draft - minnesota rice cvz strategy v10... · 2020-02-21 · draft . updated october 9, 2018....

The Capitol Rice Commercial Vitality Zone

Strategy Report on Predevelopment Work for

Lower Rice Street Commercial Vitality Zone

Draft Updated October 9, 2018

Acknowledgements Funding Source City of Saint Paul Commercial Vitality Zone Program (Predevelopment Funding),

Nora Riemenschneider, Director, City of Saint Paul Planning & Economic Development (SPPED) Lead (Partnering) Organizations City of Saint Paul Planning & Economic Development Department Capitol Area Architectural & Planning Board (CPAAB) Core Team Marcq Sung, SPPED sponsor co-lead, strategy Tony Johnson, SPPED co-lead, strategy, relationships/outreach, design, solutions Peter Musty, CAAPB project manager, team and events lead, CVZ strategy report Becky Alper surveys lead, mobility systems analysis Saint Paul Smart Trips/Transit for Livable Communities Witt Siasoco, Community Based Artist community engagement and stakeholder values mapping Jay Demma, Perkins+Will real estate market research and commercial/retail vitality Key Contributors City Council Member Dai Thao’s Office CM Dai Thao, Mai Chong Xiong Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board Staff Paul Mandell, Kimmy Tanaka, Linda Spohr and Lisa Ochs City of Saint Paul Lucy Thompson PED Saint Paul Smart Trips/Transit for Livable Communities Charlotte Munkel-Olsen, Emma Pachuta Ramsey County (Engineering Department) Nick Fischer Historian, Former University United Director Brian McMahon Community Based Artists, (Witt Siasoco Team) Jonathan Herrera, Mischa Kegan Walker Consultants (parking consultant) Ezra Kramer Public Art St Paul (Pop-Up Meetings) __________ , ____________ September 2017 Kickoff & Informational Event Host State of MN Dept of Admin Facilities Management Anne Johnson and Minnesota Historical Society Jamie Korman October 2017 Street Design & Placemaking Workshop Host League of Minnesota Cities Nancy Tindall Fall 2017 Survey Stations and Pop-Up Meetings Host State of Minnesota (several locations including Transportation Building), Rivertown Commons Apartments w/University of MN Physicians/HealthEast, Hmongtown Marketplace December 2017 Strategy Studio Host Hmongtown Marketplace Toua Xiong January 2018 Celebration and Idea Gallery Host Christ on Capitol Hill Lutheran Church Pastor Joy McDonald-Coltvet Vicar Bethany Ringdahl

Table of Contents Preface by Members of the Capitol Rice Planning Team .................................................................................................... 2 I. Capitol Rice Commercial Vitality Zone Strategy Introduction ................................................................................... 5

A. Background ............................................................................................................................................................. 5 B. How Are Decisions Made in Capitol Rice? ............................................................................................................ 7 C. The Team’s Planning Approach. ............................................................................................................................ 8

Step 1. Begin by Asking the Community .......................................................................................................... 9 Step 2. Make Sense of Their Input .................................................................................................................. 16 Step 3. Brainstorm Solutions........................................................................................................................... 17 Step 4. Ask for Feedback ................................................................................................................................. 19

II. Capitol Rice Commercial Vitality Zone Strategy: Predevelopment Recommendations (2018-2020) ................... 21 A. Building Upgrade and Maintenance Program .................................................................................................... 21

1. Shopfront Signage Projects .......................................................................................................................... 21 2. Frontage & Facade Projects ......................................................................................................................... 21 3. Small Business Development Projects ......................................................................................................... 21 4. Opportunity Sites for Smaller Scale Redevelopment ................................................................................. 22

B. Customer Wayfinding Improvements Program.................................................................................................. 22 1. Shared Parking Signage ................................................................................................................................ 22 2. Lighting and Strategic Wayfinding ............................................................................................................... 22 3. Cultural Heritage and Identity Development .............................................................................................. 22 4. Restaurant Lunchtime Strategy ................................................................................................................... 23

C. How Capitol Rice Strategies Impact Bigger Policies: Introducing The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan Framework ................................................................................................. 23 1. Capitol Area Principles for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan* ....................................................................... 23 2. Capitol Area Strategies for 2040 Comprehensive Plan Policy Maps .......................................................... 26

III. Appendix .................................................................................................................................................................... 27 A. City of St. Paul: Commercial Vitality Zones ......................................................................................................... 27 B. Community Ideas ................................................................................................................................................. 28 C. Consultant Research: Voices from Capitol Rice .................................................................................................. 28 D. Ramsey County: Rice Street Transportation Safety Study ................................................................................. 28 E. Shared-Use Mobility Center: Shared Use Mobility Action Plan ......................................................................... 28 F. Consultant Research: Capitol Rice History .......................................................................................................... 29 G. Consultant Research: Business Access & Mobility ............................................................................................. 29 H. Consultant Research: Lower Rice Street Market Assessment Findings ............................................................ 29 I. Consultant Research: Lower Rice Street Vitality Strategies ............................................................................... 30 J. Existing Policy: Documents Reviewed for Capitol Rice Planning Strategy ........................................................ 30 K. Team Ideas Mapping ............................................................................................................................................ 31

Capitol Rice CVZ Strategy DRAFT FOR TEAM REVIEW – Updated 10/9/2018 Page 1


Preface by Members of the Capitol Rice Planning Team

It was an honor to spend six months listening to people in the Capitol Rice district. Together we came to some conclusions together while working on this planning process with and for the community:

Big change is coming to Capitol Rice, at some point. Radical change may come soon to this district, and it may come fast and in the span of a few years. Despite the fact that private investment at all scales has been slow for some time across the region, it has picked up recently regionally, in particular along transit lines. Factors point to it coming to Capitol Rice soon; market trends that favor low maintenance new urban living, a stronger national and regional economy, combined with public sector investment in sustainable infrastructure, all have poised the Green Line communities for investment.

