Project Overview
Pedro Park is located at the corner of 10th St. E and Robert St. N in a vibrant and growing part of downtown Saint Paul. Formerly the site of Pedro Luggage Center, the plot of land was donated by the Pedro family to the City of Saint Paul to be developed as a park. Following the demolition of the Public Safety Annex Building, an updated plan was developed for the two parcels of land. Various sources of funding were secured to complete design, construction documents, and construction of the park.
Project Updates
October 30, 2024
Construction is continuing smoothly and on schedule. The retaining wall on the west and south side of the park is complete. Foundations for the pavilion are in place and ready for the steel which may arrive in about 2-3 weeks. Work on the stairs from 10th Street are being formed and poured this week. Earlier this week, our stormwater infiltration structure was installed. Stone veneer on the retaining wall continues to be placed. In the next couple weeks, we anticipate the arrival of the play structure which will be placed on a concrete pad. The balance of the play equipment will be installed next spring.
We continue to monitor the weather as it is unpredictable and critical to our ability to continue working. We anticipate we'll be able to work until the Thanksgiving holiday/first week of December. However, this is strictly dependent on weather.
August 23, 2024
Construction of the retaining wall on the west side of the site is on schedule to be complete by August 30th. Excavation is nearly complete for the foundation of the retaining wall along the south side of the site (along the alley). Work on the foundation of that retaining wall will commence as soon as the westerly wall is complete.
August 12, 2024
Work is progressing nicely with the favorable weather the past few weeks. The retaining wall on the west side of the park is starting to rise up from its foundation. Work will continue on the retaining walls for the next 4 - 6 weeks.
Groundbreaking Celebration: July 16, 2024
Celebrate the construction kick-off of Pedro Park with a groundbreaking ceremony and light refreshments at 3:30pm on July 16, 2024.
May 29, 2024
We anticipate construction at Pedro Park will begin mid-June with some site preparation and demolition. This will be followed by some earthwork and foundation prep for the south and west retaining wall. Other work scheduled to take place this summer includes utilities (electrical, water), pavilion construction, placement of precast concrete components, and play area installation. Following a pause over winter, remaining work including concrete sidewalk, railings, site furnishings and landscaping will be completed. We anticipate a completion in July 2025 pending any unforeseen conditions or delays. Please continue to check back here for project updates throughout construction.
A flythrough visualization of the proposed park improvements can be viewed at this youtube link https://youtu.be/jZ8GdV67piU
May 17, 2024
On Monday May 20th, we will have a preconstruction conference with the contractor in preparation for construction to begin after Memorial day. We'll discuss, but not limited to the following, project scope, permitting, project coordination, compliance, and timeline. Construction is likely to continue through Spring 2025.
April 12, 2024
We received bids on Monday, April 8, evaluated, and have already begun the contracting process with the apparent, responsible low bidder. As contracting progresses, we'll have more conversations with the contractor and be able to determine a more accurate schedule for construction.
April 3, 2024
The bid opening was delayed. Bids are now due on Monday April 8.
March 25, 2024
The project has been advertised for bids opening on Wednesday April 3. We anticipate an immediate award and construction to begin as soon as weather permits.
January 26, 2024
Over the past several months, the design team has been working on design development and preparing construction documents for the new park. Park plans are nearly identical to what was presented in March in the preferred updated plan. One exception is the removal of the water/splash feature from the plans. Development costs of this feature are significantly more than initially estimated. With the removal of the water/splash feature, we should be able to develop the rest of the park as initially planned. The following images illustrate the most current design of the park.
Park entrance at Robert and 10th Streets
View of the pavilion from 10th Street
View of the arced path from the Robert Street side of the park
View of the play area (pending additional funding)
View of seating area on south side of open lawn
View of pavilion from open lawn area
We are on schedule to advertise the project for bids in early March for an April 10th bid. This will allow construction to begin as soon as weather permits.
October 25, 2023
You may have noticed some equipment at Pedro the past few days. A testing company is on site performing soil borings which will help designers understand the physical properties of the site for structures, drainage, etc.
Today, City staff will get their first look at development of the park plan. From what we are already able to see, the schematic design of the park with it's asymmetrical, large arcing walk, water feature, pavilion, open lawn area, play area, and dog run are very similar to what was approved in the updated park plan this past March. When graphics are processed, we'll post on this current project website.
