Title
Resolution Approving the Use of Downtown Vitality Funds Economic Development for Endicott Arcade Restoration and First Floor Buildout and Activation Projects, District 17, Ward 2
Body
WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota (the "HRA") is a public body corporate and politic established pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Section 469.001, et seq. (the “Act”); and
WHEREAS, the HRA has the power to engage in development or redevelopment activities under Minnesota law and the HRA is authorized to engage in activities relating to (a) housing projects and development, (b) removal and prevention of the spread of conditions of blight or deterioration, (c) bringing substandard buildings and improvements into compliance with public standards, (d) disposition of land for private redevelopment, and (e) improving the tax base and the financial stability of the community, and to engage in the aforementioned activities when these needs cannot be met through reliance solely upon private initiative and which can also be undertaken in targeted neighborhoods; and is authorized to create redevelopment projects as defined in Minn Stat Section 469.002, Subd. 14; and
WHEREAS, at its December 3, 2025 meeting, the HRA Board through passage of RES 25-1878 approved funding for a Downtown Vitality Fund which will provide funding to eligible projects located in Downtown Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, at a result of the December 2025 HRA Board meeting, staff created guidelines to establish a Downtown Vitality Fund within its existing Business Assistance Fund guidelines; and
WHEREAS, at its March 25, 2026 meeting, the HRA Board through passage of RES 26-409 approved the establishment of the Downtown Vitality Fund as part of the Business Assistance Fund and approved the updated Business Assistance Fund guidelines to include the Downtown Vitality Fund; and
WHEREAS, at its September 09, 2026 meeting, staff recommends approval of two (2) Downtown Vitality Fund - Economic Development projects:
• Endicott Arcade Restoration at 134 5th Street E. for $799,800 to Saint Paul Downtown Development Corporation; and
• First Floor Buildout & Activation of 428 Minnesota St. for $682,200 to With Love - Minnesota;
(collectively, the “Projects”)
WHEREAS, HRA Staff has determined that due to the urgency of commencing construction of the Projects, a waiver of the 45-day notice period required in the Early Notification System (ENS) pertaining to an application for financial assistance is recommended; and
RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota that:
1. The HRA Board of Commissioners hereby approves $799,800 in funding to Saint Paul Downtown Development Corporation for Endicott Arcade Restoration at 134 5th Street East and described in the accompanying Board Report.
2. The HRA Board of Commissioners hereby approves $682,200 in funding to With Love - Minnesota for First Floor Buildout & Activation at 428 Minnesota Street and described in the accompanying Board Report.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that staff of the Department of Planning and Economic Development are further authorized and directed to proceed with all other actions necessary to implement this Resolution, including finalizing all documents and agreements, subject to approval by the City Attorney’s Office; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the proper City official(s) are hereby approved and authorized to execute any and all documents in connection with this Resolution, subject to approval by the City Attorney’s Office; and be it
FINALLY RESOLVED, that this Resolution does not constitute a binding legal agreement; rather, the action taken herein shall not be effective until said documents are executed by the appropriate official(s) of the City.