Capitol Rice is developing the chemistry for change. As new investors wait to redevelop, a revived housing market may get increasingly thirsty for big open underutilized development parcels within a short walk to Light Rail Transit. We also have a State workforce about to transition, as over half of the workers will enter retirement age within 5-10 years. That means that most of the workers coming to this district will be different, and they will bring different purchasing patterns, different commuting preferences, and different values about how they interact with the city around them.

Meanwhile, Capitol Rice is full of individuals, small businesses and smaller organizations that have been serving and investing in this district for years, but may need a little help as the district experiences outside investment. There are many small businesses making it despite the headwinds of disinvestment in both the buildings and streets around them. There is a deep history of immigrant populations finding welcome here, the latest version is the ever-strengthening Hmong, Karen, and East African immigrant communities.

There is a transit-dependent workforce population here that is critical to the success of downtown and state enterprise. Many have families with young children that want, need and deserve adequate mobility and dignified public spaces. There are low and middle income families in Capitol Rice ready for their next step, trying to get their kids to work and to travel safely to their jobs. Many of them are dependent on transit to make life work, and make living affordable. There are also many new immigrant families living or hoping to live the American dream.

We have single family neighborhood homes in and adjacent to Capitol Rice that deserve to be protected from the impacts of new traffic patterns. The choice to live in or near to the State Capitol and to a complex urban district like Capitol Rice comes with elements that are hard to predict. Most families and community members tolerate this lack of predictability – and many even embrace it. However, that doesn’t mean that they or their next door neighbors deserve to bear the brunt of increased traffic on sleepy residential streets, or to watch their neighborhood rapidly change to a high density urban area.

As good new investments happen, there will be unwanted displacement of some community members. The unintended consequences of new investment and new demand for urban living means the families and businesses here now may be priced out of their community. This is called displacement, and the truth is that some of this cannot be avoided when diverse new investment happens all at once. However, there are measures to educate people to this, and there are ways to lessen the impacts and to avoid the worst impacts. Strategies will be important for home-owners, renters, and tenants in particular, and for the lower income families in the district.


This is a district with a rich history with so many identities. The place is a transformational spot with so many stories to share. Rice Street in the Capitol Area is many things to many people: its the eastern end of Frogtown, the south gateway to Rice Street, and the western edge of Capitol Heights and the Capitol Complex. It is the northern most stop of the Downtown Fare district. And it is one of many new transit nodes on University, another Green Line community getting used to the latest big transportation investment.

We began calling this place Capitol Rice, and we think it’s a place of great history, great people and great potential.

On the unique and critical role (and responsibility) of the State of Minnesota

The State of Minnesota is by far the largest landowner and employer in the Capitol Area. The number of state employees on the Capitol campus outnumbers the residents in the Capitol Rice Area. The State also generates the most visitors to the area. Therefore, it has an outsized role in the future character and condition of the neighborhoods in and surrounding the Capitol Area, especially the commercial corridor along Rice Street south of Pennsylvania Avenue.

The following are considerations for the State of Minnesota’s role in the on-going revitalization of the Lower Rice CVZ and other nearby neighborhoods and districts surrounding the State Capitol Complex.


• Attraction and retention of young, talented workers. The State of Minnesota will experience a significant shift in its workforce over the next 10 to 15 years. It is estimated that 60% of State employees will reach retirement during this timeframe. In order to replace these workers, the State will need to rely on hiring significant numbers of talented, young workers. One of the more important characteristics influencing where younger workers choose to work is the neighborhood of their place of employment. For the State Capitol complex, a revitalized Lower Rice Street district with more options for dining, housing, retail, and entertainment would have a significant impact on the State’s ability to fill all the imminent job openings due to retirement with high quality workers.

• The State can be a significant catalyst for private investment. Private investment often follows public investment because it signals to the private sector the commitment on the part of the public sector for substantive change. The State of Minnesota has a variety of means to catalyze private investment into areas surrounding the State Capitol complex. There are many possibilities for how this can be accomplished.

• New private and public investment can provide important amenities for visitors to the State Capitol. The State Capitol complex has many different types of visitors including, school groups, tourists, constituents, and other members of the public that simply want to engage with State government. In order to enhance the visitor experience, safe and inviting amenities and an active, lively commercial district near the State Capitol complex are essential. One of the most efficient and cost effective methods to achieve this is through the revitalization of the Lower Rice CVZ.

• Revitalization will leverage and protect other State investments. The State of Minnesota has and will continue to make major investments in and near the State Capitol area. In order to leverage and protect these investments, it will be important to encourage, promote, and support the continued revitalization of the Lower Rice CVZ and other nearby areas.

It was a distinct pleasure, and honor, for us to work together in and with this community!

Capitol Rice Team Members:

Becky Alper, Jay Demma, Mischa Kegan, Tony Johnson, Brian McMahon, Paul Mandell, Charlotte Munkel-Olsen, Peter Musty, Witt Siasoco, Jonathan Herrera, Linda Spohr, Marcq Sung, Kimmy Tanaka, Nora Riemenschneider


I. Capitol Rice Commercial Vitality Zone Strategy Introduction

A. Background

The Capitol Rice Planning process was born out of a combined effort of three public sector initiatives:

Ramsey County: Rice Street Transportation Safety Study

Ramsey County is conducting a 2-year study of Rice Street from University Avenue to the city’s edge at Larpenteur Avenue. The goal for Rice Street, as stated on the Ramsey County web site, is for improved access for multiple transportation modes, economic growth, safer intersections and transit accessibility.

