Node MHC Plaza Western Sculpture Garden Fuller Ave Atrium University Ave W Aurora Ave W Fuller Ave St Anthony Ave Como Ave W Pennsylvania Ave Park St N Capitol Blvd Cedar St Rice St Marion St John Ireland Blvd JacksonSt UniversityAveE E12thSt 10thStE RobertSt CedarSt WabashaSt FortRd N 0’ 500’ 250’ 125’ DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL
CAPITOL AREA IS MORE WELCOMING FOR MORE MINNESOTANS. THE DESIGN FRAMEWORK LAYS OUT A MULTI-PHASE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY AND A SERIES OF DESIGN GUIDELINE RECOMMENDATIONS TO BE USED AS A DECISION MAKING TOOL MOVING FORWARD. LEGEND * SOB Landscape to be Coordinated PROPOSED DESIGN FRAMEWORK PLAN MINNESOTA CAPITOL MALL UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
THE

PROPOSED DESIGN FRAMEWORK PLAN

METRICS - TREES

Proposed Trees in Upper Mall: 162

Proposed Trees in Lower Mall: 277

Proposed Trees in Cass Gilbert: 68

Proposed Trees at Rice Node: 126

Proposed Street Trees Corridors: 956

Proposed Trees at Sears Site: 107

Existing Trees Removed: 49

Total Proposed: 1,648

E12thSt

Cass

A A B B C C D D F F E E D D B B A A G G C C H H I I J J K K L M M N N CAAPB Boundary CMDF Limit of Work Proposed Building Memorials MN State Capitol New State Office Building* MN Senate MN Judicial Branch Aurora Promenade Civic Plinth
Glades
Prairies
& Rice BRT Node
& Rice Mobility Hub
Open
Arboretum Native
Sears
University
Gilbert Memorial Park Robert Street Station Plaza Visitor Amenity Building Cedar and Wabasha Deck Node MHC Plaza Western Sculpture Garden W Fuller Ave Atrium * SOB Landscape to be Coordinated University Ave W Aurora Ave W Fuller Ave St Anthony Ave Como Ave Park St N Capitol Blvd Cedar St Rice St Marion St
Ireland Blvd
CedarSt
John
WabashaSt
10thStE RobertSt N 0’ 250’’ 125’ 60’ DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL LEGEND
MINNESOTA CAPITOL MALL
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
PARKING RAMP WITH GROUND FLOOR ACTIVATION VEHICULAR GATEWAY UPGRADES BUS QUEUING OPPORTUNITY DROP OFF / PICK UP BUS PARKING OPPORTUNITY P P P P P P P P P P Enhanced Pedestrian Circulation Vehicular Circulation Bus Drop Off / Pick Up Circulation Surface Parking Parking Ramps Bus Queue Drop Off / Pick Up Area
Walk - Stop Vehicular Gateway Upgrades at Intersections I-94 I-35E Park St Cedar St Aurora Ave Charles Ave Marion St WKelloggBlvd JacksonSt Como Ave ComoAve W Pennsylvania Ave 10thStE Valley Park Western Sculpture Park DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL LEGEND CIRCULATION AND ACCESS BUS AND PEDESTRIAN UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
PROPOSED
Cultural

ROADWAY CAPACITY

Current one-way Downtown streets support over 2,000 vehicles daily and two-way Downtown streets support over 10,000 vehicles daily while not having significantly greater roadway capacity than what is being proposed for the Capitol Mall Design Framework.

Cass Gilbert Memorial Park MN STATE CAPITOL MALL I-94 I-35E Park St Cedar St Marion St WKelloggBlvd JacksonSt Como Ave ComoAve W Pennsylvania Ave 10thStE Valley Park Western Sculpture Park DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL
2,900 3,850 3,300 5,600 8,900 8,900 15,500 785 11,500 8,100 5,200 3,600 7,000 AT 6TH ST E AND MINNESOTA ST (1-WAY) 11,500 AT FORD RD AND ROBERT ST N (2-WAY) 2,850 AT SAINT PETERS ST AND E 11TH ST (1-WAY) 4,300 AT SAINT PETERS ST AND 7TH ST W (1-WAY) 4,100 11,100
ANNUAL
DAILY TRAFFIC (AADT) UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN
AVERAGE

FRAMEWORK PLAN AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT

ALIGNMENT

KEY PRESERVATION ISSUES AND

HONOR THE CONSISTENT INTENT OF THE ORIGINAL DESIGNERS.

O Preserve the three axial approaches to the Capitol Building.

O Maintain the wide views to/from the Capitol framed by the approach corridors.

O Honor the character defining features of the Upper Mall

PRESERVE EXTANT CONTRIBUTING FEATURES.

O Retain and maintain existing contributing features

O Consider expanding the list of contributing features to include extant original structures

ENHANCE DISTRICT-WIDE ACCESSIBILITY.

O Expand accessibility throughout the district while following preservation treatment standards.

O Design interventions with care so as not to obscure, damage, or destroy character-defining features in the process of undertaking work to meet code requirements.

RESPECT HISTORIC VEGETATION PATTERNS.

O Replace missing tree canopy along major approaches, district streets, and pedestrian corridors.

O Consider planting in groves which can reinforce linear corridors.

O Develop guidelines for a consistent planting palette district-wide – including within commemorative spaces.

REINFORCE URBAN CONNECTIONS AS HISTORICALLY INTENDED.

O Maintain and reconnect historical approaches into the urban fabric.

O Improve the human experience along the approach corridors.

O Evolve land use at the periphery of the district with contemporary planning strategies.

FOSTER RESILIENCY WITHIN THE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE.

O Consider strategies for stormwater management within the Capitol Mall that emulate the character of the cultural landscape.

O Replace turf lawn with more sustainable or native seed mixes with lower maintenance requirements.

O Allow turf and turf replacements to enter dormancy during hot and dry seasons.

O Consider alternative options to monocultural plantings, including native species and disease resistant varieties.

PLAN FOR FUTURE COMMEMORATIVE SPACES.

O Utilize the Lower Mall for future expansion of commemorative spaces.

O Organize memorial interventions according to massing and space allowed, not according to content themes.

O Refrain from expanding commemoration into the Upper Mall, an area of high integrity.

O Encourage future commemorative interventions to have smaller footprints and utilize existing pedestrian circulation patterns.

A A A A A I K K K K M M I L L L L L L L M L N N B B J J J L O O C C C E E E E G G G G D D F F F F G H H I I I I I I J UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
FRAMEWORK IMPLEMENTATION UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
DESIGN

A PATH TOWARDS IMPLEMENTATION

REALIZING THE CMDF

STATE IMPLEMENTED

PROJECTS

KEY PROJECTS

Upper Mall

Lower Mall

MLK Jr Blvd.

Rice Node

University & Rice Mobility Hub

Robert Street Station Plaza

MHC Plaza

Cass Gilbert Memorial Park

CITY/COUNTY IMPLEMENTED PROJECTS

PRIVATELY IMPLEMENTED PROJECTS

MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS

KEY PROJECTS

University Ave.

Rice St. John Ireland Blvd.

Cedar St.

St. Anthony Ave. / 12th St.

Robert St.

Capitol Blvd.

Cedar & Wabasha Deck Node

KEY PROJECTS

Sears Site

Sears & Rice BRT Node

Como & Rice BRT Node

KEY PROJECTS

Tree Canopy Maintenance

Ground Maintenance Security

Cultural Programming

Events Programming

CMDF DESIGN GUIDELINES UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

PHASE 1

O Plan

O Experience

O Phasing

O Order of Magnitude Costs

CONVERT MLK JR. BLVD INTO A COMMUNITY SHARED STREET AND ADD TREES TO THE UPPER MALL

MLK Jr. Blvd will become the nexus of the Upper and Lower Malls. A curbless and distinctly paved street, MLK Jr. Blvd will becomes a safe and activated public space with occasional community programming, fewer cars, and more flexibility. It will be shaded along its length while still maintaining crucial views, and will be buttressed by “shoulder” of trees.

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

MLK JR BLVD

SHARED STREET AND UPPER MALL SHADING

FUTUREEXTENSIONOFCULTURALWALK

TREE SHOULDERS

TREE SHOULDERS

SHAREDSTREET

A COMMUNITY HUB FOR EVERY DAY AND BIG DAY!

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
Paving - Design with Community Shared Street - Vehicular Lanes Street Parking Opening area with Memorial Paving Seating and Planting Zones 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 Main viewing seating area Flags of the Tribal Nations Tree Shoulders and select topographic changes
PLAN MLK JR BLVD SHARED STREET AND UPPER MALL SHADING UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
Special
PROPOSED

THE CULTURAL WALK IS A PLACE TO INCLUDE CELEBRATION OF THE TRIBAL NATIONS OF MINNESOTA FOR THE FIRST TIME ON CAPITOL MALL

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

MLK JR BLVD

SHARED STREET

EXPERIENCE

NATIVE CANOPY TREES

GATHERING SPACE, SPECIAL PAVEMENT DESIGNED WITH COMMUNITY

TRAFFIC LANE KEEPS OPEN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, CLOSURE ONLY FOR SPECIAL EVENTS

INCORPORATE LIGHTING INTO BOLLARDS

UPPER MALL & CAPITOL BUILDING

UNDERSTORY PLANTS INSPIRED BY DAKOTA

ETHNOBOTANY

FLAGS OF THE TRIBAL NATIONS

LOWER MALL

E E C C W W W S S ST ST Electrical Underground Communication Sewer Water Stormwater LEGEND
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
PLACE FOR
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
A
FUN AND LOVE
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
A COMFORTABLE STREET FOR COMMUNITY

FROM BIG MOVES TO DESIGN ELEMENTS

LIGHTING LIGHTING PAVING SITE FURNITURE
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
SITE FURNITURE

BRING

SHADE AND VITALITY TO THE UPPER MALL

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

PHASING STRATEGIES

COST ASSUMPTIONS

Overall cost is somewhere between $4.5-6.5M

Includes all of MLK Jr. Blvd and tree planting in the Upper Mall, along with minor regrading of the Upper Mall where trees are located

Does not include major utility changes

Does not include regional stormwater under MLK Jr. Blvd

PHASE 1
PHASE 1 B PHASE 1 B PHASE 1 B PHASE 1 B
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
PHASE 1 A
PHASE FUTURE PHASE
FUTURE PHASE UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
FUTURE
PHASING STRATEGIES

PHASE 1 POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL SCOPE STUDIES

Upper Mall Additional Scope Study 1

Key Design Components: Central lawn, new paths in alignment with John Ireland Boulevard and Cedar Street ~166,000sf

Cost at $40/sf: $6,640,000

Cost at $75/sf: $12,450,000

Upper Mall Additional Scope Study 2

Key Design Components: Tree Shoulders, “Democracy Stage”, new paths in alignment with John Ireland Boulevard and Cedar Street ~193,300sf

