“I’d call that a success. There was an amazing ‘aha’ moment when they saw the full range of options and realized they didn’t need to buy more property to attract a major developer.”  ---  Property Owner, Bob Blumberg, Jr.

In collaboration with architects from the Saint Paul chapter of American Institute of Architects (AIA), U-PLAN hosted eleven block-specific sites alond University Avenue. These workshops engaged with business and property owners and local government officials in an exploration of the challenges and opportunities surrounding proposed Light Rail Transit (LRT) and redevelopment along Central Corridor. This initiative promoted AIA’s Livability 101 Principles, taught others the importance of good design, and demonstrated the value architects can bring to the planning process. The block summaries are on display at U-PLAN's storefront and concepts will be included as part of station area planning.

Begining in April 2007, 11 consecutive workshops were held at U-PLAN community planning studio. Scroll down to see draft summaries of each workshop.

Printable block summaries

TEAM #1 - April 19

1945 University Ave - Realty Matrix

Team Leader: Graig Rafferty

Contextual Map - Scale 1:500

Planametric Map - Scale 1:200

Planametric Map - Scale 1:50

Aerial Map - Scale 1:200

Aerial Map - Scale 1:50

TEAM #2 - May 24

2108 University Ave - Rihm Trucking

Team Leader: Katherine Leonidas

Contextual Map - Scale 1:500

Planametric Map - Scale 1:200

Planametric Map 1 - Scale 1:50

Planametric Map 2 - Scale 1:50

Aerial Map - Scale 1:200

Aerial Map 1 - Scale - 1:50

Aerial Map 2 - Scale - 1:50

TEAM #3 - May 31

2109 University Ave - Rihm Trucking

Team Leader: Rick Okada

Contextual Map - Scale 1:500

Planametric Map - Scale 1:200

Planametric Map - Scale 1:50

Aerial Map - Scale 1:200

Aerial Map - Scale - 1:50

TEAM #4 - June 14

2505 University Ave - Mack Building

Team Leader: Eric Amel

Contextual Map - Scale 1:500

Planametric Map - Scale 1:200

Planametric Map - Scale 1:50

Aerial Map - Scale 1:200

Aerial Map - Scale - 1:50

TEAM #5 - May 10

2929 University Ave - Kemps Building

Team Leader: Spencer Deinard

Contextual Map - Scale 1:500

Planametric Map - Scale 1:200

Planametric Map - Scale 1:100

Aerial Map - Scale 1:200

Aerial Map - Scale 1:100

TEAM #6 - June 28

1401-1433 University Ave - Midway Chevrolet

Team Leader: David Eijadi

Contextual Map - Scale 1:500

Planametric Map - Scale 1:200

Planametric Map - Scale 1:50

Aerial Map - Scale 1:200

Aerial Map - Scale - 1:50

TEAM #7 - May 17

2250 University Ave - University Carleton Development

Team Leader: Rich Laffin

Contextual Map - Scale 1:500

Planametric Map - Scale 1:200

Planametric Map - Scale 1:50

Aerial Map - Scale 1:200

Aerial Map - Scale 1:50

TEAM #8 - May 3

1956 University Ave - U-PLAN

Team Leader: Brian Wass

Contextual Map - Scale 1:500

Planametric Map - Scale 1:200

Planametric Map - Scale 1:50

Aerial Map - Scale 1:200

Aerial Map - Scale 1:50

TEAM #9 - June 4

945-979 University Ave - Shear Beauty Salon & Deeper Life Church

Team Leader: Frank Duan

Contextual Map - Scale 1:500

Planametric Map - Scale 1:200

Planametric Map - Scale 1:50

Aerial Map - Scale 1:200

Aerial Map - Scale - 1:50

TEAM #10 - June 7

1247 St Anthony Ave - Skyline Towers Parking Lot

Team Leader: Larry Prinds

Contextual Map

Planametric Map - Scale 1:200

Planametric Map - Scale 1:50

Aerial Map - Scale 1:200

Aerial Map - Scale - 1:50

TEAM #11 - June 21

1885-1845 University Ave - Goodwill Surface Parking

Team Leader: Lee Tollefson

Contextual Map - Scale 1:500

Planametric Map - Scale 1:200

Planametric Map - Scale 1:50

Aerial Map - Scale 1:200

Aerial Map - Scale - 1:50

Volunteer Training

On April 20th U-PLAN hosted a training session led by Tim Griffin for upcoming workshop volunteers. The presentation outlined the process and expectations for the workshops and highlighted the AIA’s 10 Principles for Livable Communities.

In case you missed the session, the presentation is available to watch (right click the session to save to your computer)...

Introduction (3:05 min)

Part 1 (10:36 min) - Livability 101

Part 2 (9:09 min) - Workshop Schedule

Part 3 (8:55 min) - Robin Caufman

       Manager of Public Involvement, Met Council

Video recording and editing by John Goble, goeb0021@umn.edu

Briefing Booklet outlines

steps for each workshops.

Food for Thought

On March 22st, participating AIA members and city officials gathered at Mai Village on University Avenue to kick-off the AIA 150 Block by Block initiative. Representatives from the city of Saint Paul and George Stark of Urban Statgies, Inc. presented the Central Corridor Development Strategy - Draft Febuary 2007.

Click on the image to the right to download George Stark's Power Point Presentation

AIA's 10 Principles for Livable Communities

Local Architects, interns, and students facilitate a half-day design charrette to share how local decisions, guided by the AIA's 10 Principles for Livable Communities, could maximize the benefits of light rail on a block's business and neighborhoods.

1.   Design on a Human Scale

2.   Provide Choices

3.   Encourage Mixed Use Development

4.   Preserve Urban Centers

5.   Vary Transportation Options

6.   Build Vibrant Public Spaces

7.   Create a Neighborhood Identity

8.   Protect Environmental Resources

9.   Conserve Landscapes

10. Design Matters

Interested in volunteering for additional workshops?

phone --- Vaughn Dierks at 651 227 7773

submit registration --- AIA-MN.org/AIA150

A special thank you to AIA Saint Paul for the time and money University UNITED, AIA Saint Paul members Property Owners, Community Organizations and the City of Saint Paul.