Public Safety Annex Demolition Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The PSA building has been vacant since 2018, is in very poor condition and continues to cost the City upwards of $100K annually to maintain in its current state. The demolition of the PSA building will provide for the expansion of Pedro Park, which has been a long-standing goal of the City.

Demolition work begins the week of May 8, 2023 and should be complete by June 15.

City staff are working with contractors to mitigate impacts on neighboring residents and businesses. However, there will be temporary impacts to the neighborhood during the demolition:

• There could be noise between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
• The block surrounding the Public Safety Annex will be fenced off and not accessible during this demolition. The fence will run along 10th Street, Robert Street, the alley behind the building and Minnesota Street.
• 10th Street will remain open to traffic.
• The parking meters along 10th Street will be unavailable.
• Pedro Park will be inaccessible during the demolition. The construction fence is in place as of March 27, 2023.
• The Capital City Bikeway and sidewalk between Minnesota Street and Robert Street will be closed until the demolition and re-grading are completed in early May.
• Pedestrians are directed to use the sidewalk on the north side of 10th Street between Minnesota Street and Robert Street.
• Westbound bicyclists will share the drive lane with westbound motorists on 10th Street between Minnesota Street and Robert Street.
• Eastbound bicyclists will be detoured at Minnesota Street. The detour route for bicyclists is 
  • Take a left at the intersection of 10th Street and Minnesota Street (northbound).
  • Take a right at the intersection of Minnesota Street and 11th Street (eastbound).
  • Take a right at the intersection of 11th Street and Robert Street (southbound).

No. Access to the park will be restricted by a perimeter fence during demolition. The fence is in place as of March 27, 2023. The site will remain fenced for safety and security through the construction of the interim park.

• The Capital City Bikeway and sidewalk between Minnesota Street and Robert Street will be closed until the demolition and re-grading are completed in early May.
• Pedestrians are directed to use the sidewalk on the north side of 10th Street between Minnesota Street and Robert Street.
• Westbound bicyclists will share the drive lane with westbound motorists on 10th Street between Minnesota Street and Robert Street.
• Eastbound bicyclists will be detoured at Minnesota Street. The detour route for bicyclists is 
  • Take a left at the intersection of 10th Street and Minnesota Street (northbound).
  • Take a right at the intersection of Minnesota Street and 11th Street (eastbound).
  • Take a right at the intersection of 11th Street and Robert Street (southbound).

City staff have been in contact with Public Art Saint Paul to coordinate the documentation of the art prior to the building demolition. The artists involved were informed of the building demolition and new plans for Pedro Park, and have been able to document the work for their portfolios.

The mural was painted in 2014 as part of the public art installation called Urban Flower Field. This project was a partnership between Public Art Saint Paul and City Artist in Residence Amanda Lovelee. Urban Flower Field was developed as a two to three-year temporary use of the land as an innovative and creative project while the City and community developed longer-term plans for Pedro Park. It has ultimately served the community for nine years.

The adjacent privately-owned parking lot on the corner of 10th Street East and Minnesota Street will not be impacted. However, access to the parking lot will be restricted during the demolition.

The City is hiring trained and certified hazardous material contractors to remove any hazardous materials from the building prior to the commencement of the demolition. All required environmental permits will be obtained and appropriate abatement practices will be followed.

The City of Saint Paul has allocated up to $1,500,000 of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for this project.

Following the demolition of the building, the City plans to make some interim park improvements, which may include lighting and security elements, short sections of walkway, seating, trees and turf. The interim park construction is planned for the summer of 2023.

Yes. The Department of Parks and Recreation has prioritized the location as a key downtown project. Updated concepts have been prepared for a larger Pedro Park site due to the demolition of the PSA building. During an open house on Monday, February 6, 2023, three concept plans for the long-term development of Pedro Park were shared and staff heard feedback from the community. However, funding still needs to be secured for the full buildout of the park improvements.

Please reach out to the Department of Planning and Economic Development at ped-pio@ci.stpaul.mn.us with any questions.