Grand Avenue Working Group - June 2024 update
Update from Rich Segar, SHA board member - Chair of Grand Avenue Working Group
Summit Hill Association and Grand Avenue Business Association (GABA) are partnering to create unique Grand Avenue experiences which build on the tradition of our walkable community avenue. The organizations are teamed up to promote Grand Avenue, improve the streetscape, develop business-community oriented programming, showcase our businesses, and establish relationships with city leaders to continue investment in Grand Avenue.
Grand Old Day, Grand Avenue’s showcase event, brought over 200,000 visitors to our St. Paul avenue to enjoy the parade, food, and music. Significant appreciation to GABA Board members Chris Jensen (President), Kim O’Brien (Executive Director), Holly Weinkauf (Treasurer), and a host of GABA board and community volunteers who contributed over 10,000 hours to make this event a success.
Circus Juventas and the property management group representing the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio celebrated the 30th anniversary of Circus Juventas with a “Window Gallery Walk” at 860 Grand Avenue, across from Bread and Chocolate. Elaborate multi-window displays showcase the costumes and stage designs. Mayor Melvin Carter and Ward 2 Council Member Rebecca Noecker spoke at the unveiling of the Circus Juventas window displays. These displays will run from May 29 through July 15. Circus Juventas tickets for the July/August show of Jangala are on sale now.
We’re all excited to see the business community prospering post-Covid. This month, new businesses were welcomed to our community including Mick’s Bottle Shop - Stitch and Styles Vintage - Razava Bread - NikoNiko Boba. And there are more new restaurants coming including Russell's Bar & Grill (Tavern on Grand location) and Gather Eatery & Bar (Billy’s on Grand location). GABA has been striving to promote and unify community businesses which saw a growth from 40 to over 70 members in the last month.
GABA and SHA submitted a Neighborhood STAR grant application to the City of St Paul for funding of a small business capital development budget managed by GABA. Small businesses are the cornerstone of our economic community and often need support funding to improve and sustain their operations. Grants are in the review process. The 2024 Neighborhood STAR program contributes funding to neighborhood-based projects to address problems, needs, and opportunities in Saint Paul.
Pedestrian safety and beautification are essential to Grand Avenue street life and top of mind for many of us in the community. SHA and GABA are meeting with City leaders in June to discuss street maintenance, pedestrian safety, and future vision of Grand Ave which aligns to the St Paul 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
The East Grand Avenue Overlay City Council public hearing is scheduled for July 10, 2024. The East Grand Avenue Overlay District (Oakland Ave to Ayd Mill Road) establishes regulatory standards for building size, height, and design for all new development. The St Paul Planning Commission has recommended approval of the amendments submitted by the Comprehensive and Neighborhood Planning Committee. The next step is the July public hearing by the St Paul City Council.
“I Love Grand” t-shirts have hit the streets and are all the fad! Support Grand Avenue buy purchasing and wearing a Grand Avenue shirt proudly. T-Shirts can be purchased through the SHA website and proceeds go to support programming on Grand Avenue.
Grand Avenue is full of energy with upcoming events including: Paws on Grand (Sept 8), Halloween Boo-Fest (Oct 26), Grand Meander (Dec 7), and holiday lights street decorations. We are looking for community leaders and volunteers to coordinate and plan for these Grand Avenue events. If you are interested in meeting new neighbors, while bringing energy and experiences to Grand Avenue, please reach to info@summithillassociation.org.