Cost at $40/sf: $7,732,000

Cost at $75/sf: $14,497,500

Upper Mall Additional Scope Study 3

Key Design Components: All open space around the existing Capitol Building . ~439,000sf

Cost at $40/sf: $17,560,000

Cost at $75/sf: $32,925,000

Add
Add Scope Add
Scope
Scope
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

New Phase 1 Trees = 198

New Planting Beds = 33,000SF

New Lawn = 23,000 SF

New Pedestrian Only Hardscape = 37,500SF

New

=

Existing Phase 1
LEGEND
Future Phase(s)
AND FUTURE CONDITION CONSIDERATIONS UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
Shared Street Hardscape
18,000SF PHASE 1 EXISTING
A A A B C D D C B F F E D E D B B C A G G C H H I I J J K K L L M N N M CAAPB Boundary CMDF Limit of Work Proposed Building Memorials MN State Capitol New State Office Building* MN Senate MN Judicial Branch Aurora Promenade Civic Plinth Open Glades Arboretum Native Prairies Sears & Rice BRT Node University & Rice Mobility Hub Cass Gilbert Memorial Park Robert Street Station Plaza Visitor Amenity Building Cedar and Wabasha Deck Node MHC Plaza Western Sculpture Garden Fuller Ave Atrium University Ave W Aurora Ave W Fuller Ave St Anthony Ave Como Ave W Pennsylvania Ave Park St N Capitol Blvd Cedar St Rice St Marion St John Ireland Blvd JacksonSt UniversityAveE E12thSt 10thStE RobertSt CedarSt WabashaSt FortRd N 0’ 500’ 250’ 125’ DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL
CAPITOL AREA IS MORE WELCOMING FOR MORE MINNESOTANS. THE DESIGN FRAMEWORK LAYS OUT A MULTI-PHASE IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY AND A SERIES OF DESIGN GUIDELINE RECOMMENDATIONS TO BE USED AS A DECISION MAKING TOOL MOVING FORWARD. LEGEND * SOB Landscape to be Coordinated PROPOSED DESIGN FRAMEWORK PLAN MINNESOTA CAPITOL MALL UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
THE
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?
THANK YOU! UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

CAPITOL MALL

DESIGN FRAMEWORK

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
APPENDIX

WHAT IS THE CAPITOL AREA?

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

LESS DETAIL

SCALES OF INQUIRY & DESIGN

CAPITOL AREA

DESIGN TOPICS

Framework Ideas

Big Moves

Implementation Partnerships

Phasing

MORE DETAIL

CAPITOL CAMPUS

DESIGN TOPICS

Design Guidelines

Early Phase Implementation

Possibilities

CAPITOL MALL

DESIGN TOPICS

Conceptual Design

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

A PLAN FOR MINNESOTA’S DOORSTEP TO THE WORLD

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
PLACE
MINNESOTA UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
A
THAT IS
TODAY UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
PAST

BUILDING TOWARDS EMBRACING CHANGE AND ADDING NEW CAPACITIES THAT CAREFULLY AND SENSITIVELY BUILD ON THE TRADITIONS OF PLACE.

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

WHAT IS A CAPITOL

MALL

DESIGN

FRAMEWORK

1 2 3 4 5

Specific recommendations for physical changes across the District that touch all public realm areas

Detailed Design Guidelines for public spaces and elements such as planting, streetscapes, security, materials, and lighting

A specific design proposal (Schematic Design) for the first phase of implementation in 2024

Urban Design Framework Elements to assist in evaluating building placement, major infrastructure changes, maintenance, public realm changes, and recommended policy changes to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan

A prioritization matrix that outlines phasing over the coming years and decades into the future

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

MEET THE TEAM

Minnesota Council on Disability

Office of Governor Tim

Walz & Lt. Governor

Peggy Flanagan

Minnesota Legislature

Minnesota Department of Administration

City of Saint Paul

Minnesota

Minnesota Historical Society

Minnesota Legislature

Minnesota State Patrol

Capitol Region

Watershed District

106 GroupHistoric Consultant

BARR EngineeringStormwater Management & Lighting Design

Damon Farber - Local Landscape Architecture

Davey TreeArborist & Tree Canopy Planning

EDEN ResourcesPre-Construction Estimating

Pine & SwallowSoil Scientist

Stone Security EngineeringSecurity

Water in MotionIrrigation Design

Zan - Engagement & Media Relations

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

REACH A WIDE RANGE OF ALL MINNESOTANS

LEVEL 4: STATEWIDE ENGAGEMENT

LEVEL 3: REGIONAL & INFORMAL ENGAGEMENT

LEVEL 2: CITYWIDE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT EVENTS

LEVEL 1: DESIGN CHARRETTE & FOCUS GROUPS

Design Charrette Focus Group Stakeholder Meetings Keystone Engagement Event Roadshow Pop-up Events Mobile Engagement Online Survey & Website In-person Survey Youth Engagement
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
INSPIRATION UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
COPLEY SQUARE ITHACA COMMONS BOSTON CITY HALL PLAZA PEARL STREET MALL
TEXAS CAPITOL
LINCOLN MEMORIAL MOORE SQUARE
NORD FAMILY GREENWAY UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
CHICAGO RIVERWALK
EXCITING TRANSFORMATIONS UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

A PLACE FOR GATHERING AND HAVING FUN

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

AN INTEGRATED HUMAN SCALE PUBLIC REALM

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
UNIFYING FOCAL POINT
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
A
FOR THE CITY
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
A PLACE FOR PEOPLE TO PLAY
SITE OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

>

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

As Minnesota’s seat of government and destination for thousands of people each year, the Capitol Area offers the highest quality experience to visitors.

The Capitol building and Mall are central to the identity of Saint Paul and are a unifying focal point for the city, as Cass Gilbert once envisioned.

The Capitol Area is a model for Minnesota, where best practices are utilized in the planning, design, and development of public and private projects.

The entire Capitol Area provides an integrated, high quality, human scale public realm experience.

The Capitol Area is an urban multi-modal district, seamlessly connected to destinations and the larger mobility network of Saint Paul. Land use diversity is encouraged throughout the Capitol Area.

DESTINATION CONNECT PRESERVE ACTIVATE GROW

FOCAL
LAND
In all parts of the Capitol Area, new development respects community, assets and context, including the distinct identities of the Capitol Rice District, Capitol Heights and Fitzgerald Park neighborhoods. COORDINATED
POINT MODEL FOR MINNESOTA PUBLIC REALM SEAMLESSLY CONNECTED
USE DIVERSITY
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
PLANNING POLICY DESIGN LENSES
Marion St I-94 Aurora Ave Park St Rice St John IrelandBlvd Cedar St E12thSt I-35E Rev Dr MLK JrBlvd SaintPeterSt WabashaSt CedarSt N 0’ 200’ 100’ 50’ CAAPB Boundary DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL St Anthony Ave MNHS YOU ARE HERE! UPPER MALL LOWER MALL ORIENTING MAP UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

CONNECT

O Regional connectivity

O Arrival points

O Thresholds to the Capitol Campus

O Utilities

O Existing parking

O Street typologies

The Capitol Mall will forge connections between Minnesotans and their democratic institutions, through shared experiences, heritage, and physical connections which link the Capitol to the surrounding city and state.

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

TAKEAWAYS

Source 1. CAAPB 2040 Comprehensive Plan MississippiRiver CAPITOL GATEWAY LINE RUSH LINE RIVERVIEWLINE MississippiRiver TO WEST SAINT PAUL TO MALL OF AMERICA FROGTOWN TO MINNEAPOLIS TO WOODBURY TO LITTLE CANADA SUMMIT UNIVERSITY 10-MINUTE 10-MINUTE SUMMIT HILL
PHALEN DAYTON’S BLUFF AIRPORT
BRT G-LINE
BRT G-LINE METRO GREEN LINE BRT B-LINE
SAINT PAUL
BRT PURPLE-LINE
BRT GOLD LINE TOHASTINGS ROBERTSTREET CORRIDOR 15-MINUTE I-94I-94 I-35E I-35E 52 10 N 0’ 2000’ 1000’ 500’
to
neighborhoods
of
separations
the Capitol
and to Downtown.
Free and easy BRT transit to Downtown O 3 new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes connecting through the Capitol Area in the next 3+years
PAYNE
PLANNED
PLANNED
DOWNTOWN
PLANNED
PLANNED
Reconnecting
surrounding
addresses layers
urban development that has created
within
Area Neighborhoods
O
REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY
Source 2. **Regional Metro Corridors in developments documented by Red Rock Southeast Metro Corridors and other guiding (public) documents. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

7

Metro

BRT

- Planned

BRT Purple Line - Planned

Bikeways

Bikeways - Planned

Interstate Crossing

-

Sited as one of two prime locations to be an integrated mobility hub in the twins cities shared mobility action plan

Boundary
CAAPB
Green
Line
Green
Line
Green Line
Transit Station
Purple Line
Transit
Bus Stop
Walkshed
Transit Stops
Walkshed
LRT GREEN LINE
UNIVERSITY STATION
LRT
-
BRT
Stop
5-Minute
from
Interstate Barrier Arrival Points 5-Minute
Base Point
RICE +
CASS GILBERT MEMORIAL PARK POTENTIAL TRANSIT HUB I-94 University Ave W Aurora Ave St Anthony Ave Marion St Como Ave Winter St W Pennsylvania Ave Park St Cedar St Rice St John Ireland Blvd CedarSt JacksonSt UniversityAveE E12thSt 10thStE RobertSt FortRd I-35E WabashStN DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL N 0’ 500’ 250’ 125’ LEGEND TRANSPORTATION, ACCESS
ARRIVAL
AND
POINTS
2 5 1 ARRIVAL POINTS
STATIONS MINUTE WALKING DISTANCE
BIKE LANE IN CAPITOL AREA TAKEAWAYS Source 3. **Informed by the City of Saint Paul 2040 Comprehensive Plan (2020), and other public guiding documents. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
TRANSIT
DEDICATED

TAKEAWAYS

O 7 identified arrival points with multiple transportation modes

O Existing light rail system services 2 of the 7 arrival points, marking the start of the pedestrian experience on site

O City-wide visual connections to Capitol Building from most major directions, as seen from 4 of the 7 arrival points. New plan should include strategies on enhancing visual corridor to Campus Mall.

Image 1 John Ireland Blvd Image 7 Como Ave and Rice St Image 4 LRT Station at Robert St and 14th St Image 3 Cedar St Image 2 Saint Peter’s Bridge
Image 6 LRT Station at Rice St 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Image 5 University Ave W and Robert St
1 3 4 5 6 7 2
EXPERIENCE
VISUAL CORRIDORS ON-SITE
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

THRESHOLDS TO THE CAPITOL CAMPUS

Crosswalk Improvement Needed

Gaps in sidewalk

Underground Tunnel

Keycard Access

Public Access

ADA Ramp to Building Parking Entrance

Rack Transit Station Pedestrian Crossing Signal

TAKEAWAYS

The Capitol Campus is a critical path for nonvehicular connectivity between the adjacent neighborhoods and Downtown. The future Sears redevelopment underscores the need to accommodate increased local pedestrian traffic, including day and night activities.

