Saint Paul Limits Downtown Skyway Access Through Alliance Bank Center

SAINT PAUL – Effective immediately, the City of Saint Paul has limited skyway access through the Alliance Bank Center, 55 E 5th Street. While skyway connections through Osborn370 and Treasure Island Center will remain open, all other connections to Alliance Bank Center will be closed. The decision to limit skyway access was made in collaboration with downtown stakeholders and business partners and will allow the city to protect the integrity of the building until a future use has been determined. 

Visitors and drivers with contract passes to the Alliance Bank Center parking ramp still have access to the ramp from the entrance on Cedar Street. Skyway access from the ramp to both Osborn370 and Treasure Island Center will remain open as well. This location has two parking ramps. Interstate Parking will remain open however the portion owned by Madison Equities is now closed to the public.  

In early March, the city was made aware of a notice Madison Equities sent to Alliance Bank Center tenants ordering them to vacate the building within two business days. Madison Equities had stopped paying the utilities for the building, later sharing they would also cease payments for security services.  

“Our downtown businesses and residents are at the heart of our work to reimagine and revitalize downtown,” said Mayor Carter. “We are committed to supporting the relocation of all Alliance Bank Center tenants and are grateful they’ve chosen to continue growing their businesses in downtown Saint Paul.” 

Notices of skyway closures have been posted at the entrance points of US Bank Center, Vertical Tower, Town Square, Lowry Building, and Victory Ramp. The Capitol River Council and impacted residential towers have also been informed of all closures. 

Under state statute, even unoccupied high-rise buildings must have functional utilities to maintain both fire suppression and fire alarm systems for the protection of first responders and neighboring properties. Because Madison Equities is no longer the acting landlord, the city is now operating as an intermediary to ensure minimal compliance, while also assuming additional maintenance of escalators and elevators. 

“The safety of our residents, tenants, and public spaces are not a compromise,” said Director Angie Wiese of the Department of Safety and Inspections. “The city’s efforts in the last month are not just a commitment to these standards, but a responsibility to the people who have entrusted us.” 

After the city negotiated to keep the buildings’ utilities on through March 31, the departments of Safety and Inspections and Planning and Economic Development have been working with remaining tenants to relocate to another downtown location. Meanwhile, the Saint Paul Police and Fire departments will continue to patrol the Alliance Bank Center. 

“We know the Alliance Bank Center’s closure and related impacts are disruptive for the full downtown community, but these changes to skyway access are the best option available right now to maintain safety and accessibility in the downtown core,” said Saint Paul Downtown Alliance President Joe Spencer. “I’m grateful to Mayor Carter and city staff for their leadership on this difficult decision and for facilitating relocations of the Alliance Bank Center’s tenants within downtown.” 

The following map indicates the skyway connections through Alliance Bank Center that are now closed. An alternate route is available through Treasure Island Center, Securian Center, Town Square, and a short outdoor stretch between Treasure Island Center and Lawson Building. Street entry for this stretch closes at 10 p.m. 

To learn more about the downtown skyway system, visit the Skyway System webpage. Residents may also call (651) 266-8989 or email dsi-informationandcomplaints@stpaul.gov. 

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