A progressive purpose needs a progressive path

The creation of an African American cultural enterprise district connected by a community land bridge is a multi-layer, multi-year endeavor. It will require the commitment, advocacy and resources of community members, policy makers, funders, and a technical team made up of engineers, architects, and developers. It will need to be led and informed by the community.

An illustration depicting the bones of a land bridge. The big idea is that I-94 will be covered by a bridge or cap and reconnect Rondo.
An illustration depicting the bones of a land bridge. The big idea is that I-94 will be covered by a bridge or cap and reconnect Rondo.
View of land bridge, looking eastward. Architectural renderings courtesy Design by Melo and Visuals by James.
Land bridge length approximately 2,600-3,200 linear feet. Architectural renderings courtesy Design by Melo and Visuals by James.

Concept

Imagining & Envisioning

  • Site Visits
  • ULI MN Healthy Communities Initiative
  • ULI Minnesota Developer 
Feasibility Studies

Business Case & Marketability

  • Rondo Past Prosperity Study
  • Rondo Land Bridge Feasibility Study
  • Rondo Land Bridge Health Impact Assessment
  • ULI Advisory Service Panel Report
Planning & Financing

Master Planning

  • Neighborhood Master Planning Study
  • Restorative Development Modeling
  • Anti-Displacement/ Overlay District
  • 4P Finance Model Development
  • NEPA/Section 106 Studies
  • Netzero Development Project Prototype

Design

Project Development

  • Preliminary Project Design
  • Final Project Design
  • Alternative Delivery Mechanisms

Construction

Building Process Begins

  • Contract Administration
  • Land Bridge Construction
  • Multi-use Development Construction
  • Open Space Construction

Operations

Management, Maintenance & Ownership

  • Management
  • Maintenance
  • Ownership
Ongoing Community Input
Rethinking I-94 Phase 1
Community Engagement

Concept (2016 - 2017)

Imagining & Envisioning

  • Site Visits
  • ULI MN Healthy Communities Initiative
  • ULI Minnesota Developer 
Rethinking I-94 Phase 2
Environmental Process (Tier 1 EIS)

Feasibility Study (2018-2021)

Business Case & Marketability

  • Rondo Past Prosperity Study
  • Rondo Land Bridge Feasibility Study
  • Rondo Land Bridge Health Impact Assessment
  • ULI Advisory Service Panel Report

Planning & Financing (2021-2023)

Master Planning

  • Neighborhood Master Planning Study
  • Restorative Development Modeling
  • Anti-Displacement/ Overlay District
  • 4P Finance Model Development
  • NEPA/Section 106 Studies
  • Netzero Development Project Prototype
Rethinking I-94 Tier 2 Project(s)
Approval & Design/Construction

Design (2024-2027)

Project Development

  • Preliminary Project Design
  • Final Project Design
  • Alternative Delivery Mechanisms

Construction (2026-2030)

Building Process Begins

  • Contract Administration
  • Land Bridge Construction
  • Multi-use Development Construction
  • Open Space Construction

Operations (2026-2030)

Management, Maintenance & Ownership

  • Management
  • Maintenance
  • Ownership

"Some say Rondo perished with Interstate 94.
It did not. This is a renaissance."

Toni Carter, Ramsey County commissioner

Together, we will create an African American cultural enterprise district connected by a community land bridge.​

Join This Movement today