KEY CARD ACCESS TO CAAPB BUILDING

PUBLIC ACCESS TO CAPITOL BUILDING

Bike
NEW STATE BUILDING PROPOSED MOBILITY HUB
0’ 250’ 125’ 60’ John Ireland Blvd CedarSt RobertSt Cedar St Rice St E12thSt Park St Aurora Promenade University Ave W Aurora Ave I-35E WabashaStN Rev Dr MLK Jr Blvd BR
N
LEGEND
ON-SITE PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION Source 4. **See Capitol Complex Tunnel System © MN Department of Administration for more information on underground tunnel UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

maintenance

TAKEAWAYS

Data

Water

Stormwater

Sewer

Underground Communication Electrical collection still in progress

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

10-Foot Underground Tunnel

Keycard Access

Public Access
Existing utility lines are overlaid along the street, including stormwater, sewer, and electrical lines. Strategies to provide resources for flexible programming, future improvements and improved maintenance should tap into the existing network of underground utilities. Dry and Wet utilities within the mall and District open spaces will need to be assessed as design and programming advances.
WHAT’S UNDERGROUND?

UNDERSTANDING PARKING IN THE CAPITOL CAMPUS

TAKEAWAYS

Parking is well-distributed and primarily located around the edges of the District, providing ease of access to nearly the entire site except for the central portion of the Mall and Capitol Building. The new plan of the Capitol Mall should embrace the changing parking demands with pedestrianfriendly structured solutions and preserve connectivity from the Capitol Campus to surrounding districts by reimagining medium and large surface parking lots. Surface parking lots

could be transformed into land use opportunities with the investment of “Smart Parking” technologies by the Department of Administration.

O Over 45 acres of land used for parking and 11,000+ parking stalls available in public and private lots and ramps (2040 Comprehensive Plan)

O 2 lots are rezoned as potential open space adjacent to Veterans Service Building

Private Parking Lot Public Parking Lot Private Parking Ramp Public Parking Ramp ADA Parking Parking Entrances ADA Ramp Entrances EV Parking 3-Minute Walkshed from Parking Lots Pedestrian Crossing Signals EV RECOMMENDED DISABILITY PARKING FOR VISITING THE STATE CAPITOL OR MN SENATE BUILDING MEETS 85% OCCUPANCY RATE THRESHOLD DURING LEGISLATIVE SESSION LOT TEMPORARILY CLOSED ZONED AS POTENTIAL OPEN SPACE ZONED AS POTENTIAL OPEN SPACE 77% 11.5% 5.23% 1.38% 1.61% 3.15% Car Transit Carpool Bike Walk Other Source 5. © Saint Paul 2017 American Community Survey Source 6. ** Informed by the City of Saint Paul 2040 Comprehensive Plan (2020), and other public guiding documents. I-94 University Ave W Aurora Ave St Anthony Ave Marion St Winter St W Pennsylvania Ave Park St Cedar St Rice St John Ireland Blvd CedarSt JacksonSt UniversityAveE E12thSt 10thStE RobertSt FortRd I-35E DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL N 0’ 500’ 250’ 125’ RobertSt LEGEND 1,465 STALLS 898 STALLS 92 STALLS 249 STALLS 336 STALLS 205 STALLS 398 STALLS 132 STALLS 24 STALLS 530 STALLS 83 STALLS 59 STALLS 147 STALLS 83 STALLS 477 STALLS 7 STALLS 20 STALLS 99 STALLS 44 STALLS 77%
MODE OF COMMUTE
ON-SITE
PARKING
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
Downtown Streets Mixed-Use Corridors Residential Corridors Existing Neighborhood Streets Capitol Area Institutional Streets - NEW Capitol Area Civic Streets - NEW 03 03 04 04 01 01 02 02 County State Municipal STATE ROW - MIXED USE STATE ROW - INSTITUTIONAL MUNICIPAL ROW - CIVIC MUNICIPAL ROW - MIXED USE Capitol Frontage Space Hardscape Buffer Not for Pedestrians No pedestrian sidewalk Crossing Barrier No Sidewalk Buffer No Sidewalk Buffer No Sidewalk Buffer Hardscape Median Curb separation from traffic E C W S ST Electrical Underground Communication Sewer Water Stormwater Large median and Crosswalk, No trees Pedestrian Lights Source 7. **For more information, see Future Street Typologies in Chapter 5, 2040 Comprehensive Plan Source 8. **For more information, see Street Ownership in Chapter 5, 2040 Comprehensive Plan ROW ROW ROW ROW ROW ROW ROW ROW 104’ 99’ STREET OWNERSHIP STREET TYPOLOGIES LEGEND 01 02 Rice Street and Sears Site O Large median O Crosswalk with flashing signals across five 12’-0” drive lane O No buffers from adjacent traffic O No trees in ROW O No pedestrian crossing signals O Unprotected sidewalks from moving traffic O 6 traffic lanes to cross O No trees along ROW O Capitol Building frontage space is disconnected from University West O Several barriers reduce pedestrian access and north to south circulation O No formal sidewalk behind light rail platform O Large hardscape buffer between light rail and drive lanes Rev Martin Luther King Jr. STREET HIERARCHY 03 04 University Ave and Capitol Bldg Rice Station UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
Downtown Streets Mixed-Use Corridors Residential Corridors Existing Neighborhood Streets Capitol Area Institutional Streets - NEW Capitol Area Civic Streets - NEW 05 05 08 08 06 06 07 07 County State Municipal Large Median Large Median Unprotected Bike Lane Unprotected Bike Lane Street Parking On-Street Parking Promenade Entrance Drop off Sidewalk Buffer Open Space No Sidewalk Buffer Judicial Plaza MUNICIPAL ROW - CIVIC STATE ROW - CIVIC STATE ROW - RESIDENTIAL STATE ROWINSTITUTIONAL E C W S ST Electrical Underground Communication Sewer Water Stormwater Source 9. **For more information, see Future Street Typologies in Chapter 5, 2040 Comprehensive Plan Source 10. **For more information, see Street Ownership in Chapter 5, 2040 Comprehensive Plan 52’ STREET OWNERSHIP STREET TYPOLOGIES LEGEND O Large median as opportunity for art installations and signage O No crosswalk in front of building entrance O Drop off and buffer as strategy for Civic Streets O Programming and open space opportunity at park across promenade O No street lighting O Opportunity to create green corridor connecting to the Capitol Building O Parking not utilized as a buffer to the sidewalk O Large median as opportunity for art installations and signage O Connect bike lanes as a corridor system O Bike lanes are not protected from vehicular traffic STREET HIERARCHY 05 06 07 08 Cedar Street Promenade Entrance at Cedar Street Capitol Boulevard and Como Avenue John Ireland Boulevard UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

ROW DOES NOT SUPPORT CURRENT TRAFFIC DEMAND

OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS

Summarized from site analysis

INFRASTRUCTURE

HEAVY ARRIVAL POINTS IN CAPITOL AREA

INCOMPLETE PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION IN CAPITOL CAMPUS

BUILT AND PERCEIVED BARRIERS AROUND THE CAPITOL CAMPUS

ESTABLISH MULTI-MODAL ARRIVAL POINTS TO CONNECT LOCAL AND REGIONAL CORRIDORS

PRESERVE AND INTEGRATE HISTORICAL RELEVANCE WITH GREEN CORRIDORS ALONG RICE STREET AND MAJOR AXES

ESTABLISH PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION HIERARCHY WITH COMPLETE STREET FRAMEWORK AND WELLDEFINED OPEN SPACES

PRINCIPLE STRATEGIES

ENHANCE CONNECTIONS

BETWEEN THE CAPITOL CAMPUS AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS BY TRANSFORMING PARKING SPACES

Moving forward from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

ESTABLISHING MULTI-MODAL ARRIVAL POINTS TO CONNECT LOCAL AND REGIONAL CORRIDORS

O Rice Station will become a mobility hub that draws regional attention. It should be treated with a clear sense of arrival and indicate a clear route to the campus

O Provide a welcoming pedestrian experience at multi-modal arrival points with active landscape and building frontages

O Create nodes of activity by promoting green corridors along transit lines and major axes within a 5 to 10 minute walk

O Expand axes to the North and East neighborhoods by integrating sidewalks and bikeways to connect to major trails and corridors outside of Capitol Campus

O Design for growth by having efficient and accessible stops, coordinated signals, and integrate Smart Technology with dedicated parking spaces

O Facilitate movement for all users with dedicated bike lanes and separation from fast-moving vehicles along all vehicular lanes

O Encourage green transportation by providing infrastructure like charging stations, dedicated parking and drop offs for ride-share

PRESERVE AND INTEGRATE HISTORICAL RELEVANCE WITH GREEN CORRIDORS ALONG RICE STREET AND MAJOR AXES

O Utilize tree allees to draw pedestrians into the central mall axis to reinforce the historic viewshed corridor

O Integrate Rice Street as a green corridor by promoting pedestrianfriendly crosswalks and landscape buffers with areas of respite through a Complete Street Framework

O Develop human-scaled green corridors that are human scaled, have a welcoming streetscape, share similar visual cues with the campus, and integrate to the whole park system

O Establish arrival points as visual entrances to the Capitol Campus with strategic placement of landscape buffers and urban street trees to frame views

O Promote sustainable stormwater management with green infrastructure, such as healthy trees, bioswales, and permeable surfaces that are efficient to maintain

O Incorporate smart technology to improve efficiency and accommodate changes in traffic volume on streets

Xuhui Runway Park, Shanghai, China Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, PA
Moving forward from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

ESTABLISH PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION HIERARCHY WITH COMPLETE STREET FRAMEWORK AND WELL-DEFINED OPEN SPACES

O Create sidewalks that are accessible for all ages, abilities and weather conditions. The campus should promote a vibrant walking environment through comfortable and human-scaled design with inviting building frontages

O Establish the Aurora Promenade as a shared street with removable bollards, drop offs, etc.

O Provide bike racks and bike lockers that are accessible from each building entrance (within 300 feet) to encourage alternative modes of micro-mobility

O Ensure crosswalks are at each major intersection with traffic signals and stop signs. Crosswalks should be placed every 200 to 300 feet to encourage pedestrian movement across areas

ENHANCE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE CAPITOL CAMPUS AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS BY TRANSFORMING PARKING SPACES

O Comprehensively analyze the parking demand for the campus and identify the barriers for pedestrian circulation

O Increase pervious surfaces in parking areas to reduce stormwater runoff volumes and increase water quality by utilizing bioswales and rain gardens.