City of St. Paul: Commercial Vitality Zone

In 2016, St. Paul designated Rice Street from University to Pennsylvania as a Commercial Vitality Zone (CVZ). The CVZ program invests in Saint Paul neighborhood commercial districts to promote city-wide vitality, growth and equity. It is funded by a $750,000 annual sales tax revenue fund, created by a ½-cent local sales tax that State law mandates be used to further residential, cultural, commercial and economic development. This annual fund was proposed in 2014; the first year of implementation is 2015. Criteria for selection of a CVZ zone and associated project(s) include:

• Catalytic • Promote Equity • Increase Vitality • Growth

See Appendix A for more information on Commercial Vitality Zones.

Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board: 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update

The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAAPB) is in the process of writing its 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Rice Street redevelopment from I-94 to Pennsylvania Avenue is expected to have the most significant growth and change in the Capitol Area over next 20 years. The Capitol Rice planning documented in this report (powered by Lower Rice Street Predevelopment funding) is a culmination of one of three primary planning tracks of the comprehensive planning process underway from 2017-2019.


B. How Are Decisions Made in Capitol Rice?

Well, in the past, it’s been sort of a ‘Top Down’ type deal.

We have many eras of the Capitol Area from which to learn how we have dealt with and should deal with change – the Capitol itself, the Mall, Rice Street widening, Urban Renewal, the Interstate and Rondo; many of these projects meant the displacement of people, buildings, streets and communities. Appendix F: Capitol Rice History provides a history of the Capitol Rice Area.

In the past, many of these decisions were made from the top, with less or no direct input from those affected. In the past, individuals had little to say were not asked about what their needs were as homes and in some cases entire neighborhoods were changed for what was meant to be the greater good of the city. Trauma from these decisions can still be felt today in many communities. Here in Capitol Rice, impact of the process around big decisions is keenly felt among the community members.

Recent Planning has Set Good Examples. After an extensive community process, the Central Corridor Strategy was developed along University, setting in place a framework of mixed use urban villages near station areas along the corridor. More recently, the development of the LRT Green Line was preceded with extensive community engagement. When decisions about the location of LRT stations wasn’t reflecting community needs, the community stepped in and worked together for change. Because of the extensive work of the Stops for Us Coalition along with many community members, three stops were added along the Green Line to serve the community. The Stops for Us Coalition won the National Environmental Justice Award in 2010 for their work on the LRT Green Line station areas.

More recently, in 2017, the community west of Marion worked to get two crosswalks installed on Marion Avenue. This effort was part of the Stops for Me campaign to improve safety for people who use St. Paul’s sidewalks and cross our streets. In 2018, the Frogtown Neighborhood Association, working with the City’s Planning and Economic Development staff and Councilperson’s office, created a Small Area Plan for the Frogtown Neighborhood (SMAPL). The document is a long range vision for the district as an urban village that will attract new investment while serving the people that live here now and are investing every day in the success of their community.

This is a proud heritage for us to continue within planning, and should guide and inform how we make big decisions in the future. Several big changes are coming to the Capitol Area that provide us the opportunity to plan and design for another generation of larger changes:

• redevelopment of Sears Site • evolution of development at University and Rice/Leif Erickson Park • Rice Street improvements • changing workforce • mobility evolution and sustainability

The City of St. Paul and the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board are committed to community involvement and collaboration in the decision making process, at all levels of planning. This Capitol Rice planning process was conceived to be an expression of the community, of planning that first asks the question – how do we serve those that are here now and are investing constructively? How are they supported as new investments are made?


C. The Team’s Planning Approach.

The City of Saint Paul identified the Lower Rice Street district as one of six Commercial Vitality Zones in Saint Paul. Lower Rice Street was identified as the recipient of CVZ Predevelopment funding to help prioritize how catalyst funding from the CVZ program might be best utilized. Staff from the Department of Economic Development approached staff from the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board to help lead a process that would involve the community. With feedback and oversight of local decision-makers, staff agreed on basic outcomes:

Proposed Outcomes of the Lower Rice Street CVZ Pre-Development Project

1. Strategic Planning for Rice Street Investments - to study the district, to determine strategy for use funds

a. CVZ Funds: up to $375K awarded in Sept 2018 b. City of Saint Paul Street Lighting Funds ($250K) c. Rice Street Safety Study (Resulting in Long Range Improvements)

2. Network Building - to initiate or renew personal relationships among stakeholders in the district, and between stakeholders and staff

3. Community Knowledge Base – raise the shared sense of knowledge about the district and refresh thinking about its place in the big picture

4. Demonstration of Collaborative Action - to establish a noticeable physical improvement or other intervention in the district that sparks imagination of visitors and symbolizes something the community

City and CAAPB staff formed an interdisciplinary team of consultants during the summer of 2017 – built primarily to garner feedback from the public, but also equipped to review existing policy, market trends and the history of the area – so that community perceptions could be measured against objective technical realities.

from Newsroom

The Formula: Begin by Asking the Community. Make Sense of Their Input. Brainstorm Solutions. Ask for Feedback. The “formula” used to develop the Capitol Rice Commercial Vitality Zone Strategy combined all of this information:

+ + =

(section I.C.1.) (section I.C.2.) (section I.C.3.) (sections II. and III.)

Community Ideas

(Mapped)

Consultant Research and Existing Policy

Team Ideas

(Mapped)

Capitol Rice CVZ Strategy


Step 1. Begin by Asking the Community

Community Ideas and Values Mapping – July 2017 through February 2018

Public participation is integral to any development project. The aim of the Capitol Rice Planning participation process was to enable the public to have meaningful input into the decision-making process. Area residents, business owners, employees and customers are the best sources of knowledge of what is and is not working in an area, what needs to be improved, and ideas for those improvements.

The Capitol Rice Commercial Vitality Zone Strategy was developed based on input from the community gathered over a six month period. In addition to informal chats and one-on-one interviews (values mapping), seven survey stations and four community events were held over the six-month period.

