A big idea for a better tomorrow

Minnesota's first African American cultural enterprise district connected by a community land bridge

The big idea is to create Minnesota’s first African American cultural enterprise district connected by a community land bridge. This will not only repair, restore and revitalize Rondo, it will help reverse racial disparity gaps in Minnesota once and for all. We must make a difference for our community that has lost so much. We must build a bridge to better. Together, we will:

  • Revitalize, protect and promote Rondo as a thriving, heritage-rich neighborhood.
  • Restore wealth and control for African Americans and the Rondo community.
  • Support prosperous new opportunities for African American businesses.
  • Cultivate African American leadership ensuring greater equitable outcomes. 

It's more than a bridge

By uniting city, state and community leaders in purposeful partnership, we have the power to inspire real change. To show that citizens can reshape their neighborhoods in pursuit of more welcoming, inclusive and connected places for residents, regardless of their race, backgrounds or places of origin. To prove that, together, we will triumph over adversity. 

"Today we acknowledge the sins of our past. We regret the stain of racism that allowed so callous a decision as the one that led to families being dragged from their homes creating a diaspora of the African American community in the City of Saint Paul."

Potential is great, tomorrow is promising

The Rondo Land Bridge Feasibility Study shows how this project will benefit the community in many significant and equitable ways.

New housing

468 - 576 housing units in Rondo

Growing community

1000+ new residents

New jobs

1,304 - 1,872 new permanent and construction related jobs

Retail & Office

87,750 - 108,000 square feet

Nonprofit & Institutional

29,250 - 36,000 square feet

Increased city revenue

approximately $3.8 million - $4.2 million annually

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

ReConnect Rondo Technical Advisory Team:

  • David Juliff, Be Civil, Inc.
  • Khani Sahebjam, SRF Consulting Group
  • John Maczko, SRF Consulting Group
  • Kent Arhenholtz, Kaskaskia Engineering Group
  • Brenda Thomas, KLJ, Inc
  • Marcus Thomas, Bolton & Menk
  • Scott McBride, Bolton & Menk
  • Marcell Walker, Bolton & Menk
  • Veronica Burt, 600 Strategies, Inc.
  • Björgvin Sævarsson, YORTH Group
  • Katie Eggers, YORTH Group
  • Jim Erkel, Retired Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA)
  • Brian Isaacson, Ramsey County
  • Diem Van Groth, Strategic Consultant