O Incentivize alternative transportation through the reduction of parking to mitigate CO2

O Promote collaborative parking by utilizing shared parking strategies, flexible parking plans, and Smart Technologies

O Provide street parking with curb bulb outs and frontage buffers to calm traffic and act as an alternative to expansive parking surface lots

O Consolidate and streamline campus-wide parking strategy

Parking space transforms into open space Dutch Kills Green Boston Convention Center Street Corridor
Moving forward from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

PRESERVE

O Timeline

O Capitol Mall evolution

O Historical demographics

O Period plans

O Historical site elements

O Viewshed analysis

The Capitol Mall will be an enduring representation of Minnesota’s rich past, design legacy, and landscape heritage while adapting to new maintenance and climate challenges.

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

STORIED PAST

TAKEAWAYS

History is often told from one lens. The MN Capitol’s story demands much more. In doing so, we can begin to unpack the various forces at play — whether that was the glacier carving Imnizaska (Dakota for “white cliffs”), or the impacts of urban renewal on nearby communities of color.

1853 - 1883

Original Capitol Building built; destroyed by fire & replaced

1895 - 1905

Cambrian + Ordovician Periods

Twin Cities Area Sedimentary Bedrock: 30’ thick layer Platteville limestone overlying 150’ softer Saint Peter sandstone

Pre-Wisconsin glaciation est. eventual course of Mississippi River (Haha Wakpa)

Wisconsin

Glaciation

Water carved Mississippi River Valley & formed cliffs, river terraces,& caves within Saint Paul’s tall river bluffs

Natural vegetation of Twin Cities (presettlement): oak woodland & brushland, dominated by bur oak & pin oak; aspen & hazel tickets; & prairie openings

Capitol area: deciduous savanna & prairie, with deciduous forest in the southwestern corner; low bluff or hills extended east to west through the southern portion of site; small creek ran south from what is now MNHS

ca. 12,000 - 8,000 YA

PaleoIndian Stage

ca. 8,000 - 3,000 YA

Archaic Stage

ca. 3,000 - 1,100

Woodland Stage 1,100 - 1650

Late Prehistoric Stage

1650

Earliest Euro-Americans

1903 Power Plant

Gilbert led relocation & construction of current Capitol Building

1903

Gilbert 1903 Plan: 3 major axes

1907

Capitol CommissionGroundsest.;

Gilbert 1907 Plan: revised to included gov. buildings

1837-1854

1861 - 1862

1929-1939

Adjacent low-income neighborhoods decried as “slum” & destroyed

1932 State Office Building

1950

Significant land clearance

1961 Armory

1953 Vet. Service Building

1958

1962

Clearance for future Sears site

1967

1992

Supreme Court relocated to Judicial Center; MNHS relocated to current site

2016

MN Senate Building

2017

Dep. of Admin. Building

Transportation & Centennial Office Buildings

1973

Vet. Services Building upper level connection

1986

1931

Gilbert 1931 Plan: additional building placement & southern extension across river

1932

Morrell & Nichols Plans for grading & planting

1930s

1946

Johnston/Nelson/Nichols Plan: extended Capitol Mall fan & located Vet. Service Building

ca. 1944

1956

1967

Project for the Completion of the Capitol Grounds

1989

Green river enhancementsplanting

1990

Capitol Restoration

2023State Office Building Expansion

2014

Green Line LRT

2017

Capitol Restoration

2020

Ash trees along I-94 removed & replaced

2023

East Campus studies for future development

Leif Erikson Park removed

1760

1830

Indian Removal Act

“Starving Winter” & Dakota War of 1862

Various treaties (later determined invalid) pushed communitiesDakotaout of their traditional villages 1863 Remaining Dakota forced out of MN

Twin Cities redlining

90% city’s Black pop. lived from Rondo Neighborhood to Capitol area ca. 1900

Immigrant & Black communities settled around Capitol Area

1957

Rondo Neighborhood destroyed by I-94 construction; many American Indians resettled in the Twin Cities

Legislative Building Commission created

2020 - 2023

COVID-19 Pandemic; Black Lives Matter

& Glaciation
MILLION YA 12,000 YA 2020 2000 1950 1900 1850
Geology
570-438
1800
Indian People’s Presence (Precontact)
& Black Settlement of Saint Paul Forced Relocation of American Indian Peoples
Arrival to Minnesota Region Initial Capitol Construction Second Period of Capitol Development Major Land Clearance & Comprehensive Development
Good Neighbor Policy
the City Today
11. Informed by the City of Saint Paul 2040 Comprehensive Plan (2020), Historic Context Report... (2022), and other public guiding documents. 1939 - 1945 World War II 1949 Fed. Housing Act 1890s - 1900 City MovementBeautiful 1803 Louisiana Purchase 1914 - 1918 World War I
- 1763 French and Indian War 1940s - 1970s Urban Renewal 1954 - 1968 Civil Rights Movement 2007
Prior to Euro-American settlement, American Indian groups within the Siouan language family lived in the southern part of the land that would later become known as Minnesota
American
Euro-American
Euro-American
The
Era: Reconnecting
1650 Source
1754
- 2009 Great Recession 1870 - 1914 Technological Revolution
- 1840 Industrial Revolution 1929-1939 Great Depression 1944 Fed. Highway Act 1961 The Death and Life of Great American Cities by J. Jacobs 1956 Indian Relocation Act
ARCHITECTURE
CAAPBopens;est.
I-94
INFLUENCE
LANDSCAPE PEOPLE
Saint Paul 1880 Population: 41.5K 1920 234.7K 1950 311.3K 1980 279.2K 2010 285.1K TrendingDown
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
A

THE CAPITOL MALL THROUGH TIME

The Capitol Area has grown and developed significantly since the Capitol Building’s initial construction on its current site in 1905. However, it has consistently stood as an icon and symbol for Saint Paul and the state.

Source 12. Informed by the City of Saint Paul 2040 Comprehensive Plan (2020), Historic Context Report... (2022), and other public guiding documents.

1890
Wabasha Street, looking north toward the future site of the State Capitol Building (1896) (MNHS)
1927 1896 1904 1952 1945 1974 1950
TAKEAWAYS
Birdseye View of Central Park, nonextant (1890) (MNHS) State Capitol under construction (1904) (MNHS) Looking toward the Capitol Building (1927) (MNHS) View of the Capitol Building from the house on Central Ave (non-extant) (1945) (MNHS) Original MNHS building (1952) (MNHS) Aerial view of the Capitol (1950) Aerial of the Capitol after the I-94 construction (1974) (MNHS)
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

PREVIOUS PLANS: PRIORITIES AND INTENTIONS

Established three major axes: commerce, culture, and nature; network of green gardens to river; and primary views

TAKEAWAYS

O Cass Gilbert set forth bold plans that prioritized views, axes, and the Capitol’s position over (and connection to) Downtown. Many of these plans never came to fruition.

O The 1946 Nichols Plan bifurcated Gilbert’s central axis and viewshed across the river (undoubtedly influenced by future plans to build I-94).

O Later plans addressed the Capitol Mall’s landscape/public realm, as well as the loss of connectivity to Downtown after the construction of I-94 in 1967.

Revised to include government buildings

Revised to include government buildings (State Office Building).

Extended Capitol Mall fan & located Veterans Service Building, bifurcating Gilbert’s original plan.

Other planning and design efforts involving the Minnesota Capitol Mall include:

O Green River Planting Enhancements (1989)

O Capitol Restoration (2017)

O 2040 Comprehensive Plan for the Minnesota State Capitol Area (2021)

Source 13. Informed by the City of Saint Paul 2040 Comprehensive Plan (2020), Historic Context Report... (2022), and other public guiding documents.

1931 CASS GILBERT PLAN 1946 JOHNSTON / NELSON / NICHOLS PLAN 1986 PROJECT FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE CAPITOL GROUNDS 1970 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE MINNESOTA STATE CAPITOL AREA
SPINE PARKWAY PLAZA
MALL PLAZA&
RETHINKING LANDSCAPE
1907 CASS GILBERT PLAN
2 3 4 6
VIEWS
1903 CASS GILBERT PLAN
1
VIEWS VIEWS
5 (MNHS)
(MNHS)
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
(MNHS) (MNHS) (MNHS)
(MNHS)

A LOSS OF NEARBY URBAN FABRIC

TAKEAWAYS

Cass Gilbert’s early plans demonstrated a sensitivity to existing urban fabric around the State Capitol; this inherently preserved porosity and connectivity to adjacent neighborhoods and Downtown.

This same sensitivity was lost over time as sweeping land clearance, larger blocks, and the automobile became more prevalent. This can be observed by the sheer number of streets connecting to the Capitol Building site from 1903-1907 versus what exists at the Capitol Mall today.

Source 14. 60% CLR Draft by Damon Farber Landscape Architects (IN PROGRESS)
Capitol Mall Design Framework Cultural Landscape Report ANATOMY OF HISTORIC PLANS & CONDITIONS CLR: PART 1 CASS GILBERT 1903-1907 NICHOLS 1946 1957 TODAY
Gilbert Plan UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
16 17
1907

HISTORICALLY DIVERSE COMMUNITIES

TAKEAWAYS

Many historically diverse neighborhoods surround the Capitol Area. These communities have been disenfranchised and / or forcibly relocated over the last two-hundred years. The Indigenous American and Black communities were hit particularly hard. The Dakota suffered both great loss in terms of people and land — what was left of their community was relocated to distant reservations.

The Black neighborhoods were redlined and intentionally bisected by the construction of I-94. While many Black people still live in close proximity to the Capitol, many more were pushed northward.

Source 15. Informed by the Historic Context Report for the Minnesota State Capitol Planning & Context Development Project (2022).

Black neighborhoods in Saint Paul (Bisected and many residents displaced by I-94 construction)

1900-1960

Jewish neighborhoods in Saint Paul 1850-1900

Black neighborhoods in Saint Paul 1880-1915

1860-1900

Carver’s Cave (Wakaŋ Tipi)

1880 - 1950

Dayton’s Bluff Mound Group

Indian Mounds Park Mound Group

Kaposia (Kap’oża) (to 1837)

Jewish neighborhoods in Saint Paul 1890 - 1940

1930 - Present

German residents concentrations over 10%

Irish residents concentrations over 10%

Swedish residents concentrations over 10%

Jewish neighborhoods

Black neighborhoods

Contact-period Dakota Places

Kaposia (Kap’oża)

1880- Present
JewishneighborhoodsinSaintPaul
Jewish neighborhoods in Saint Paul 1960 - Present
(1838-1858)
1960Present 1960-Present(Maplewood)
LEGEND MississippiRiver(HaháWakpa)
N 0’ 2000’ 1000’ 500’ UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

TAKEAWAYS

CAAPB Boundary

Historic Rondo Neighborhood

Today’s Parcels

Today’s Highways

Much of the diverse and vibrant neighborhood fabric adjacent to the Capitol Mall has been demolished to accommodate parking lots, freeways, and large urban redevelopments (like the now-closed Sears site). With that, communities of color were also pushed out.