Survey Station Goals: To establish a visible presence in the district; to promote the community gathering; to increase participation in the survey; to observe the district during key times of day; and to establish a base for door to door outreach. Project staff (primarily Peter Musty and Tony Johnson w/assistance from St. Paul Smart Trips & Transit for Livable Communities (ST/TLC) and additional CAAPB and City staff) set up under a 10x10 market tent in a Planning Station for two hours to observe conditions and to engage the public with both written and verbal surveys about commercial vitality, safety, parking, commuting and street-level design. Two survey stations were in the form of a Pop-Up Meeting, co-hosted by Public Art St. Paul.

Community Event Goals: Community events provided more opportunity for two-way communication between planning staff and community members, as well as opportunity for community members to hear each other’s ideas. Communication in the public participation process is two-way. In addition to receiving information from the public, the process ensures project information is delivered to the public in a timely manner. Both decision-makers and the public can learn from each other and benefit from each other’s perspective and expertise.


Public Participation Events

AUGUST

1. Mon Aug 21st Noon-2pm SURVEY STATION #1 Univ/Rice: Lot C corner

2. Fri Aug 25th Noon-2pm SURVEY STATION #2: POP-UP Leif Erickson @ Stations

SEPTEMBER

3. Fri Sept 1st Noon-2pm SURVEY STATION #3 Univ/Rice: Lot C corner

4. Wed Sept 6th 4pm-6pm SURVEY STATION #4 Leif Erikson @ Stations

A. Tues Sept 12th Noon INFORMATIONAL GATHERING Capitol: L’Etoile duNord Presentations by team, street design stations, lunch provided by Rice Street restaurants

5. Thurs Sept 28th 11-1pm SURVEY STATION #5: POP-UP Rice & Charles Avenue

OCTOBER

B. Tues Oct 3rd 4-7pm COMMUNITY DESIGN EVENT LMC - St Croix Rm w/ City-County-CAAPB Street Design Stations, Input Stations, Kids Table, History Slides

DECEMBER

6. Mon Dec 4th 11-1pm SURVEY STATION #6 Hmongtown Marketplace

7. Thurs Dec 7th 11-1pm SURVEY STATION #7 MnDOT Lobby

C. Fri Dec 15th 9-5pm STAFF DESIGN & IDEA MAPPING Hmongtown Marketplace day long open planning session in market commons, passively open to community and passersby with reception/info; morning brainstorm, afternoon diagramming, late afternoon pin-up

JANUARY

D. Mon Jan 29 3-7pm CELEBRATION & OPEN HOUSE Christ on Capitol Hill Lutheran Church 3-4pm: community history presentation, consultant reports, great streets & places panel, 5pm-7pm open house with idea gallery including relevant local celebratory musician, performance


Survey Stations

Community Events


Photos from Survey Stations:


September 12th Event at the Capitol

October 3rd Event at League of MN Cities

October 3rd Event at League of MN Cities


Summary of

518 Community Ideas The pie chart to the right shows the summary of community responses by topic. Detailed results are outlined in Appendix B: Community Ideas. Also see the interactive map at https://mn.gov/caapb/planning-zoning/planning/capitol-rice/.

Top 10 #1 (100 ideas) More businesses and support existing local businesses on Rice Street:

#2 (61 ideas) Improve pedestrian safety #3 (53 ideas) Smart police enforcement, improve lighting and safety on the street #4 (48 ideas) More parks, green space, trees, vegetation and park amenities #5 (44 ideas) Improve neighborhood identity through signage and art representing the

community #6 (26 ideas) Improve bicycle safety and more bicycle lanes #7 (20 ideas) Re-use and re-development of buildings and vacant lots (Ford Building, Sears

site) #8 (19 ideas) A place for the community to gather #9 (18 ideas) Programs for youth #10 (14 ideas) Decrease vehicular speed on University Ave and Rice Street

restaurants grocery bike/skate shop clothing store convenience store dollar store sporting goods store furniture store coffee shop beauty salon

https://mn.gov/caapb/planning-zoning/planning/capitol-rice/



Value Mapping Goals: Community based artists interviewed area neighbors and asked them what they would like to see changed on Rice Street. This approach enabled a higher level of involvement and participation of community members by interacting with people where they were, rather than waiting for them to come to us. The team interviewed people at the Holiday Station at Rice and Como, White Castle, in and around Hmongtown Marketplace, near Bethesda Hospital, at bus stops and the LRT station. These interviews captured community members’ hopes and concerns for the area and culminated in an artwork featuring the faces and voices of Capitol Rice.


For a complete view of the responses, visit https://www.instagram.com/capitol_rice/.

Step 2. Make Sense of Their Input

Consultant Research and Review of Existing Policy – July 2017 through March 2018

The consultant team was assembled to provide detailed study of multiple disciplines affecting the area:

• Rice Street Transportation Safety Study (by Ramsey County, see Appendix D) • Shared Use Mobility (by Shared-Use Mobility Center, see Appendix E) • Capitol Rice History (by historian Brian McMahon, see Appendix F) • Business Access & Mobility (by Smart Trips & Transit for Livable Communities, see Appendix G) • Lower Rice Street Market Assessment Findings (by Perkins + Will, see Appendix H) • Lower Rice Street Vitality Strategies (by Perkins + Will, see Appendix I) • List of Relevant Existing Policy Documents (In addition to these reports, the CAAPB staff and

Perkins + Will reviewed existing policy to evaluate relevant policy that should be brought forward in this recommendation. The list of documents reviewed is in Appendix J.)

https://www.instagram.com/capitol_rice/


Step 3. Brainstorm Solutions

Team Idea Mapping – December 2017 and January 2018

The team of consultants, in addition to specifically studying the lower Rice Street corridor, brought a wealth of knowledge of business and mobility strategies garnered over years of experience on other projects. This knowledge, in the form of precedents and lessons learned, helped distill the five emerging themes from the community ideas, research and policy. Also see Appendix K: Team Ideas Mapping.

