Project Updates
September 2025
Renovation of Chestnut Plaza is set to begin on Monday, September 15th. The project is anticipated to be completed early July 2026, but this is subject to weather and river levels. Website will be updated as construction progresses.
Please note the pedestrian and bicycle detour during construction. Users will be directed to Sam Morgan Trail along Shepard Road at Washington Street for users traveling east bound. West bound trail users will be noticed of the trail closure at Ontario Street (the intersection to District Energy and Science Museum) and Sam Morgan Trail.
City House will remain open during construction.
March 2025
Community feedback informed the revised concept plan for Chestnut Plaza. Overall, there was a desire for a direct connection to the river versus an overlook to the river. There was concern about providing clear sight lines to the rivers edge from the pathway.
Final concept plan provides a direct connection via a stairway to the river and removes the overlook retaining wall. Options for additional landscaping were explored but determined that adding planting beds within the stairs would be difficult to establish and maintain.
City is planning to advance the work and bid the stair work as a “bid alternate” this spring.” Click down below for the preferred concept and survey results.
- Chestnut Plaza Concepts - 03.07.2025.pdf (6.16 MB)
- Chestnut Survey Results - 02.05.2025.pdf (424.86 KB)
Project Overview
The City of Saint Paul’s Parks and Recreation Department is rehabilitating the fountain mechanics at Chestnut Plaza. The project improvements include the relocation of the existing water feature pumps to a higher elevation. This will allow the water feature to function when there are higher river elevations. Modifications the lower fountain area are also being explored as part of the project.
The funding source for this project is the 1% Common Cent Sales Tax.
Project Scope
Project Scope Images.
Upcoming Engagement
The City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department presented the project and concepts at the Fort Road Federation Land Use Committee Meeting on Wednesday, February 5th at 6:30 pm via Zoom.
Please provide feedback on the two concepts via a short survey.
The survey period has ended.
Anticipated Project Schedule
Spring 2025: Permitting and Bidding
Summer 2025: Construction