Source 16. Informed by the Historic Context Report... (2022) and CAAPB data.

RONDO NEIGHBORHOOD (BISECTED BY I-94) I-94 University Ave W St Anthony Ave Como Ave W Pennsylvania Ave Park St CedarSt Rice St JacksonSt E12thSt 10thStE RobertSt FortRd I-35E John IrelandBlvd N 0’ 500’ 250’ 125’
LEGEND
1945 TODAY
A LOSS OF NEIGHBORHOODS UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

2022 HISTORIC CONTEXT REPORT

TAKEAWAYS

The Historic Context Report (HCR) for the Minnesota State Capitol Planning and Context Development Project was published in 2022 to understand properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and the history of land use in the Capitol Campus. This process determined an eligible historic district around the Capitol Mall, capturing important historical viewsheds and Nationally Registered Historic Properties (NRHP) listed and contributed sites.

SOUTH FROGTOWN

HISTORIC RONDO NEIGHBORHOOD

FITZGERALD PARK Marion St Historic Viewshed HistoricViewshed H istoric Viewshed A B D C E F G H I J K LEGEND

CAAPB Boundary

NRHP-listed Historic District

Eligible Historic District

Other Notable Landscapes

Historic Rondo Neighborhood

Historic Listing: Locally and Nationally Listed (outside CAAPB Boundary)

Historic Viewshed

Sculptures, Monuments, & Memorials

NRHP-listed (within CAAPB Boundary)

Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church (1915)

NRHP-listed + Contributing Property to Determined Eligible Historic District

MN Capitol Building (1905)

C

Contributing Property to Determined Eligible Historic District

A D E F G H I J K

MN Historical Society Building (1918)

Source 17. Informed by the Historic Context Report... (2022).

State Capitol Power Plant (1903)

State Office Building (1932)

MNDOT Building (1958)

Veteran’s Administration Building (1973)

State Capitol Mall (1955)

Centennial Office Building (1958)

National Guard Armory Building (1962)

State Register of Historic Places (within CAAPB Boundary)

N 0’ 500’ 250’ 125’
Old State Capitol Site (1853) B
(BISECTED BY I-94) I-94 University Ave W Aurora Ave St Anthony Ave Como Ave W Pennsylvania Ave CAPITOL HEIGHTS
DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL ELIGIBLE HISTORIC DISTRICT Park St Cedar St Rice St John IrelandBlvd CedarSt JacksonSt UniversityAveE E12thSt 10thStE RobertSt FortRd I-35E CATHEDRAL OF SAINT PAUL MN HISTORY CENTER CAPITOL
EXISTING HISTORIC HILL DISTRICT
RICE DISTRICT
While the CMDF relies heavily upon the HCR findings, a Cultural Landscape Report (CLR) is also underway to specifically outline all historic landscape components. This will better inform what must be preserved versus what can be re-imagined within the Capitol Mall. The CLR is currently at 60% completion. SHPO previously determined the period of significance as 19021962.
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

Each space was lined with a row of trees reinforcing circulation.

Each space was lined with a row of trees reinforcing circulation.

Given

Fuller

Aurora

Based on aerial photography

Based on aerial photography

Tree loss at Leif Erickson Park

Tree loss at Leif Erickson Park

Significant tree loss

Significant tree loss

Significant tree gain

Significant tree gain

Tree planting emphasis shifts toward Court of Honor and middle EW arcing walkways. Trees Locations

Tree planting emphasis shifts toward Court of Honor and middle EW arcing walkways. Trees

Based on aerial photography

Based on aerial photography

LTR Rail Station Wabasha Ave converted to pedestrian walkway
Ave terminated at
east and west of capitol mall
converted to pedestrian walkway south of capitol building
Aurora
both
Aurora Ave
Ave terminated Middle E/W arcing road converted to double walkway
radiating roads removed, one converted to pedestrian walkway Removal of street Walkways Roadways
Interior-mall
Framework
16 Capitol Mall Design Framework FROM 1962TODAY 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 2 4 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 1 2 3 4 28 29 Capitol Mall Design Framework Cultural Landscape Report
TREE
PART 1 LTR Rail Station Wabasha Ave converted to pedestrian walkway
Cultural
CIRCULATION 1962
CANOPY 1962 CIRCULATION TODAY TREE CANOPY TODAY CLR:
Ave terminated at both east and west of capitol mall
Ave converted to pedestrian walkway south of capitol building
Ave terminated Middle E/W arcing road converted to double walkway Interior-mall radiating roads removed, one converted to pedestrian walkway Removal of street Walkways Roadways
Aurora
Fuller
Locations Mall Design Framework 16 Capitol Mall Design Framework
1962TODAY 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 2 4 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2 3 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 1 2 3 4 28 Capitol Mall Design Framework Cultural Landscape Report
TREE CANOPY
FROM
CIRCULATION 1962
CLR: PART 1
CIRCULATION TODAY TREE CANOPY TODAY
PRELIMINARY CLR FINDINGS Source 18. Draft by Damon Farber Landscape Architects (IN PROGRESS)
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
the determined period of significance, landscape features established between 1902 and 1962 require the most preservation consideration. TAKEAWAYS
LEGEND LEGEND

SCULPTURES, MONUMENTS & MEMORIALS

TAKEAWAYS

The Capitol Mall contains numerous sculptures, monuments, and memorials dating back to the early 1900s. The oldest structures are located near the Capitol Building as well as near the Veterans Service Building. Given the determined period of significance, sculptures, monuments and memorials built between 1902 and 1962 (noted as “Contributing” in the legend below) require the most preservation consideration.

LEGEND

CAAPB Boundary

Eligible Historic District

Sculptures, Monuments, & Memorials 1903 - 30 (Contributing)

Oldest: Soldiers and Sailors Memorial “Progress of the State”

John A. Johnson Statue

Knute Nelson Statue 1931 - 60 (Contributing)

Christopher Columbus Statue, (toppled by protests in June 2020)

Leif Erikson monument

Liberty Bell Sculpture

Promise of Youth Fountain

Gov. Floyd B. Olson Statue

Court of Honor

Earthbound Monument

USS Ward Gun

1961 - 90 (Non-Contributing)

‘Monument to the Living’

Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial ‘The Boy and the Man’

1990- 20 (Non-Contributing)

MN Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Roy Wilkins Memorial

Peace Officers Memorial

MN Korean War Veterans Memorial

MN Woman Suffrage Memorial

MN World War II Veterans Memorial

MN Workers Memorial Garden

MN Fallen Firefighters Memorial

Hubert H. Humphrey Statue

Military Family Tribute: Gold Star Table

Military Family Tribute: Story Stones

Special Forces in Laos Memorial

Transportation Worker Memorial

Marion St I J I-94 Aurora Ave Park St Rice St John IrelandBlvd Cedar St E12thSt I-35E Rev Dr MLK JrBlvd SaintPeterSt WabashaSt CedarSt A H K L B C D E G J N M O P Q S R T U V X W Y Z & N 0’ 200’ 100’ 50’
C D B A E F O G P H Q I R V J S W K T X M L U Y Z N & DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL
F
St Anthony Ave
Source 19. Informed by the Historic Context Report... (2022); 60% CLR Draft by Damon Farber Landscape Architects (IN PROGRESS)
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

SCULPTURES, MONUMENTS, & MEMORIALS

Dedication War & Military Government Individuals Groups

TAKEAWAYS

Demographic White Men BIPOC Women

The monuments can be thematically organized into war and military, government, and those dedicated to individuals and groups. Individual monuments commemorate a single person, while group monuments commemorate larger communities (e.g. women, workers, firefighters, etc).

O 70% of participants in prior engagement efforts called for change when it comes to art, monuments, and statues.

O “We need more recognition of the history of BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ communities.”

O 26% dedicated to White Men

O 37% dedicated to War/Military

O 7% dedicated to BIPOC

O 4% dedicated to Women

O 0 dedicated to LGBTQ+ communities

F S N T Y U G B
S
Minnesota Women Suffrage Memorial (CAAPB)
U N
Minnesota Workers Memorial Garden (CAAPB) Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial ‘The Boy and the Man’ (CAAPB)
B
“Progress of the State” (CAAPB)
G
Liberty Bell Sculpture (CAAPB)
F Y
Leif Erickson Monument (CAAPB) Military Family Tribute: Story Stones (CAAPB)
T
Minnesota World War II Veterans Memorial
THEMES & ORGANIZATION UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
THEMATIC LAYOUT

VIEWSHED ANALYSIS

Hardly see the Capitol Building

TAKEAWAYS

O The viewshed analysis studied the relationship between the Capitol Building and downtown Saint Paul - the impressive views that were described in Gilbert’s plan.

O The view of the Capitol Building is largely depending on the topography and adjacent buildings. Trees have less of an impact than the topography.

O Downtown Saint Paul can be easily seen from many directions because it sits on higher ground. The location and height of the trees along the main view corridor between Cedar St and Wabasha St influences the view due to the topography drop.

Hardly see Downtown

03 09 09 03 04 10 10 04 05 05 06 06 02 08 08 02 01 07 07 01
Best view of the Capitol Building Best view to Downtown VIEWSHED OF CAPITOL BUILDING ON SITE
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
VIEWSHED OF DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL ON SITE

HISTORIC AND NONCONTRIBUTING FEATURES PRESENT

OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS

Summarized from site analysis

UNFULFILLED OR DISRUPTED HISTORIC PLANS

A LOSS OF HISTORIC URBAN FABRIC AND NEIGHBORHOODS

LACK OF INCLUSIVE & HOLISTICALLY CURATED COMMEMORATION

PRESERVE, MAINTAIN AND CELEBRATE HISTORIC LANDSCAPE ASSETS WHILE ADAPTING TO CURRENT AND FUTURE CLIMATE CHANGE

DRAW INSPIRATION FROM UNFULFILLED HISTORIC PLANS WHERE APPROPRIATE - INCLUDING VIEWSHEDS, PLANTING STRATEGIES, ETC.

MEMORIALIZE THE LOSS OF HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS AND IDENTIFY AREAS OF SENSITIVE AND CULTURALLYRELEVANT INFILL

PRINCIPLE STRATEGIES

REFLECT A HOLISTIC AND INCLUSIVE MINNESOTAN HISTORY THROUGH ARTFUL CURATION AND A FOCUS ON BIPOC, WOMEN, AND LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES

moving forward from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

PRESERVE, MAINTAIN AND CELEBRATE HISTORIC LANDSCAPE ASSETS WHILE ADAPTING TO CURRENT AND FUTURE CLIMATE CHANGE

O Protect historically contributing landscape features through preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation

O Allow additions in conformance with the treatment guidance. Ensure new features are approved, designed, and placed at the discretion of the CAAPB

O Remove existing features that diminish the integrity of the Capitol Mall, like parking lots, and replace with ecologically resilient landscapes / uses

O Utilize historically relevant and resilient plant species. Increase tree canopy where historically relevant and ensure new trees do not damage archaeological sites. Ensure new plantings / landscapes preserve historic axes, viewsheds, etc

O Prioritize historically relevant pedestrian-oriented circulation networks

O Develop a Capitol Mall Historic District branding strategy

O Ensure regular maintenance and repair for all contributing features of the Capitol Mall

DRAW INSPIRATION FROM UNFULFILLED HISTORIC PLANS WHERE APPROPRIATE

- INCLUDING VIEWSHEDS, PLANTING STRATEGIES, ETC.

