If we are able to work together across race, class, and historic boundaries to develop and pursue a shared vision, the possibilities for the Central Corridor are as limitless as our collective imagination.

Chris Coleman

Mayor of Saint Paul

Back to Full Twin Cities Map
Neighborhood Tours

» Neighborhood development news blog

Transforming the Central Corridor, St. Paul

Transit plans breathe new life into University Avenue and surrounding communities

The Central Corridor, before (see above) and after community development.

The Central Corridor is an 11-mile swath running from downtown Minneapolis through the University of Minnesota along University Avenue into downtown St. Paul. Long known for its cultural and ethnic diversity, the corridor is home to vibrant small-retail activity, large businesses, office buildings, industrial manufacturing and warehousing, and new and existing residential areas.

Right now, it is one of the most active community development areas in the Twin Cities. Street level revitalization has already begun, and people come to enjoy the remarkable choice of restaurants, arts, culture, and shopping opportunities emerging from one end of the corridor to the other. And interest is still growing strong.

Plans to build a new light rail transit line down the middle of the Central Corridor represent a once-in-a-lifetime, $800 million opportunity to transform communities along the path and open up new educational and economic opportunities for residents.

Both cities, the Metropolitan Council, and many other partners have undertaken a coordinated development plan for the corridor, which includes 16 new stations and transit-oriented redevelopment—the clustering of housing and businesses along transit lines. The intention is for the transit line to strengthen neighborhoods by attracting new businesses, jobs, and family housing; maximizing alternative energy and green technologies; and celebrating the rich cultural history of the communities along the line.

If the new transit line is built, University Avenue will enter a period of significant transition. Community developers will help ensure that its transformation will benefit the larger community, in part through U-PLAN. U-PLAN is a community planning and resource studio providing free, independent technical support for small-business owners and community organizations along University Avenue who will be affected by light rail development.