A general schedule for the remaining design work is as follows:
October (week 4) - Design Development progress meeting
November (week 2) - 60% Design Development plan and Cost Estimate review
December (week 1) - Final Design Development plans and cost estimate
December (week 3) - Prepare 95% Construction Documents and initiate City Site Plan Review
January (week 2) - Revise final Construction documents, specifications, and cost estimate
February (week 1) - Issue 100% Construction document bid set
February (week 2) - Advertise for bids
March (week 2) - Receive/Open bids
Materials for public review/comment should be available approximately November (week 1), December (week 4), and February (week 2)
October 13, 2023
Site fencing at Pedro Park will remain in place until construction begins. However, the fence along the Robert Street side of the park will be moved back enough to provide dog owners a place to relieve their dogs in the meantime.
More details will be posted in the next couple weeks on design progress.
August 23, 2023
City Council has approved the $6M funding for Pedro Park design and construction. Please refer back soon for more details on schedule and project developments.
August 22, 2023
Parks and Recreation has identified $6 Million dollars to put toward Design and Construction of Pedro Park. The funding was recommended for approval last week by the City's Capital Improvement Budget committee and is now on the Council agenda Wednesday August 23rd.
July 25, 2023
Demolition of the PSA building is complete and earthwork for the temporary park site is taking shape. We anticipate the construction fence will remain in place until turf can be established and ready for park use.
MAY 8, 2023
The demolition of the Public Safety Annex building (100 10th Street East) has begun. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions webpage to learn more about temporary impacts to the neighborhood.
APRIL 10, 2023
Windows are being removed from the former Public Safety Annex. Please check the Frequently Asked Questions webpage to learn more about the upcoming building demolition.
MARCH 27, 2023
In preparation for the demolition of the Public Safety Annex, access to the park has been restricted by a perimeter fence. The site will remain fenced for safety and security through the construction of the interim park. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions webpage to learn more about the building demolition.
MARCH 27, 2023
Our process for developing an updated park plan has come to a close and the final graphics can be viewed here:
Updated preferred concept plan
Character sketch view from the Robert Street and 10th Street park entrance
Character sketch view from the Robert Street park entrance
Character sketch view of the open lawn area
Character sketch of the open air pavilion
Character sketch of the children's play area
All of the character sketches can be viewed here. This is a large file and may take some time to download
Staff continue to seek funding for the full design and construction of the park.
MARCH 9, 2023
The construction fence will be going up around Pedro Park soon. Pedro Park will be inaccessible to the public until the demolition of the Public Safety Annex building and the interim park improvements are complete. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions webpage to learn more about the building demolition.
FEBRUARY 15, 2023
Demolition of the City-owned Public Safety Annex (PSA) building will begin in March. This is the next step toward the expansion of Pedro Park. There will be temporary impacts to the neighborhood during the demolition. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions webpage to learn more about this process.
FEBRUARY 14, 2023
Thank you to all that attended the Open House on February 6 or responded to the online comment form. Your feedback on the concepts is so helpful to the update of the park plan. You can access an Executive Summary of the feedback we received last week at the following link
FEBRUARY 7, 2023
Staff held an open house on Monday, February 6th to present 3 new park concepts built on the consistent feedback we have heard over the years of public engagement. Links to each concept plan can be accessed below
Feedback from the open house will be help staff develop one final preferred concept plan and begin to develop an interim park plan for implementation following the demolition of the PSA building. Staff anticipate having a final updated park plan available at the beginning of March and construction documents for the Interim Park Plan will be developed in April and May for summer construction.
JANUARY 2023:
Open House
Updated concepts have been prepared for a larger park site due to the demolition of the PSA building. Staff are looking for feedback on the plans and have an open house planned for:
- Monday, February 6
- 4:30 – 6:30 p.m
- Osborn370 (370 Wabasha Street N).
If needed, short presentations will be offered at 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.
OCTOBER 2022:
The Saint Paul City Council agreed to use CDBG funds to raze the former Public Safety Annex to make way for an expanded Pedro Park. The building will demolished and the site seeded with grass in early 2023.
MARCH 2021:
Engineering work to investigate existing site utilities will begin in late March, 2021. The contractor will access the drift tunnel from 10th street to survey the utility lines and assess conditions to upgrade for future park development.
NOVEMBER 2020:
A formal park sign for "Pedro Park" is being installed at the corner of Robert and 10th Streets. Crews will be pouring footings Nov. 19-20th and anticipate assembly and installation of the sign in March, 2021.