O Refer and give precedent to all historic plans during the period of significance (1902-1962), including the early Cass Gilbert Plans and 1946 Nichols Plan.

O Consider the reconstruction of unbuilt landscape features (initially proposed by Gilbert and Nichols), like the segmented and landscaped malls parallel to the radial boulevards

O Draw inspiration from post-1962 plans, so long as they support the historic integrity of the mall -- including the 1986 Project for the Completion of the Capitol Grounds

O More conclusive strategies are pending and will be determined by the Cultural Landscape Report

Source 21. Historic viewshed looking toward Capitol Building along John Ireland Blvd Source 22. Cass Gilbert 1931 Plan
Moving forward from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

MEMORIALIZE THE LOSS OF HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS AND IDENTIFY AREAS OF SENSITIVE AND CULTURALLY-RELEVANT INFILL

O Acknowledge and address past displacement and community erasure through audio-visual walks and/or memorials

O Propose redevelopment and new public realms that are culturally relevant and responsive to nearby/ displaced communities, including the vacant Sears site

O Propose redevelopment and infill of various scales that respond to the adjacent neighborhood fabric

O Include affordable housing as a critical component of any new development

O Implement anti-gentrification measures for communities adjacent to new development

REFLECT A HOLISTIC AND INCLUSIVE MINNESOTAN HISTORY THROUGH ARTFUL CURATION AND A FOCUS ON BIPOC, WOMEN, AND LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES.

O Identify and illuminate missing and/or neglected historic narratives through various programming strategies

O Curate a campus-wide approach to effectively tell the complete story of Minnesota’s history through strategically placed memorials and public art

O Thoughtfully site inclusive and diverse commemorative memorials as a part of the curated campus-wide approach

O Recognize and celebrate the Dakota Tribe and other Indigenous Americans

O Highlight and celebrate historic immigrant and African American communities

O Highlight and celebrate women and LGBTQ communities

O Identify and determine the treatment of harmful memorials

The Land Bridge,
ReConnect Rondo
Dignity of Earth and Sky honors South Dakota’s Indigenous American roots
Moving forward from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

ACTIVATE

O Capitol Area amenities

O Existing park gap analysis

O Demographics

O Existing programming and events

O Security and access

O Future opportunities

The Capitol Mall will become more welcoming for more Minnesotans to gather and share ideas through events, activities, and opportunities to authentically tell a diversity of Minnesotan stories.

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

Source

Educational

O

Mall has the opportunity to partner with various nearby community amenities like the Frogtown Community Center and Regions Hospital.

O The Capitol Mall is surrounded by various distinct neighborhoods.

O The Capitol Mall is bounded by government office / institutional buildings that only operate during business hours and provide very few daily life amenities.

CAAPB Boundary
Capitol complex Equity Zone
and 15 Minute Isochrones / Walksheds Parks / Open Space
Capitol Government Office Buildings
/ Commercial Hotel
Residential Places Of Worship Hospitals
MN
10
State
Retail
Civic
Community Centers
Vacant Buildings (See Capitol Area Key Improvements)
Garage
Known
Parking
23. Informed by the City of Saint Paul 2040 Comprehensive Plan (2020) and other public guiding documents. Cass Gilbert Memorial Park SOUTH FROGTOWN COMMERCIAL STREET CAPITOL HEIGHTS MT. AIRY CAPITOL RICE DISTRICT MN CAPITOL CAMPUS HISTORIC HILL DISTRICT DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL FITZGERALD PARK VALLEY PARK MN STATE CAPITOL MALL WESTERN SCULPTURE PARK 15 min walk from Capitol Building south steps 10 min walk from Capitol Building south steps Frogtown Community Center Boys & Girls Club N 0’ 500’ 250’ 125’ University Ave W Aurora Ave St Anthony Ave Como Ave W Pennsylvania Ave Park St Cedar St Rice St John IrelandBlvd CedarSt JacksonSt UniversityAveE E12thSt 10thStERobertSt FortRd I-94 I-35E P P P P P P P P P + +
The Capitol
LEGEND BUILDING USE CAPITOL AREA AMENITIES EXISTING UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
TAKEAWAYS
CAAPB Boundary Tennis Courts Basketball Courts Horseshoe Courts Skate Park Indoor Gym Pools Dog Area 10 mins walking distance Source 24. Informed by the City of Saint Paul 2040 Comprehensive Plan (2020), New Saint Paul Parks and Recreation System Plan (2010), and other public guiding documents. Linwood Rec Center St. Clair Rec Center Palace Rec Center Edgcumbe Rec Center Dunning Rec Center Martin Luther King Rec Center West Minnehaha Rec Center Scheffer Rec Center Rice Rec Center Carty Park Como Reg Park Front Skate Park Arlington Arkwright Park Arlington Rec Center Duluth and Case Rec Center Dayton’s Buff Rec Center Indian Mounds Reg Park Central Village Park Webster Park NORTHERN DAKOTA COUNTY DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL STATE CAPITOL FROGTOWN MINNEAPOLIS SUMMIT UNIVERSITY SUMMIT HILL PAYNEPHALEN DAYTON’S BLUFF AIRPORT I-35E I-35E I-94 52 10 N 0’ 2000’ 1000’ 500’ LEGEND
The Capitol Mall fills a critical park gap in the City of Saint Paul. The Capitol Mall also serves as a link between the river and other open spaces to the north. TAKEAWAYS MississippiRiver (Haháwakpa) PART OF A CITYWIDE NETWORK UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
O

0

Source

by Census Data provided by

TAKEAWAYS

O Recent engagement data reveals people of color use the Capitol Mall far less than those who identify as White, despite living in such close proximity.

O The Capitol Mall has the opportunity to be the “backyard” or prime gathering space for these diverse communities.

O The neighborhoods to the north of the State Capitol contain many families. Capitol Mall programming should accommodate this.

CAAPB Boundary 0.03% Total Hawaiian Pac Islander 0.5% Total Some Other race 0.9% Total Native American Non-Hispanic 9.8% Total Hispanic 21.5% Total Asian Non-Hispanic 25.1% Total Black Non-Hispanic 42% Total White Non-Hispanic
SIZES
persons 1-2 persons 2-3 persons 3-4 persons ETHNICITY HOUSEHOLD
25. Informed
CAAPB. N 0’ 500’ 250’ 125’ STATE CAPITOL Families Families DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL RIVERVIEW IRVINE PARK DAYTON’S BLUFF SOUTH FROGTOWN
PHALEN
SOUTH OF MARYLAND PAYNE
I-94 I-35E UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
MississippiRiver(Haháwakpa) DIVERSE NEIGHBORS

EXISTING PROGRAMMING

Capitol Mall

*Programmatic “Rooms”

Large lawn (>30,000SF)

Small lawn

Promenade / Steps

Contemplative

Building / Street Buffer

Other

Permitted Event Spaces

Sculptures, Monuments, & Memorials

Bench / Seat Areas

Public Building Entrance

Building Public Access

Private, Closed to Public

Semi-Public, Business Hrs (By Appointment Only)

Semi-Public, Business Hrs (Capitol Building open Saturdays)

Public, Cafe, Business Hrs

TAKEAWAYS

O The Capitol Mall is primarily used for exercise walking, first amendment demonstrations, enjoying the gardens / lawns, and the occasional large event.

O While the Capitol Mall has ample open space, it lacks diverse and specific programming.

O Most of the Capitol Mall buildings are semi-public and only open during business hours.

Ground Floor Building Frontage

Active (Entrances)

Office/Institutional (Windows)

Inactive (Solid Wall, Parking Garage)

*Programmatic “Rooms”refer to spaces that feel distinct with obvious edges like walkways, roadways and/or landscaping.

I-94 University Ave W Aurora Ave St Anthony Ave Park St Rice St John IrelandBlvd Cedar St E12thSt RobertSt I-35E Rev Dr MLK JrBlvd SaintPeterSt WabashaSt CedarSt N 0’ 200’ 100’ 50’
CAAPBBoundary
Cass Gilbert Memorial Park Upper Capitol Mall Lower Capitol Mall S. Steps Promenade Steep grade Events Walking Protesting Food Trucks Enjoying Nature DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL P P P P
LEGEND
I-94
Protesters on the South Steps, Photo: Brandon Bell/ Getty Images
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
MN Songkran Festival on the Upper Mall (Visit Saint Paul)

Potential / suitable programs for the existing slope percentages

0

5

Slopes

TAKEAWAYS

O

Mall have dramatically different areas and slope profiles; they should consider different programming accordingly.

O

accessibility is a critical measure of inclusive design. Many sidewalks, particularly along Cedar St, are difficult to traverse.

- 5%
- 20%
20%
Play Gardens Art Plaza Event Space Play Nature Trails Dog
Amphitheater
Walk/Run
Greater than
Biking
Park
Terracing
CAAPB Boundary Campus Boundary 5 - 20% 5 - 10% 0 - 5% +10% +20% 5 - 10% 5 - 10% UPPER CAPITOL MALL 22,000 SF INFORMAL SETTING - 3,666 PEOPLE FORMAL SETTING - 2,200 PEOPLE CASS GILBERT MEMORIAL PARK 4,300 SF (NOT INCLUDING AREA OF STEEP SLOPE) INFORMAL SETTING - 700 PEOPLE FORMAL SETTING - 430 PEOPLE LOWER CAPITOL MALL 44,000 SF INFORMAL SETTING - 7,333 PEOPLE FORMAL SETTING - 4,400 PEOPLE 11.800 SF N 0’ 500’ 250’ 125’ University Ave W Aurora Ave St Anthony Ave Como Ave W Pennsylvania Ave Park St Cedar St Rice St John IrelandBlvd CedarSt JacksonSt E12thSt 10thStERobertSt FortRd I-94 I-35E P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P
The 3 primary open spaces
on the
ADA
greater
5% can be
access.
than
a challenge for ADA
LEGEND SLOPE & FUTURE PROGRAMMING UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

BALANCING SECURITY & PUBLIC ASSEMBLY

TAKEAWAYS

Capitol

Permitted Event & Allocated Protest Spaces, High-Visibility Zones

Allocated Counter-Protest Space

Critical Security Zones / Areas in Need of Immediate Security Upgrades

Building Entrances

Vehicular Entries to Mall

Underground Tunnel Network

Parking Garages (inactive facades)

Barriers

**Other

O Visibility is critical to Capitol Mall security. Tree canopy inhibits visibility, but provides shade and human comfort. The CMDF will need to balance these considerations.

