Developer proposes new plan for St. Paul riverfront

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - New plans are in the works to give the St. Paul skyline a major face-lift after at least three developers expressed interest in renovating along the riverfront.

Plans to improve the skyline have come and gone over the years, but now Los-Angeles based developer AECOM has a new vision for the city.

After the former county jail and West Publishing were torn down, millions of dollars were spent on the nearly five-acre riverfront properties along the Mississippi.

Ramsey County said they've had a number of project proposals over the years, and none was a good fit. But soon, we could learn more details about a major overhaul to the riverfront area.

AECOM, known for other metro projects as well as the World Trade Center, recently released renderings of the project.

When shown the renderings, people in downtown St. Paul had a lot of good things to say.

“That looks beautiful. I like the tall, gleaming towers. St. Paul has always been on the industrial side and the gleaming towers are more Minneapolis, so I like it,” said Colten Wilson.

A spokesperson for AECOM would told Fox 9 they have submitted a proposal to redevelop that riverfront property, but gave no word on details or the cost.

An independent analysis estimates that the riverfront properties site will accommodate upwards of $150 million in private development. This would yield about $7 million in new annual tax revenues.

A couple visiting from Europe said St. Paul has a certain old-fashioned charm to it and they hope that remains in any plans to transform the city.

“I love the design,” said Mike Monahan. 

“I'm very impressed coming from the west coast of Norway, but I used to live here and I came back to visit and it's a fantastic city, so I don't know about this, but it looks good," added Maria Leal.

Nothing is in the works yet, but there is a meeting scheduled in November to discuss the details.