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