O The Upper and Lower Malls are at risk of vehicular threats, especially during public assembly. Fencing and other blockades impede the natural feel of public accessibility. The CMDF will need to address such threats while ensuring the Capitol Mall still feels welcoming to all those exercising their first amendment rights.

O Other potential threats surround the LRT Green Line Stations, which are in need of infrastructural security upgrades.

O Small informal gatherings are not allowed without a permit

O The public outlines the following areas as feeling unsafe in ongoing engagement surveys: LRT station at University Ave and Rice St, Cass Gilbert Park, and the lower portion of the Mall near I-94.

I-94 University Ave W Aurora Ave St Anthony Ave Park St Rice St John IrelandBlvd E12thSt RobertSt MinimalVehicular SafetyBarriers SaintPeterSt WabashaSt CedarSt I-35E N 0’ 200’ 100’ 50’
Mall
(Fencing, Bollards,
Walls,
Vacant Lots
Green Line and Stops
Retaining
etc.) Large
LRT
factors impacting security like camera placement and lighting will be investigated later once that information is available. CAAPBBoundary Cass Gilbert Memorial Park Upper Capitol Mall Lower Capitol Mall S. Steps Promenade Protesting ALL PROTESTING & COUNTERPROTESTING SITES REQUIRE HIGH VISIBILITY Marching Marching Protesting Marching Marching MARCHES TRAVERSE ALL STREETS WITHIN CAPITOL MALL, & TYPICALLY TERMINATE AT THE CAPITOL BUILDING. EXISTINGCONDITION OPPORTUNITY STEEPSLOPE REDUCEDSLOPE NO BARRIER BARRIER + ADA ACCESS DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL P
P P
P P
LEGEND
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

Source

O There are various ongoing / proposed improvements outlined in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and other guiding documents. The CMDF will need to respond to, inform, and coordinate with these efforts.

N

Future Development Plans

Future Building Plans

Important Intersections

Intersection Improvements

Streetscape Improvements

Future Public Realm Improvements

FuturePublicRealmImprovements

26. **Informed by the City of Saint Paul 2040 Comprehensive Plan (2020), and other public guiding documents.
0’ 500’ 250’ 125’ I-94 Valley Park Western Sculpture Park Cass Gilbert Memorial Park Rice Street Reconstruction
LEAGUE OF CITY BLOCK SEARS “CAPITOL VIEW” REDEVELOPMENT LOT C + FORD BLDG FUTURE HEALTH CENTER STATE OFFICE BUILDING Future Public Realm Improvements LEGEND
University Ave W St Anthony Ave ComoAve W Pennsylvania Ave Park St Rice St N Capitol Blvd John IrelandBlvd CedarSt JacksonSt E12thSt 10thStERobertSt FortRd I-94 I-35E MN STATE CAPITOL MALL EColumbusAve RICE STREET DISTRICT Future Public Realm Improvements Future Public Realm Improvements Future Public Realm Improvements Mobility Hub
TAKEAWAYS CAPITOL AREA KEY IMPROVEMENTS
DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

MINIMAL LANDSCAPE AND ADJACENT BUILDING USE RELATIONSHIP

OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS

summarized from site analysis

LIMITED EVERYDAY AMENITIES FOR CAPITOL USERS AND NEIGHBORS

ENSURING THE CAPITOL MALL IS WELCOMING TO ALL BALANCING SECURITY AND PUBLIC ASSEMBLY

CREATE OUTDOOR SPACES THAT RESPOND TO AND COMPLEMENT EXISTING AND FUTURE BUILDING USES

DESIGN FOR THE DAY-TODAY AS WELL AS WEEKLY, MONTHLY, AND SPECIAL EVENTS

ALIGN SECURITY PRACTICES AND TECHNIQUES WITH DESIRED PHYSICAL DESIGN ATTRIBUTES

DESIGN INCLUSIVE SPACES WITH DIVERSE PROGRAMMING TO ACCOMMODATE VARIOUS LIFESTYLES

PRINCIPLE STRATEGIES

moving forward from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

CREATE OUTDOOR SPACES THAT RESPOND TO AND COMPLEMENT EXISTING AND FUTURE BUILDING USES

O Coordinate with ongoing and future site developments to ensure optimal connectivity and access to the Capitol Mall; historic site features (like viewsheds) are maintained; and more

O Utilize strategic planting and other landscape features to emphasize building entrances and aid in wayfinding or place recognition

O Utilize the landscape as an educational opportunity, especially in historic story-telling

O Provide adjacent outdoor dining and working opportunities for government staff on campus

O Create landscape and streetscape conditions that accommodate active building frontage. Create multiple active hubs for small scale gatherings within a 5 to 10 minute walk

O Diversify the landscape programs across the campus

DESIGN FOR THE DAY-TO-DAY AS WELL AS WEEKLY, MONTHLY, AND SPECIAL EVENTS

O Design civic spaces of varying sizes that accommodate both active and passive activities

O Provide easy access to and from the site in the form of diverse mobility options, e.g., transit stops, bike lanes, complete sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and (affordable) parking opportunities in close proximity to the site

O Implement planting strategies that accommodate diverse programming needs. Design spaces for human comfort

O Ensure the site’s infrastructure can accommodate large groups of people

O Provide access to everyday amenities like clean and secure toilet facilities. Eliminate barriers to everyday amenities

O Promote daily life amenities for government workers and nearby communities that operate beyond the hours of 9am to 5pm

Moore Square, Raleigh, NC
Moving forward from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
Texas Capitol Mall

ALIGN SECURITY PRACTICES AND TECHNIQUES WITH DESIRED PHYSICAL DESIGN

ATTRIBUTES

O Provide ample lighting within the site and along access routes to and from supporting site services and amenities

O Provide clear, well-kept paths and sightlines that are not obstructed by low-canopy trees, overgrown or dense vegetation, changes in elevation, and other obstructions

O Eliminate or mediate sites of operational security threats, as well as all “non-spaces”

O Promote programming and building uses that operate throughout the day, including evening hours

O Design gathering spaces with operational security in mind. Design landscape and infrastructure to prevent vehicular access on lawns

O Implement security design features that mitigate crime at LRT stations

O Design programmatic rooms (i.e. landscape zones separated by plantings, trees, etc.) to separate protesters from counter-protesters. Create space for easy flow control to reduce the complexity for events management

DESIGN INCLUSIVE SPACES WITH DIVERSE PROGRAMMING TO ACCOMMODATE VARIOUS LIFESTYLES

O Highlight and celebrate the presence of diverse populations (both in true form and representation)

O Recognize and celebrate Indigenous Americans as well as African American, immigrant, and LGBTQ communities

O Connect to and engage nearby communities of color; explore programming partnerships with local community groups

O Provide provisions for young children and the elderly

O Ensure all site features are specified with diverse populations in mind, i.e., furniture that is ergonomic for various bodies / ADA accessible

O Develop a branding strategy that is forward-looking, one that creates awareness and builds trust

O Incorporate wayfinding or easy-to-read signage that helps people find their way (include ADA accessibility, gender-inclusive graphics, language translation)

Texas Capitol Mall
Moving forward from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.
Bonnet Springs Park, Lakeland, FL

GROW

O Natural Heritage and Climate Change

O Human Comfort

O Environmental Concerns

O Landscape Quality

O Maintenance

The Capitol Mall will steward its landscape with sustainable maintenance practices. The cultivation of a diverse and resilient ecosystem will enable this important district of Saint Paul to adapt to a changing climate while preserving cultural heritage.

UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

A SHOWCASE OF MINNESOTA’S ECOSYSTEM

Arctic Cordillera

Tundra

Taiga

Hudson Plain Northern Forests

Northwestern Forested Mountains

Marine West Coast Forest Eastern Temperate Forests

Great Plains

North American Deserts

Mediterranean California

Southern Semi-arid

Highlands

Temperate Sierras

Tropical Dry Forests

Tropical Wet Forests

Minnesota is fortunate to lie at the center of four major North American ecological regions or biomes, converge: aspen parklands, prairie grasslands, deciduous forest, and coniferous forest.

CONIFEROUS FOREST DECIDUOUS FOREST

TODAY FUTURE

Days / year warmer than 90 °F C Comparison between today and 2080

RISING TEMPERATURES

Minnesota will have warmer winters and nights, along with increased summer heat and longer dry spells. The warming temperatures will alter ecosystem productivity, exacerbating the spread of invasive species, and changing how species interact with each other and with their environment. These changes are reconfiguring ecosystems in unprecedented ways.

SHIFTING LANDSCAPE

Today, Minnesota’s climate supports forests and trees. In 50 years, climate change could turn most of it to oak savannas, dominated not by trees but grasslands. In fact, over 70% of the northern tree species have already shifted further northward.

MORE DAMAGING RAINS

Heavy rains are now more common in Minnesota and more intense than any recorded rain on record - and climate projections indicate extreme events, like flooding, drought, and heatwaves, will likely become more frequent and more intense.

Days / 100 years when daily rainfall exceeds 4 inches Comparison between today and 2080

4.1-4.8°C

No climate policies

TAKEAWAYS

Without action, the rich variety of plants in Minnesota will be threatened due to climate change. The State Capitol Mall has the responsibility and opportunity to showcase the diverse natural heritage of Minnesota, and how that can adapt to the changing climate.

Current policies

2.7-3.1°C

Pledges & targets 2.4°C

27. Informed by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, University of Minnesota Center for Forest Ecology, University of Minnesota Climate Mapping and Analysis Tool, and other public guiding documents. 150Gt 10 20 30 40 4 8 12 18 Forest Savanna Savanna Forest Mix
Source
SAINT PAUL
Biome zones Biome zones in 2070 50Gt 0 Greenhouse gas emissions up to the present
Current
ASPEN PARKLAND PRAIRIE GRASSLAND
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

SITS ON MISSISSIPPI FLYWAY

The State Capitol is located along the important green corridor of the Mississippi flyway. This is the migratory corridor for 40% of North America’s waterfowl and shorebirds. According to Audubon MN’s Important Bird Areas (IBA), over 12 6,000 birds used this corridor in the fall of 1997.

The State Capitol Mall is one of the largest public green space near the Downtown area of Saint Paul. It sits at the intersection of the city and regional green corridors, which makes it critical for biodiversity of the region and culturally important for ecological education.

TAKEAWAYS

The State Capitol Mall is located on the Mississippi Flyway and a total of 234 bird species use this corridor for migration. With climate change, over half of Minnesota’s birds are at risk of severe declines. The new plan of the Capitol Mall should take action to meet the new climate demand and preserve the local biodiversity.

