2 minute read
Lowertown Insider Tips
Saint Paul Insider | Ta-coumba Aiken, Artist and "Mayor of Lowertown"
Ta-coumba Aiken
With its warehouses, railroads and river access, Lowertown was Minnesota’s manufacturing hub at the turn of the 19th century. Today, the neighborhood is a vibrant artists’ quarter filled with galleries, restaurants, breweries, the stunning CHS Field, a farmers’ market and more.
Ta-coumba Aiken is one of the artists and community activists who led the area’s creative transformation into an urban village. Fondly called “The mayor of Lowertown,” he helped found the Lowertown Lofts Artists Cooperative, which welcomes visitors each year for the Saint Paul Art Crawl.
His artworks grace spaces throughout Saint Paul, including the 117-by-33-foot “Be Nice!” mural visible from the light rail stop outside of Union Depot. Go inside the historic train station to see “Forever Saint Paul,” featuring the world’s most Lite-Brite pegs ever used in a painting.
“You’ll find great people, cultures, jazz and classical music venues. Enjoy your time here. Be kind and curious. We’re still a big city, just quieter.”
#MYSAINTPAUL Insider Tips:
MUST EAT:
Keys, Big River Pizza and so many more. We have it all.
MUST SEE:
Union Depot and the Mississippi River, the state Capitol and a drive on Summit Avenue, our many museums and parks.
MUST DO:
Saint Paul Art Crawl, Winter Carnival Torchlight Parade, the Ordway, a Friday night Saints game with fireworks.