MAY 2019:
The timeline for construction is contingent on the development agreement for the adjacent Public Safety Annex being completed. Since the proceeds from that sale are the primary funds for park construction, they must move forward simultaneously. The timeline for completion of that agreement was ambitious from the get go, and it is not uncommon for there to be delays during the process. Due to the fact that the agreement is not yet finalized, construction of the park will not be able to begin this year. At this time we anticipate a construction start date in spring of next year.
JANUARY-MARCH 2019:
As part of the planning and design process for Pedro Park later this year, we intend to hold additional Design Advisory Committee Meetings prior to wrapping up the design process. 2019 Design Advisory Committee and meeting information is below.
2019 CONFIRMED DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
CapitolRiver Council - Jeanne Hall
Central Presbyterian Church - Doug Throckmorton
Commercial Real Estate Services - Pat Wolf / Bob Spratt
Donerly Inc. - Don Keefe / Bertin Dakouo
Lunds & Byerlys - Gary Larges
Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) - John Kavanaugh
Renodis - Sue Ohlrogge
Rossmor Business Association - Bill Collins
The Ackerberg Group - Marc Basara
The Penfield - Troy Creary
The Pointe - Jonathan Flory
DATES AND DRAFT MEETING AGENDAS ARE BELOW:
Meeting #4 - Tuesday, February 5th, 2019 - 81 on Seventh Building, 81 E 7th St, St Paul, MN 55101 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.
Meeting will focus on project background, design concept, and small group interaction/feedback
Meeting #5 - Tuesday, February 26th, 2019 - Conference Room B - 180 5th St. E. , St Paul, MN 55101 See MAP
6:30 to 8:00 pm - Please enter through the skyway
Advanced design review with advisory committee based on feedback
Meeting #6 - Wednesday, March 6th, 2019 - Conference Room B - 180 5th St. E. , St Paul, MN 55101 See MAP
6:30 to 8:00 pm - Please enter through the skyway. Brief Presentation 6:30-7:00 followed by Open House.
Public Open House
2019 Design Advisory Committee Meeting Materials
Meeting #4
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes
Presentation Slides
Comments
Meeting #5
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes
Presentation Slides
Comments
Meeting #6 - Public Open House
Open House Flyer
Meeting Slideshow
Presentation Boards
Resources & Contacts Sheet
Comments
Pedro Park Design Concepts
*Note - The entire walk surrounding the green space is accessible from 10th and Robert St. The single steps that appear across walkways are a function of the animation software. Actual stairs are located in the Southeast corner of the park and adjacent to the building.
OCTOBER 2018:
The following resolutions were considered during public hearings at the October 24, 2018 Housing and Redevelopment Authority and City Council Meetings.
18-327: Authorizing the vacation and disposal of the former Public Safety Annex to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority for subsequent redevelopment, and authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into agreements for the implementation of Pedro Park. (Adopted 5-2)
18-281: Amending the financing and spending budgets in the Department of Parks and recreation in the amount of $1,516,810.79 for the Pedro Park project. (Adopted 5-2)
Parks and Recreation will hold additional Design Advisory Committee meetings to receive community feedback on the design, with park construction expected to begin in summer 2019. Meeting details will be posted as soon as they are finalized.
CAPITOL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET (CIB) MEETING: October 8th, 2018
Meeting Packet
Pedro Park Final Design Concept Plan
PARKS & RECREATION COMISSION MEETING: October 11th, 2018
https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-recreation/about-us/parks-recreation-commission
2018 Design Advisory Committee Information:
-The Ackerberg Group has received tentative developer status from the Saint Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) for the Public Safety Annex building (PSA) at 100 E. 10th Street. The tentative developer status allows the Ackerberg Group to perform due diligence to study reuse of the PSA and determine whether a purchase is desired. The tentative proposal from Ackerberg includes funds for Pedro Park as well as park operating expenses for 20 years.
- The City of Saint Paul Departments of Parks and Recreation and Planning and Economic Development will hold monthly design advisory committee meetings to determine community needs and desires for Pedro Park. The City is reaching out to adjacent neighbors, businesses, and property owners to invite a representative to participate in the park design process.
-Through these meetings, the City will request input on major design elements, themes for the park project, and suggestions from the community and stakeholders. Conceptual designs developed during this process will be provided to Ackerberg and the HRA.
-It is important that committee members attend the design advisory meetings as time-sensitive information will be shared and discussed at each meeting.
DATES AND DRAFT MEETING AGENDAS ARE BELOW:
Meeting #1 - Thursday, May 3, 2018 - 81 on Seventh Building, 81 E 7th St, St Paul, MN 55101 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.
