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Preserving our past
The Schmidt brewery building still stands because in Saint Paul we care about historic preservation.
The Brewery's roots trace back almost as far as the state's. The 15-acre complex evolved over nearly a century of construction from 1855 to 1951. It was once the centerpiece for a thriving culture of German brewing
families who lived within sight of the brewery and its castle-like facade.
The brewery was one of St. Paul's largest employers and a landmark near the Mississippi River. The 15-acre site was built between 1900 and 1939, with castle-like towers and cobblestone streets.
In 2005 the brewery mad the Minnesota Preservation list of top ten most endangered building.
In January of 2007 the Schmidt Brewery complex has was purchased by the father-son team of Craig and Jeff Cohen. A public/private partnership with The Fortroad Federation was formed Br
ew Town LLC .
What is planned for the brewery? At a press conference last January , Jeff Cohen announced that
the goal is to develop a mixed-use (urban) village within the site. Pedestrian-focused amenities would include those that reach back to historic West End times when small, street-oriented shops catered to residents and included grocers, cleaners, theaters, and the like. Offices and residences will fuel development.
It will be interesting to see how the original Schmidt building is integrated into the development and what happens to the area immediately surrounding the brewery. Currently two blocks have been redeveloped by the Fort Road Federation, the rest needs a bit of work.
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(1) Where exactly is the site?
(2) Do you think there are good prospects for mixed-use development at the location? Developers love to talk the big talk, but much of the time plans start big and end up more modest...?
(3) Do you think mixed-use will include non-luxury housing?
--Steve
Steve -
The site is on West 7th street about 2.5 miles West of downtown St. Paul, near Jefferson.
I think the actual plans are kind of open at this point. If any public money is used for the project then an affordable housing component will be in the project.
I am happy to see that the building has been pruchased and the site will be developed. having a huge site like that vacant is not good for the neighborhood and I would hate to see the buildings raised. Time will tell how the development will work. I think in general more retail is needed in the immediate area.
This could really be a great development. Sure looks promising. I agree that having a vacant site is not good for the neighborhood, but marginally better than an ethanol plant. I have a couple of questions.
Does the developer have any plans making this site more "green"?
What is the progress to date on any redevelopment plans?
Has it been determined if any public money will go towards the project?
-Dan
Daniel - yes some city money is involved. It is unknown at this point of the project will have a green component to it, but it is on a bus line and an existing structure is being reused so that makes is greener than most developments. I am following this so as updates are available I'll put them on the blog.