In late 1993, Mayor-elect Norm Coleman launched a new level of focus and attention on riverfront revitalization. He used the Ben Thompson work as a platform, commissioned a study group to suggest organizational strategies for riverfront development, established a new board of directors for the (new name) Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation, and hosted his first town hall meeting on these issues.
The Corporation’s leadership in engaging public interest and participation in riverfront development best characterizes its work during the period from 1994 to 1997.
Some milestone accomplishments and activities during this period were:
- Greening the Great River Park initiative was launched, Capital City Partnership was created, building began on the new Science Museum site at the river bluff, a series of public events on the Mississippi began, and the Millard Fillmore Grand Excursion tradition was established.
- A new community-based vision for Saint Paul and its relationship to the Mississippi River, the Saint Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework , was created.
- Key public infrastructure investments continued and included a new flood wall on the West Side Flats, a new Lower Landing Park, a new public dock, and a new pedestrian-friendly Wabasha Street Bridge. Related development decisions included the relocation of Lawson Software corporate headquarters, the expansion of Minnesota Life and Ecolab, the permanent relocation of the Minnesota Centennial Showboat, and the return of NHL hockey.