Meeting will focus on committee roles and expectations, analysis of the site and input from the previous process, and programming options for the park considering location, size, and context. Meeting outcomes will include a list of potential park amenities.
Meeting #2 - Thursday, May 24, 2018 – 81 on Seventh Building, 81 E 7th St, St Paul, MN 55101 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Meeting will focus on conceptual designs based on input received, preliminary costs, precedent images, and prioritization of amenities.
Meeting #3 - Thursday, June 21, 2018 – 81 on Seventh Building, 81 E 7th St, St Paul, MN 55101 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Meeting will include presentation of final concept plan based on input to-date. Opportunity to provide input and comments before plan goes to HRA for consideration.
2018 CONFIRMED DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
CapitolRiver Council - Chris Trost
Commercial Real Estate Services - Pat Wolf / Bob Spratt
Donerly Inc. - Don Keefe / Bertin Dakouo
Lunds & Byerlys - Lynda Hay
Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) - John Kavanaugh
Renodis - Colleen Kranz / Jennifer Snyder
Rossmor Business Association - Bill Collins
The Ackerberg Group - Frank Clark / Parker Evans
The Penfield - Steven Vargas / Anna Olson
The Pointe - Jonathan Flory
2018 Design Advisory Committee Meeting Materials
Online Pedro Park Design Survey (available May 4-11):
Survey Results
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes
Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Process
Presentation Boards
Flip Chart Notes
Comments
Meeting #2
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes
Presentation Slides
Design Exercise Concepts
Flip Chart Notes
Comments
Meeting #3
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes
Presentation Slides
HRA Process
HRA Next Steps
Concept Discussion Feedback
Flip Chart Notes
Comments
PRELIMINARY DESIGN CONCEPTS
Concept A: Open Space
Concept B: Expanded Streetscape
Project Background:
A park in this area is called for in the Fitzgerald Park Precinct Plan, adopted by the Saint Paul City Council as part of the Comprehensive Plan in 2006. The Pedro family donated the property in the northeast corner of the park site for park use. Demolition of the Pedro building occurred in 2011.
From 2011-2012, City staff led a 15 member design advisory committee and developed a conceptual Master Plan for Pedro Park for the phased development of a new downtown park. Currently, the Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking funding options to construct the park.
In 2014, Saint Paul Parks and Recreation together with Public Art Saint Paul, designed a Temporary Art Installation called “Urban Flower Field” to occupy the parcel located at the corner of Robert and 10th Streets.
Funding requests include CIB (Capital Improvement Budget) proposals for 2014-15 and 2016-17 cycles. In each proposal, Parks requested funding to build out phase I of the park (1/4 of the block) and to acquire land on a portion of the block. The funding requests were unsuccessful. Parks will pursue CIB funding for the next cycle of 2018-19. Until funding is secured, the park project is on hold.
Funds were secured by the Saint Paul Police Department in the 2016-17 Capital Improvement Budget to move the staff and facilities currently located in the Public Safety Annex on the site. However, improvements have to be made to the alternative location before the move can be made and the Annex vacated. At this point, that move is slated for early- to mid-2017.
A much needed permanent outdoor park and gathering space will be created at the site for this new neighborhood. Development of this space into urban green space will add value to all adjacent development and help create a sense of community in an area of downtown that has no near by outdoor gathering area. It will help spur other area development and become an important anchor to the well being of this new downtown community.
Pedro Park Temporary Art Installation Description
Saint Paul Parks and Recreation together with Public Art Saint Paul, designed a Temporary Art Installation called “Urban Flower Field”, within the vacant Pedro Park parcel located at the corner of Robert and 10th Streets.
The Temporary Art Installation Concept (Full Size) showcases the work of the City on a transitional park space and the scientific process of soil remediation. “Urban Flower Field” is a cross pollination between art, the civic process, community, and science. Please reference the Public Art Saint Paul website for upcoming events and more information on the "Urban Flower Field" project.
2011-2012 Design Advisory Committee Information
Meeting #1 Flyer
October 25, 2011 Presentation
October 25, 2011 Meeting Notes
Meeting #2
November 29, 2011 Presentation (Large file - may take awhile to download)
November 29, 2011 Meeting Notes
Online Survey (January 17 - 31, 2012):
Postcard with link
Meeting #3
May 1, 2012 Presentation (with survey results)
May 1, 2012 Meeting Notes
Comments from survey_questions 4-8
Comments from survey_question 9
Meeting #4
September 11, 2012 Presentation
Concept Plans
September 11, 2012 Meeting Notes
