Saint Paul’s river views make history

The Valley of Saint Paul — a cultural landscape of stunning views of the river, valley and bluffs surrounding downtown Saint Paul — was selected by the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota as one of the states 10 Most Endangered Historic Places of 2007. For the first time in the 25-year history of the states leading preservation organization, a viewshed was selected for its historic value as a scenic and cultural landscape in need of protection. As a first-ever pioneering effort, selection of the Valley of Saint Paul made a big splash in the Star Tribune and was even picked up by the Associated Press.

1905 view of Saint Paul from Daytons Bluff.

The panoramic views from Mounds Park, Kellogg Park and other points along the downtown river corridor provide Saint Paul with one its greatest cultural assets — the unique landscape of a city on the bluff surrounded by a broad river valley. Although the river, valley and bluffs dont look exactly as they did through the eyes of Mark Twain, they have maintained their scenic integrity in spite of a large city growing up around them. The Mississippi River grows up in downtown Saint Paul, where an ancient gorge opens up into an even more ancient floodplain valley. As long as we can experience this view of the river, we can stay connected to its rich and varied history from violent geologic forces to a busy steamboat landing to the riverfront renaissance of recent years.

In 1988 the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area was designated by Congress. The only unit of the National Park Service along the entire length of the Mississippi is here in the Twin Cities because of the natural and cultural significance of this 72-mile stretch of river. The historic and cultural significance of the Valley of Saint Paul was a key element to creating this national designation.

1940 postcard view of Kellogg Boulevard in downtown Saint Paul. Both this image and the one above illustrate the significant impact of the Mississippi River floodplain and Bluffs to the character of the area.

FMR nominated the Valley of Saint Paul to the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota for inclusion in this years list of endangered historic places. In spite of years of good planning by the city and citizens of St. Paul, during which the river views were always chosen as worthy of celebrating and protecting, this important community resource is threatened by development proposed for the west side flats, most notably the Bridges of Saint Paul.

The Bridges, a mega-mall type development that emphasizes hotel, shopping and parking, would put 12- to 32-story towers on the west side flats across the river from downtown Saint Paul. The viewshed, now a hallmark quality of Saint Pauls historic river valley, would be obliterated by a wall of imposing towers.

Visit our the Bridges for more background on the development and public process.

More information and coverage of this story

• Should this view of St. Paul be saved? in the Star Tribune
• Nick Coleman: See these enchanting vistas before they disappear in the Star Tribune
• Coverage in the Pioneer Press (registration required)
• Laura Yuen in the Pioneer Press (registration required)
• Preservation Alliance of Minnesotas 2007 Endangered Places list