• Idea Mapping: On December 15th the team gathered for the Staff Design and Idea Mapping event. All community ideas were gathered and mapped; interim reports on survey results and value mapping were reviewed.

This idea mapping process resulted in 5 emerging themes for Capitol Rice:

Theme 1: Support of Entrepreneurs and Small Business Development

Community response was overwhelmingly in favor of improved businesses along Rice Street. A strengthened mix of small businesses and new entrepreneurs along the corridor will be the foundation for a re-enlivened Rice Street. As residents need to leave the area to fulfill daily needs, increasing the quality and mix of neighborhood services will retain spending power in the neighborhood and further serve to improve businesses. Strategies for this theme include: Shopfront Signage Fund; Frontage & Facade Program; Small Business Development Fund; Shared Parking Strategies; and Opportunity Sites for Smaller Scale Redevelopment.


Theme 2: Leif Erickson Park as Landmark Urban Space with Integrated Mobility Hub

The St. Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework calls for a downtown framework of Urban Villages centered on green public squares. This vision extends into the Capitol Area and has been affirmed as recently as 2009 in the Rice Street Station Area Plan (and part of the Comprehensive Plan for the Capitol Area). Leif Erickson Park has many of the necessary ingredients to become the hub of the new Capitol Rice urban village. Strategies for this theme include: Leif Erickson Park improvements; New State Buildings and Public/Private Development; Develop the Immediate Area as an Integrated Mobility Hub; Proactively locate ideal sites for a new Grocery Store to serve residents; and Reintroduce a Day Care Center to serve Capitol Area Workforce.

Theme 3: Rice Street Re-Design

Future development of Rice Street should reclaim the “Main Street” feel of its strong history as the heart of the neighborhood. Walkability improvements should encourage residents, area workers and visitors to walk along Rice Street. Increased street activity increases area safety and is an economic boon to local businesses. Strategies for this theme include: Rice St. Redesign – thoroughfare design (lanes/parking); Pedestrian improvements; Improved Street Lighting; Improved Signage, Wayfinding; Safer Crosswalks; Greening Guidelines to guide rain gardens and street tree planting; Temporary Parklets along Rice Street; Pocket Park at NE corner of Rice Street and Como Avenue; and BRT Stations Location Identification.

Theme 4: Como Connectivity

Complete the “Main Street” experience of Rice Street through Como Avenue to Scheffer Park and Hmongtown Marketplace. Como Avenue between Marion and Rice is wide and difficult for pedestrians to cross. The street’s adjacency to residences and a city park calls for improved pedestrian access and safety and additional activity/destinations through increased density. Today the street is more of a barrier than a connector. Strategies for this theme include: Como Redesign – reduce lanes along Como Avenue to slow traffic and create a safer pedestrian environment; Implement an outdoor market along Como Avenue; and Celebrate the rich cultural and immigrant history of the Capitol Area along the entire corridor through diversified businesses and public art.

Theme 5: Anti-Displacement

There is a broad trend among metropolitan areas (especially those with large, diverse economies) of rapidly increasing investment in core, urban areas. This is already causing (and will only exacerbate) displacement of low-income and other at-risk populations. While investments and improvements to Rice Street and Capitol Rice District are necessary and desired, and in many ways overdue, the undue economic displacement of small businesses and families is not desired. Several strategies for preventing unwanted displacement are being considered in every step of the planning process.

Also see online interactive map: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=b46ffaab9d244aa68204551a9c4ec64e


Step 4. Ask for Feedback

The 5 emerging themes were presented to the public at the January 29th Celebration and Open House. Everyone in attendance was given the opportunity to vote for their favorite ideas.

5 Emerging Themes Boards

See online version at: https://mn.gov/caapb/assets/All%20Strategy%20Boards_reduced%20size_Jan.29_tcm1087-325991.pdf Emerging Themes Votes from January 29th Event:


2From left to right: Paul Mandell (CAAPB) leads the discussion with panelists Witt Siasoco, Toua Xiong, Senator Sandy Pappas, and Pastor Joy McDonald

Coltvet

1CHAT (Center for Hmong Arts and Talent) artist, Mai Yee Chang Performs on January 29th at Christ Lutheran Church


II. Capitol Rice CVZ Strategy: Predevelopment Recommendations (2018-2020) On-going community engagement revealed a strong desire to both improve the public realm and support existing small businesses and property owners in the Lower Rice CVZ. As existing stakeholders, these are an important constituent group because they have demonstrated, in most cases, the willingness to invest in the community by providing critical goods, services, and opportunities for economic development.

Two Programs to Support Small Business

A. Building Upgrade and Maintenance Program

1. Shopfront Signage Projects

For property owners or businesses. Make eligible (in Capitol Rice District) municipal loan or grant funds to help support improvements to building and business signage which in turn benefits the entire corridor. Prior to implementing, the Minnesota State Capitol Area Schematic Sign Design Manual (CAAPB, 1994) would be reviewed and updated, as needed. In parallel, set timeframe for removal of all out-dated, non-conforming or incompatible signs in the eligible district.

This strategy is low hanging fruit and could be easily and quickly implemented. Based on a review of the condition of existing business signage in the Lower Rice CVZ, this could have a profound effect by greatly enhancing the visual appearance of many businesses (and the area) without significant or costly change to the properties themselves.

2. Frontage & Facade Projects

For property owners. Make eligible (in Capitol Rice District) municipal loan or grant funds to help support building improvements which in turn benefits the entire corridor. Improvements could enhance shopfronts, facades, stoops, porch fronts, etc. throughout the district. Guidelines for frontages and setbacks are outlined in the Rules Governing Zoning and Design for the Minnesota State Capitol Area (CAAPB, 2009).

A slightly higher level of investment than new signage is required for this strategy, but many improvements would potentially be relatively low cost. A greater level of investment, though, tends to catalyze other forms of investment, especially from other stakeholders. Thus, this is a priority strategy as well.