Source 28. **Informed by Audubon Minnesota and other public guiding documents

Parks and Green Corridors

Private Greenspace and Cemetery

Regional Ecological Corridors

Regional Significant Ecological Areas

Greenspace associated with City Infrastructure

100 year Floodplain

N 0’ 2000’ 1000’ 500’
Parkway Como Ave Green Corridor
Summit Ave Green Corridor Lexington
MISSISSIPPI RIVER TWIN CITIES IMPORTANT BIRD AREA
REGIONAL ECOLOGICAL CORRIDORS
Macalester Groveland Como Park Zoo and Conservatory South Como
South of Maryland
Saint Paul Downtown Airport Swede
Hollow Park CAPITOL MississippiRiver MississippiRiver MISSISSIPPIFLYW YA
Forster’s Tern Sterna forsteri
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

RECONNECT THE SITE’S NATURE HERITAGE

TAKEAWAYS

Where the State Capitol sits now, was once a deciduous forest with prairie openings. Traces of bluffs, wetlands and creeks were found on locations of parking lots and buildings. Prior to colonization, Dakota people were living and using the native plants here for centuries.

Source 29. Informed by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Capitol Historic Context Report, Minnesota’s Natural Heritage by John R. Tester and other public guiding documents.

OBSERVED SPECIES ON SITE

Common yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

Brown belted bumble bee

Bombus griseocollis

Red-eyed vireo

Vireo olivaceus

Scarlet tanager

Piranga olivacea

Virginia opossum

Didelphis virginiana

Fox squirrel

Sciurus niger

White-tailed deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Indigo bunting

Passerina cyanea

Sugar maple

Acer saccharum

Ruffed grouse

Bonasa umbellus

Grey fox

Geothlypis trichas

Rusty patched bumblebee

Bombus affinis

Eastern screech owl

Megascops asio

Western/Boreal chorus frog

Pseudacris maculata

Painted lady

Vanessa cardui

Red-bellied woodpecker

Melanerpes carolinus

Tilia americana

Bitternut hickory

Carya cordiformis

Quaking aspen Basswood

Populus tremuloides

Bur oak

Quercus macrocarpa

Prairie Phlox

Phlox pilosa

Big bluestem

Andropogon gerardii

Stiff sunflower

Helianthus pauciflorus

American elm

Ulmus americana

Red admiral Basswood

Tilia americana

Vanessa atalanta

Rosa arkansana

White Sage

Salvia apiana

Redosier dogwood

Cornus sericea

Black Raspberry

Rubus occidentalis

Prairie Rose Eastern Cottonwood

Populus deltoides

Chokecherry

Prunus virginiana

Hackberry

Celtis occidentalis

MAPLE - BASSWOOD FOREST CAPITOL MALL AREA OAK - ASPEN FOREST OAK SAVANNA / MESIC PRAIRIE WETLAND / LOWLAND HARDWOOD
TODAY PRESETTLEMENT Selected species mentioned in DAKOTA ETHNOBOTANY FLORA
FAUNA
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

A LAWN DOMINATED LANDSCAPE

Formal lawn

Commercial and civic lawn

Streetscape lawn

Residential lawn

Meadow along steep slopes

Vegetation in the vacant lot

Meadow along highway - “the Green River”

PROGRAMMED LANDSCAPE

Monumental landscape

Other programmed landscape including pocket parks, sport fields and community gardens

Tree Canopy

Source 30. Informed by the City of Saint Paul 2040

Comprehensive Plan (2020), and other public guiding documents.

State owned park and ROW

City owned park and ROW

County owned ROW

Privately-owned public park

Commercial / institutional landscape

Private Residential Landscape

As Minnesota’s Front Lawn, lawn with specimen trees are the dominated landscape type of the Capitol Campus, with some meadows and programmed landscape. The maintenance effort for public space and ROW is divided by landscape ownerships.

I-94 University Ave W Aurora Ave St Anthony Ave Marion St Como Ave Winter St W Pennsylvania Ave Park St Cedar St Rice St John Ireland Blvd CedarSt JacksonSt UniversityAveE E12thSt 10thStE RobertSt FortRd I-35E WabashaStN DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL RobertSt N 0’ 500’ 250’ 125’ Future Public Realm Improvements Future Public Realm Improvements Mobility Hub
LANDSCAPE OWNERSHIP 16% 3%
LANDSCAPE
LAWN
NATURAL
80%+ LAWNS
TAKEAWAYS
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

MAINTENANCE IS THE KEY

The level of maintenance varies across the district. The current standard maintenance practice is focusing on lawns, but with climate change challenges, there is a need for more sustainable maintenance for all landscape types.

PROGRAMMED FORMAL LAWN STREETSCAPE
LAWN
THE “GREEN RIVER”
LAWN
ON PARKING LOT MEADOW ON SLOPES
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

TREE CANOPY

TAKEAWAYS

The Central business district has an existing canopy cover of 9.4%, significantly lower than the city average of 32.5%. Increasing tree canopy while preserving important view corridor will be critical for this project.

CANOPY COVER CLASSIFIED BY PARCEL

More than 55 native species of trees are documented by CAAPB, including Basswood (Tilia americana), Norway maple (Acerplatanoides), Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) and other trees that play significant roles in the Saint Paul Baldwin Plains and Moraines Ecoregion.

Source 31. Informed by the City of Saint Paul 2040 Comprehensive Plan (2020), and other public guiding documents. 0% 1-20% 21-40% 41-60% 61-80% 81-100% CBD Site University Ave W Aurora Ave
Anthony Ave Como Ave W Pennsylvania Ave Park St Cedar St
St
St
Rice
John IrelandBlvd
JacksonSt UniversityAveE E12thSt 10thStE RobertSt FortRd N 0’ 500’ 250’ 125’ DOWNTOWN SAINT PAUL
CedarSt
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

THERMAL COMFORT

TAKEAWAYS

The thermal comfort study evaluates the impact of temperature, humidity, wind, and solar radiation on site. The study shows the existing trees on site help improve the thermal comfort throughout the four seasons.

The projection study indicates that additional shade could improve the thermal comfort across various areas of the site.

EXISTING OVERALL COMFORT NET STRATEGY

The intensity of the color indicates how much comfort you could potentially gain if you deploy the strategy well.

More comfortable

Add more shade

Less comfortable

Add more sun

collection still
Data
in progress
SPRING
SPRING SUMMER SUMMER FALL FALL WINTER WINTER UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

UNTREATED STORMWATER RUNOFF

TAKEAWAYS

The majority of the site area is covered in impervious surfaces. Most of that drains to the Mississippi River untreated, pollutants were detected in the stormwater runoff. A comprehensive stormwater management system is needed for the landscape improvements.

Source 32. Informed by the Capitol Region Watershed District and other public guiding documents BMPs Catch Basin Storm Sewer Non TBI Sub Watersheds TBI Sub Watersheds Programmed/ Institutional Lawn Parks Treated Area Impervious Surfaces N 0’ 500’ 250’ 125’
LEGEND
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

HUMAN COMFORT CHALLENGES RELATED TO SHADE AND WIND PATTERNS ON SITE

OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS

summarized from site analysis

DISCONNECTED FROM NATURAL PROCESS AND PRE-SETTLEMENT ECOLOGIES

INVESTING IN ONGOING MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS

CLIMATE ADAPTABILITY AND RESILIENCE TO EXTREME NATURAL EVENTS

INCREASE TREE CANOPY COVERAGE AND EMBED HUMAN COMFORT IN PLACEMAKING

RECONNECT THE SITE’S NATURAL HERITAGE AND CELEBRATE PLANTING CULTURE FOR ALL

AN EVOLVING MAINTENANCE PRACTICE OF AN ECOLOGICAL AND SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE

PRINCIPLE STRATEGIES

CREATE A CLIMATE READY LANDSCAPE WITH COMPREHENSIVE PLANTING AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

moving forward from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

INCREASE TREE CANOPY COVERAGE AND EMBED HUMAN COMFORT IN PLACEMAKING

O Strategically increase tree canopy and design plant communities for improved sightlines and microclimate effects in both parks and streetscapes

O Provide shading opportunities every 2-4 minutes of walking distance along park pathways and streets. Incorporate deciduous planting to balance thermal comfort during summer and winter

O Design with plant phenology in mind. Limit the use of plant that can be negatively affected by Minnesota’s climate extremes

O Leveraging and strategically preserve existing vegetation to enhance resilience and thermal comfort

O Create dynamic height differences to increase mixing of air and encourage more wind at human height. Consider shading structures and plantings that encourage summer wind flow and block winter wind flow

RECONNECT THE SITE’S NATURAL HERITAGE AND CELEBRATE PLANTING CULTURE FOR ALL

O Design planting patterns with Indigenous ethnobotany in mind

O Embed nature education opportunities in design

O Use native planting communities and landscape succession as a guide, design with faunal associations in mind. Prioritize the use of native plant species that provide superior ecological benefits

O Utilizing foundational plant species that support local habitat, such as sugar maple, basswood, bur oak and aspens

O Create a pollinator-friendly landscape that supports butterflies, moths, and pollen specialist bees. Resources like Keystone Plants by Ecoregion led by Dr. Doug Tallamy from University of Delaware and the Pollinator Station Program led by City of Saint Paul will be helpful for this effort

O Eliminate the use of invasive plant species and restrict the use of those that may become invasive in the future

Street
Pearl
Mall, Boulder, CO
Bonnet Spring Park, Lakeland, FL
Moving forward from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

AN EVOLVING MAINTENANCE PRACTICE OF AN ECOLOGICAL AND SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE

O Facilitate application of resilience principles to ecosystem management through rich landscape settings at the human scale. Promote a diversified native landscape pattern that sustains climate change and other anthropogenic stressors

O Design with plants that are less affected by common pathogens and pests and avoid those that may become a concern in the future

O Prioritize plants that are adapted to the current soil profile. Group plants together that share similar soil, irrigation and maintenance needs

O Promote green waste recycling. Consider natural maintenance methods and reduce the use of chemicals and motorized equipment

O Maintain winter structure for planting and minimize salt damage on both parks and ROWs

CREATE A CLIMATE READY LANDSCAPE WITH COMPREHENSIVE PLANTING AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

O Use climate ready species and refer to local planting sources. Utilize the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation resources such as climate-ready woodlands for more site specific planting suggestions

O Design the landscape and hardscape to help with carbon draw down. Select plants and materials that promote carbon sequestration and storage. Create a landscape that reduces operational carbon

O Maximizing green infrastructure for stormwater treatment. Consider local habitat and species while designing the stormwater landscape

O Identify areas with high runoff potential and strategically size green infrastructure and the management requirements at those locations.

O Design a landscape that promotes phosphorus and other pollutant removal

Historic
Fort snelling at Bdote Revitalization, Minneapolis, MN
Ellinikon Park, Athens, Greece
UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN. UNDER CAAPB REVIEW. COMMENT PERIOD OPEN.

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