Development Notes: Can Can Wonderland

Can Can Wonderland golf project drives forward

Plans to redevelop a former can factory into an artist-designed mini golf course, brewery and other creatively oriented businesses are moving on to the St. Paul City Council. Can Can Wonderland’s developers request for a commercial development district at 755 N. Prior Ave. won a St. Paul Planning Commission recommendation of approval in May.

A commercial development district is a designation used to allow for an on-sale liquor license or licenses in an area. St. Paul has long used the district designation to set up potential entertainment areas, and in some cases, to grant an on-sale liquor license above the current city ward caps. One failed entertainment district that got a commercial development district designation years ago was centered on the old Amtrak Station on Transfer Rd.

Recent ordinance changes in St. Paul make it easier for restaurants to get on-sale liquor licenses above and beyond the longstanding caps. But if an on-sale liquor license only is sought for a business or businesses in an area, the district designation is still needed if there are no licenses available in the ward.

The former can factory has been vacant since 2008. Can Can Wonderland is the first arts organization in Minnesota to become a public benefits corporation, re-purposing 20,000 sq ft of the 450,000 sq ft of building space for the artist-designed mini-golf course and a Coney Island-style boardwalk of original coin-operated attractions, live performances, and food and drink. A public benefits corporation is a specific type of corporation that allows for public benefit to be a charter purpose in addition to the traditional corporate goal of maximizing profit for shareholders.

Additional space in the old factory complex is earmarked for Black Stack Brewing, which will open a tap room there.

After the City Council approves the designation, Can Can Wonderland can then seek a liquor license, as can other building occupants.

Midway Stadium site changes

Work continues to transform the former Midway Stadium site at 1771 Energy Park Dr. Footings went in this spring to start building a multi-tenant office park. RJ Ryan Construction is doing the work as the general contractor. Plans call for the building to be finished this fall. The total project cost is about $20 million, with costs covered by several sources.

Midway Stadium was replaced last year by CHS Field in downtown St. Paul. United Properties, which is based in Bloomington, is working with the St. Paul Port Authority on the project. The old stadium site is almost 13 acres.

The stadium itself was demolished last year, and the site had to undergo remediation before construction could begin. The site was a longtime dump for the Minnesota State Fair and part of the remediation involved removing manure.

The building already has technology firm Tierney Brothers lined up as a tenant. Other tenants are being sought.

St. Paul passes 300,000 population mark

For the first time since the 1970s St. Paul has passed the 300,000 population mark, according to the Metropolitan Council. It is part of a pattern of growth seen throughout the seven-county metropolitan area, with some growth along the Green Line light rail.

“The region’s steady growth reflects our diversified, competitive economy, and low unemployment,” said Council Chair Adam Duininck. “It’s great to see this growth shared across all corners of our region.”

“But growth also challenges us to be smart about investing in key areas that promote prosperity, create choices, and reduce disparities,” said Duininck. Among factors shaping the growth are transit and transit-friendly development.

“This is an incredible milestone for St. Paul,” said Mayor Chris Coleman. “It affirms the work we’ve done to build vibrancy and attract families and businesses to our city –and it underscores that our focus on equity as we continue to grow is critically important for all who choose to call St. Paul home. Our city will be at its strongest when everyone is strong within our community.”

Part of St. Paul’s growth is in neighborhoods along the Green Line, where several new housing developments have opened their doors. That includes neighborhoods along University Ave. and in downtown St. Paul.