3. Small Business Development Projects

Direct for tenant business and new entrepreneur development. Make eligible (in Capitol Rice District) municipal loan or grant funds (micro-scale?) to help support business improvements which in turn benefit the entire corridor. Businesses may apply for funding to help with items such as: marketing, graphic design, business consulting, interns, major asset purchases (ex: new stove), and a large array of code compliance issues. Some cities have developed programs to assist businesses in purchasing their space or the building they are located in. This can also be a good approach to mitigating the impact of rising commercial rents.

Many of the existing businesses in the Lower Rice CVZ are small business owners who fit the definition of “mom and pop” enterprises. A cornerstone to sustainable revitalization is to bring along long-time businesses that were present before significant change occurred. They are often viewed by the community as important pillars. Helping these businesses thrive is critical. At the same time, during the early stages of revitalization very few, if any, regional or national chains will invest in such areas. Therefore, supporting and nurturing new entrepreneurs is also critical.


4. Opportunity Sites for Smaller Scale Redevelopment

City and CAAPB Staff will support private sector efforts to build out of a range of smaller sites (~under 2 acres) that are candidates for rehabilitation, reuse, expansion and/or redevelopment. These are often particularly difficult and risky projects for the private sector due to the uncertainties compared to return on investment. Target assistance to small developers and land-owners with projects that have invested in design and that meet or exceed current standards and best development practices in construction. Collaboratively developed (city, non-profit and CAAPB staff with private sector) grant applications can provide money for bricks and mortar.

This strategy will create catalyst projects without having to develop large, transformative projects. Many developers do not want to be the first investor in an area targeted for redevelopment. Instead, they want to be the second or third developers because someone else has proven that market opportunities exist and it is safe to invest. In this way, smaller scale projects are not more achievable because of their level of investment, but they are less risky way to “prove” a market and thus catalyze additional investment.

B. Customer Wayfinding Improvements Program

1. Shared Parking Signage

The customer parking issue along Rice Street is a concern of local businesses; however there is extensive surface parking in the area that is underutilized. Shared parking strategies that better promote, utilize and expand current shared parking availabilities at State-owned Lot C (NE corner of University and Rice) and Lot AA (SW corner of University and Rice). Parking behind Christ Lutheran Church could also be investigated for shared parking opportunities, as could other private lots in the area.

For pedestrian-oriented retail districts, it is very important to have on-street parking not only to provide a buffer for pedestrians and fast moving vehicles, but also as visually obvious parking that is convenient. However, in this instance with the current design of Rice Street, this is not an option. Therefore, in order to make sufficient parking available to businesses along the main thoroughfare, a shared parking strategy is essential. Another benefit of a shared parking program is that it lessens the need to build additional new parking when development does occur. In this way, the perceived need for parking among businesses, property owners, and residents does not become a de facto barrier to development.

2. Lighting and Strategic Wayfinding

Street lighting improves safety and makes the street more inviting at night. Signage not only helps people navigate an area, it provides identity. Improved signage and wayfinding can help create a Capitol Rice district branding that draws people from the station into the area businesses.

All strategies are enhanced with a strong wayfinding program that easily and efficiently directs people to businesses and designated areas for parking. Signage also helps to brand an area and give it character.

3. Cultural Heritage and Identity Development

Rice Street is a place of integration and settlement. The strong and diverse immigrant history should be celebrated as a place where a variety of people will feel welcome and at home. Celebrate the rich cultural and immigrant history of the Capitol Area along the entire corridor through diversified businesses and public art.


4. Restaurant Lunchtime Strategy

The large workforce in the area is an untapped market to bolster local restaurants. Strategies to encourage area workers to patronize restaurants along Rice Street and Como, including Hmongtown Market, for lunchtime should be explored.

C. How Capitol Rice Strategies Impact Bigger Policies: Introducing The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan Framework

The Capitol Rice Strategies generated in this report are now part of the larger vision for the Capitol Area. CAAPB staff, architectural advisors and board members are in the process of writing the 2040 Comprehensive Plan for the Minnesota State Capitol Area. Capitol Rice Planning is an integral part of that process. The following pages present how the Capitol Rice District fits into the overarching goals of the Capitol Area. The Capitol Area Principles will guide our growth and development for the next 20 years. The draft Principles below arose out of:

• the objectives and guidelines from the current Comprehensive Plan, Specific Actions and 2009 Amendment;

• the CAAPB’s 4-point mission, as defined in Statute 15B; • relevant goals from other comprehensive plans (such as the City of Saint

Paul Comprehensive Plan); • planning tracks (such as the Capitol/Rice District Planning Process); and • Comprehensive Plan committee member observations

1. Capitol Area Principles for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan1

The Capitol Area Principles anchor the policy that serves to guide the CAAPB in transforming the Capitol Area into a complete and healthy community with vibrant public spaces, a range of movement options, a diverse mix of land uses, and attractive buildings framing lively, pedestrian-friendly streets. They are designed to reinforce the visual pre-eminence of the Capitol Building, maintain the Capitol Campus as a visitor destination, preserve its component neighborhoods as vibrant urban villages, acknowledge the inherently productive nature of community building and neighborhood interdependence, and produce a clear direction for a future in tune with Saint Paul’s aspirations. The principles were developed using several criteria. The Capitol Area Principles:

• express the current values of the Capitol Area community; • have relevance today and in the future • define and improve relationships from Capitol Campus to Capitol Area, and from Capitol Area

outward; and • are effective as guides to decision making by the CAAPB Staff and Board Members in all their

work.

1 The Capitol Area Principles were approved as a working draft by the CAAPB during the October 4, 2018 meeting.

CAAPB 2040

Comprehensive Plan


As the symbolic heart of the State, the Vision for the Capitol Area is to be a unifying factor for all

who come to visit, live, work, learn and play.

