Gateway Evaluation Tool

On Wednesday, January 17, CapitolRiver Council, District 17 accepted the report of the 7 Corners Gateway Task Force and Evaluation Tool, created to evaluate development proposals for the site. The Evaluation Tool is designed to be used when looking at development plans for the city-owned property located across 7^th Street from the Excel Energy Center.

The 7 Corners Gateway Task Force was brought together by Mayor Chris Coleman and Councilman Dave Thune at the request of CapitolRiver Council (CRC). Chaired by Kay Baker, of St. Joseph’s Hospital, the Task Force was composed of residents from both downtown and the West 7th Federation, as well as representatives of major businesses and non-profits in the area, including The Minnesota Wild, the Rivercentre Visitors Authority, both St. Joseph’s and United Hospitals, The St. Paul Travelers Company, and Listening House, among others.

Throughout the last five years at least four developments and a ball park have been unsuccessfully proposed for area. Baker noted, “Businesses and residents near the Xcel have all watched as different ideas have been floated for this site.” Tim Griffin, of the Design Center, facilitated the sessions, which began by briefing members on the existing planning documents for the site. The task force looked at Area Fit,Views,Land Use, Public Realm, Architecture and Green Technology.

As each issue was discussed, a series of questions evolved that could be used to evaluate future development proposals. CRC Chair Larry Englund noted, “Every successful business uses an evaluation process for growth that usually includes some quantifiable goals. It makes sense that we have an evaluation tool for this site.”

The resulting document envisions an iconic, mixed use development that would accommodate a tower at the corner of Smith Street and Kellogg Boulevard. The tower could be anything from a hotel to corporate offices, or a medical office building, while still allowing for a wide variety of entertainment and cultural uses for the rest of the site. Pedestrian entrances and windows would face each sidewalk and an extra wide sidewalk along 7^th Street would generate lots of street activity day and night, and could accommodate the large crowds that occur during Xcel Center events. Through the evaluation tool, the Task Force is also encouraging the use of contemporary, high quality materials.

The tool highlights that this could be a very versatile site, which is a striking contrast to the parking lot that currently occupies the location. Griffin talked about the tool’s ability to educate everyone involved, “This will give decision-makers a better idea of the site’s development potential.”

The evaluation tool can be downloaded here: Gateway Evaluation Tool.

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