St. Paul Riverfront Corporation
  
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The Upper Landing housing project continues to be completed on Saint Paul's riverfront.

The Schubert Club Bandstand was a gift from the Schubert Club and its donors to the City of Saint Paul.

Renovations to Harriet Island have made it a focal point of the Saint Paul riverfront.

1997–2000: Implementing the Framework 

In 1998, after a year long process by a group of civic leaders, the Riverfront Corporation was asked to provide leadership that would ensure the implementation of the vision as embodied in the Framework. The Corporation made significant changes to its governance, mission, and organizational capacity.

The board made changes to the bylaws by increasing the board’s size, diversity, and selection process. Prior to these changes, the board was appointed entirely by the Mayor. As a result of the bylaw changes, the board’s make up would be appointed through a variety of means, including self-election of some 50% of the board.

Some milestone accomplishments and activities during this period were:

  • The Saint Paul on the Mississippi Design Center was established as a partnership between the City of Saint Paul and the Riverfront Corporation. The Design Center was created to provide design guidance, expertise, and resource to the public sector and the private development community.
  • In support of Framework implementation, the Corporation decided to play a leadership role in fund raising for certain strategic public developments. The $14.5 million restoration of Harriet Island and the $4.2 million redevelopment of the Firstar site are two such examples.
  • Work began on the first phase of mixed-use development in the North Quadrant, Upper Landing and West Side Flats.
  • Major redevelopment projects were completed, and included Lawson Commons, the Science Museum of Minnesota, Xcel Energy Center, Minnesota Life building, and Harriet Island.
  • Ramsey County decided to relocate the Adult Detention Center from the Mississippi bluff line.
  • Two dozen Mississippi River cities and organizations from four states joined Saint Paul in committing to the Grand Excursion 2004.
  • Dozens of new riverfront initiatives were conceived, such as the Schubert Club Bandstand on Raspberry Island, a gondola from the Science Museum to Harriet Island, preservation of the Lower Phalen greenway, and Upper Landing Park at the base of the Science Museum.