Principle 1: as Minnesota’s seat of government and destination for thousands each year, the Capitol Area offers the highest quality experience to visitors.

Policy topics include: visitor center, signage, visitor parking and mobility, civic role of Capitol Area

Principle 2: The Capitol Building and Mall is central to the identity of

St. Paul and serves as the dominant and unifying focal point of the entire city, as Cass Gilbert once envisioned.

Policy topics include: approaches and view corridors, Capitol views and vistas, gateways, height standard, architectural integrity, civic role of Mall

Principle 3: The entire Capitol Area provides an integrated,

high-quality, human-scale public realm experience.

Policy topics include: connectivity, walkable streetscapes, building frontages, open space and parks, public/civic art (including memorials)

Principle 4: The Capitol Area is an urban multi-modal district, seamlessly

connected to destinations.

Policy topics include: multi-modal street network, emergency access, parking, carshare, carpool/vanpool, LRT, bus, bicycle, bike share, bike parking, end-of-trip facilities, mobility hubs

Principle 5: The Capitol Area is a model workplace, employing best

practices in service to the public.

Policy topics include: experience of district as workplace, transit objectives (50% SOV), sustainability, (buildings – energy; greening guidelines – water)

Principle 6: Land use diversity is encouraged throughout the Capitol Area.

Policy topics include: mix of commercial and institutional uses, a diversity of housing choices, livability, long-range stability through diversification


Principle 7: in all parts of the Capitol Area, New Development respects community, assets and context.

Policy topics include: vision for Capitol Area neighborhoods and districts, planning process, public participation, decision-making, equity, specific neighborhood plans, design guidelines, location specific guidance for zoning

The Capitol Rice District is an Urban Village with Leif Erickson Park at its center.

The most significant potential for development in the Capitol Area in the next 10 years is within the Capitol Rice District. At the center is the Capitol Rice LRT station and Leif Ericson Park, with a growing vibrancy and unique sense of place integrated with a mobility hub for workers and community members.

New development in Capitol Heights should be sensitive to the existing scale and character.

Capitol Heights has an intimate neighborhood scale that is attractive to residents and visitors. Its historic role as a strong residential neighborhood should be protected as new investment occurs.

[Fitzgerald Park …]

Further planning for this area will move forward in early 2019. Open topics include changes to I-94 (lid?), Capital City Bikeway, opportunity sites and emerging residential in the existing neighborhood. A Capitol Area Principle will be drafted after the planning work in 2019.

The connection between the Capitol Area and Downtown St. Paul and the Mississippi River should be restored.

The 2040 Comprehensive Plan calls for strengthened connectivity of the Capital City and the Capitol Area as originally envisioned by Cass Gilbert prior to being severed by the freeway.

Principle 8: [Additional Principles may be developed from remaining planning tracks in 2018-2019]


2. Capitol Area Strategies for 2040 Comprehensive Plan Policy Maps

In order to realize the Capitol Area Principles, Built Form & Land Use Policies and Public Realm Policies are to be set in place. The Built Form and Land Use Policy Map and the Public Realm Improvements Policy Map show existing policy already on the books, along with new policy (or reaffirmed policy) as a result of the Capitol Rice Planning Process and other initiatives. The raw policy text on these maps will be synthesized and incorporated into the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

The Built Form and Land Use Policy Map and the Public Realm Improvements Policy Maps

https://mn.gov/caapb/planning-zoning/planning/comp-plan-process

https://mn.gov/caapb/planning-zoning/planning/comp-plan-process


III. Appendix

A. City of St. Paul: Commercial Vitality Zones

The following text is from the St. Paul Commercial Vitality Zone web page:

https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/planning-economic-development/economic-development/commercial-vitality-zone-program

Commercial Vitality Zone Program

The Commercial Vitality Zone (CVZ) program invests in neighborhood commercial districts to promote city-wide vitality, growth, and equity. It is funded by a $750,000 annual sales tax revenue fund, from a half-cent local sales tax to further residential, cultural, commercial, and economic development.

Investment Strategy

Each year since the program began in 2015, one or more commercial zones are selected for funding. Criteria for selection of the zone and associated project(s) include:

• Catalytic: Projects that leverage other private and public investments and the opportunity to build off existing plans that have neighborhood support, and engage capable partners.

• Promote Equity: Targeted toward Areas of Concentrated Poverty where 50% or more of residents are people of color (ACP and ACP50), as defined by the Metropolitan Council.

• Increase Vitality: Projects will strengthen commercial areas and make them more vibrant.

• Growth: Projects will grow the tax base.

Definition of a Commercial Zone

A commercial zone is a geographic area that contains a concentration and variety of commercial uses that draw people together seeking goods, services and/or entertainment. It is an area that attracts and fosters social interaction with a mixture of uses, amenities and social activities that contributes to the vitality of the area. It is a place where many gather - to live, work, go to school, worship or visit, and can easily be accessed by walking, biking, taking a bus or train.

Often, there are landmarks or identities to these areas, anchored by an historic building, community gathering spaces and places. It is a place that shows signs of private investment or market potential and is a place where people want to be.

The actual size of a commercial zone varies in size and scale. It can be as simple as an intersection in a neighborhood that attracts activity and interaction that includes a mix of uses. They are typically part of a larger network - linking other zones in the urban fabric.

Funding Plan and Uses of Funds

In addition to meeting the criteria above, CVZ funds can only be used for capital improvement projects such as:

• Rehab and/or construction of residential, commercial, or industrial property




• Permanent interior or exterior improvements to commercial or residential facilities

• Minor public realm improvements (e.g. street furniture, public art, lighting)

• A non-profit run program for local property owners to make capital improvements (e.g. a façade improvement program)

• Some direct project costs or soft costs

• Beautification of public or private open space

Each year, a pipeline of projects and commercial zones are established. A staff team assesses this pipeline and makes recommendations to the Mayor and City Council.

