urbanMSP

I think a great redevelopment opportunity was missed at Western and Selby. I think the Urban League building is still unused, Costello's obviously would have sold, the two CVA buildings were sitting empty. It would have been nice for a developer to come in redevelop that whole section of the block. Restaurants/shops/boutiques at street level and two or three floors of apartments/condos above (of course with adequate underground parking). I think it would be a much desirable area to live than Snelling and Selby (i.e. The Vintage), because it's much more pedestrian friendly, many non-chain restaurants in walking distance, and there is a Green Line stop at Western.

I think a great redevelopment opportunity was missed at Western and Selby. I think the Urban League building is still unused, Costello's obviously would have sold, the two CVA buildings were sitting empty. It would have been nice for a developer to come in redevelop that whole section of the block. Restaurants/shops/boutiques at street level and two or three floors of apartments/condos above (of course with adequate underground parking). I think it would be a much desirable area to live than Snelling and Selby (i.e. The Vintage), because it's much more pedestrian friendly, many non-chain restaurants in walking distance, and there is a Green Line stop at Western.

People who are looking at the Vintage are looking more for convenience than an upscale mellower neighborhood. The area around the Vintage has a great mix of independent shops and corporate mix. Having a grocery store right there will be a very large draw, as well as the frequent transportation options on Snelling and the 21 bus up a block or 2.
The Sebly/Western area is more for those that like a slower pace and are willing to drive more to get places. Store price points in this area tend to be higher than those at Sebly/Snelling. While they maybe on the same street, they are farther apart on perceived demographics. IMO

Not sure what the delay on this project has been, but signage recently went up at Pieology in Highland Village. Snapped a quick pic. Also the work on the Cleveland/Ford intersection area is taking forever...

Not sure what the delay on this project has been, but signage recently went up at Pieology in Highland Village. Snapped a quick pic. Also the work on the Cleveland/Ford intersection area is taking forever...

Tell me about it! At this rate the Vikings Stadium will be finished first!

Pieology lights were on last night and it looks like it could open anyday. I also don't understand the delay, the wbsite said July, then Aug, now Oct.....

American Burger Bar on Wabasha in downtown caught fire today: http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/280092962.html

Luckily, it's in a parking garage and not a historic structure.

Parking barking at Selby & Western: http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_ ... talls-over

That's infuriating. WA Frost and Moscow on the Hill have 3 parking spots between them, this new place has 13 and they say it will "ruin businesses." So only the first store to open on a street gets to use the on street parking?

That's asinine. I lived in the building across from the WA Frost lot for 2 years and never did I have to park more than one block from home...on the street.

It's all good: http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_ ... alt-cellar

Passed 7-0 in favor of Salt Cellar.

It appears the retail space in Lowertown's Farmers Market Lofts has finally been filled by a pizza joint: http://growlermag.com/3-lowertown-devel ... h-in-2015/

The article also indicates a restaurant with a rooftop deck might being going into downtown St. Paul's Pioneer-Endicott Building.

Looks like Saint Dinette plans a Februaury opening in Lowertown's recently renovated Rayette Building: http://growlermag.com/lowertown-low-dow ... -and-more/

Lastly, this huge new awesome distillery will be opening at the Hamm's Brewery site next year: http://mspmag.com/Blogs/Dara/December-2014/11-Wells/

Lastly, this huge new awesome distillery will be opening at the Hamm's Brewery site next year: http://mspmag.com/Blogs/Dara/December-2014/11-Wells/

Local brandy?

Well, there goes my liver.

Their rye is so good. One of the best rye's I've ever tasted. However it is quite expensive: $40 for a 375ml.

Frogtown Daily Diner is now open in the newer Frogtown Square TOD project at University & Dale.

http://www.startribune.com/local/203124501.html

http://www.dailydinerfrogtown.com/

Frogtown Daily Diner has closed: http://blogs.mprnews.org/newscut/2015/0 ... -frogtime/

That's a big blow for the neighborhood and for the people they were helping.

Construction has started at the Lex, they want to be open by this summer.

http://www.twincities.com/portal/localn ... loopback=1

Colossal Cafe going in the Twisted Fork spot on Grand.

http://www.twincities.com/restaurants/c ... e-location

Afro Deli is now open on the 7th Place ped mall in downtown. A very welcome addition!

Afro Deli is now open on the 7th Place per mall in downtown. A very welcome addition!

Hopefully it can stick around down there. Those retail spots along the mall have been very hard to fill.

I'm very excited about Colossal opening another location, but arguably the Afro opening is an even bigger boon to St. Paul. I went down there last Friday and the place was absolutely packed. Food was tip-top, although I'll admit they're still working out some kinks in terms of service. Afro, if it can keep this momentum, should be hugely successful, especially if they can put some tables outside during warmer days.

Is it in the 7th Place spot that was vacated by the short-lived tacqueria?

^ Tacos, Nachos and Beer

I presume that's the place, but I haven't managed to go past since they opened.