B. Community Ideas

See: https://mn.gov/caapb/planning-zoning/planning/capitol-rice/

C. Consultant Research: Voices from Capitol Rice

By Witt Siasoco, Jonathan Herrera and Mischa Kegan

See: https://www.instagram.com/capitol_rice/ and https://mn.gov/caapb/planning-zoning/planning/capitol-rice/

D. Ramsey County: Rice Street Transportation Safety Study


E. Shared-Use Mobility Center: Shared Use Mobility Action Plan

Following is a summary of the Twin Cities Shared Mobility Action Plan. For the full plan, go to:

http://sharedusemobilitycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/SUMC_TWINCITIES_Web_Final.pdf

The Metropolitan Council partnered with the Shared-Use Mobility Center to conduct a detailed analysis of the existing regional transit system and identify opportunities for improved transit mode share. The overall goals of the program, as defined in the 2017 Twin Cities Shared Mobility Action Plan are:

“Goal 1: Shift households away from single-occupant vehicles and toward transit and shared mobility as the region grows.” (pg 20)

This includes aggressive goals for taking 20,000 cars off the road in the next 5 years (representing a 5% reduction of privately-owned cars in the Twin Cities) and 50,000 cars off the road in the next 10 years (representing an 8-10% reduction of privately-owned cars in the Twin Cities). This reduction is even more aggressive when coupled with the projected population growth of 20% by 2030.


https://www.instagram.com/capitol_rice/





“Goal 2: Ensure that shared mobility programs are adapted to serve the same broad user base that makes up public transportation ridership.” (pg 21)

Currently 40% of transit riders in the Twin Cities are considered low income. The plan recommends measures to ensure that as shared use mobility mode options are increased, that 30% of shared mobility users come from households that earn below 80% of area median income. Transit mode should not be segregated by race or income.

The Action Plan outlines eight strategies to achieve these goals. Most relevant to the Capitol Rice Commercial Vitality Zone is strategy 8:

“Strategy 8: Concentrate Efforts around Integrated Mobility Hubs” (pg 30-31)

The action plan identifies Capitol Rice as a potential site for an Integrated Mobility Hub. The hub could be incorporated in the redevelopment of the Sears site or other area surrounding the LRT station.

Integrated Mobility Hubs combine several modes of shared transportation in one location. Typical components, in addition to LRT and bus, include bikeshare and bike parking, carshare cars, dedicated curb space for rideshare and taxis, wayfinding elements and improvements to bike and pedestrian routes. “Mobility hubs can also be used to support community place-making efforts through on-site amenities such as cafés and traveler’s centers with staff who can help less tech-savvy residents with their travel needs” (pg 30).

While an integrated Mobility Hub could be a formally designed plaza with heavy pedestrian traffic, it can be as simple as coordination of curb space improvements, such space next to bump-outs designated for loading zones for minibuses, taxis and shared vehicles; reserving parking spaces for carshare parking; expanding sidewalk space for bikeshare and bike parking; and utilizing advertising space in bus and LRT shelters to promote shared mobility programs and the Metro Transit App.

F. Consultant Research: Capitol Rice History

By Brian McMahon


G. Consultant Research: Business Access & Mobility

By Smart Trips & Transit for Livable Communities


H. Consultant Research: Lower Rice Street Market Assessment Findings

By Jay Demma, Perkins & Will






I. Consultant Research: Lower Rice Street Vitality Strategies

By Jay Demma, Perkins & Will


J. Existing Policy: Documents Reviewed for Capitol Rice Planning Strategy

Document Year Primary Authors Statute 15B 1967 State of MN Lighting Design Framework – Guideline for Exterior Lighting in the Minnesota State Capitol Area

1991 CAAPB

Strategic Plan for Locating State Agencies 1993 Department of Administration, Department of Finance, CAAPB

Minnesota State Capitol Area Schematic Sign Design Manual 1994 CAAPB Supplement to Strategic Plan for Locating State Agencies 1995 Department of Administration, Department

of Finance, CAAPB Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework 1997 City of St. Paul Comprehensive Plan for the Minnesota State Capitol Area 1998 CAAPB Specific Actions for Implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for the Minnesota State Capitol Area

1998 CAAPB

Criteria for Locating State Offices and Agencies 2002 Minnesota Planning, the Department of Administration and the Department of Finance

St. Paul Comprehensive Plan Downtown Development Strategy 2003 City of St. Paul Central Corridor Development Strategy 2007 City of St. Paul Rice Station Area Plan 2008 City of St. Paul Section 16B.325, 2008 Minnesota Statutes: Sustainable Building Guidelines

2008 State of MN

Minnesota State Capitol Complex Capacity and Access Study 2009 Department of Administration Comprehensive Plan for the Minnesota State Capitol Area, 2009 Amendment

2009 CAAPB

Rules Governing Zoning and Design for the Minnesota State Capitol Area

2009 CAAPB

Comprehensive Plan of the City of Saint Paul 2010 City of St. Paul Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan 2010 City of St. Paul Strengthening State Agency Environmental, Energy and Transportation Sustainability - Executive Order 11-13

2011 Governor Mark Dayton

Metro Transit Arterial Transitway Corridors Study 2012 MetroTransit Buildings, Benchmarks, & Beyond – The State of Minnesota Sustainable Building Guidelines Version 2.12 (version 2.1 referenced)

2013 Center for Sustainable Building Research College of Design University of Minnesota

wA Plan for Capitol Heights 2014 City of St. Paul



Document Year Primary Authors Policy for Commemorative Works in the Minnesota State Capitol Area

2015 CAAPB

St. Paul Bicycle Plan 2015 City of St. Paul St. Paul Street Design Manual 2016 City of St. Paul Capitol Area Parking Study 2017 TDM project team

K. Team Ideas Mapping

