In downtown St. Paul, the outdoor seating area along Wabasha Street that frames the entrance to the Osborn370 building, the Alliance Bank Center and the former Ecolab tower next door is actually a public plaza — a city-owned amenity that hasn’t been spruced up since the city redeveloped it in 1997.
That could soon change. St. Paul Parks and Recreation officials are shopping around three concept plans that would transform Osborn Plaza with new trees and seating, a small event space, a pet relief area, a pergola or other touches — think bean bag toss and ping-pong tables — aimed at drawing a lunchtime crowd. The aim is for more greenery, more leisure activities, better pedestrian flow and, in general, more fun. A public survey closes Jan. 5.
Located at 370 Wabasha St., the Osborn370 building has become a popular destination for entrepreneurs, economic development agencies and creative offices, and the 17-story tower across the plaza is being remodeled into 178 apartments, dubbed Stella, by the Kaeding Development Group. City officials plan to use funding from the voter-approved 1% sales tax to complement those private sector investments by giving the corner of Fifth and Wabasha a complete makeover.
The city has set aside $600,000 for design and public outreach, and estimates on the total cost will be prepared once a concept is chosen.
Acquired in 1979
Previously known as Ecolab Plaza and Capital Centre Plaza before that, the city-owned space at 376 Wabasha St. N. is technically an urban park that’s been owned by St. Paul since 1979. It connects pedestrians to the skyway system through the two privately-owned towers, both of them former Ecolab towers, and the Alliance Bank Center. Parks and Rec’s design and construction division began crafting new design plans in 2017, and the city’s new “Common Cent” 1% sales tax — approved by voters in 2023 — will finally free up funding to make one of them a reality.
The former Ecolab University Center tower, on the left behind the Skygate sculpture, was slated to become a 17-story apartment building over offices and a two-level grocery and wine bar, but the property entered receivership in December 2021. (File photo)
The goal is to settle on a design this winter and then seek permits and put construction out to bid by next spring. If that timetable holds, construction could begin next summer. The plaza is expected to be in place by spring 2026, said principal city designer Brett Hussong, who worked with Aune Fernandez Landscape Architects of St. Paul on the initial concept renderings.
The existing “Skygate” sculpture that stands over Fifth and Wabasha — a tall and steely industrial statue by sculptor R.M. Fischer — will be maintained but could be relocated within the plaza to open up the view at Fifth and Wabasha while providing better shade for lunch visitors in another area. The sculpture lighting, which is currently non-functional, will be refurbished.
The three leading concepts fall under the general titles “Central Plaza,” “Circular Plazas/Pergola” and “Central Lawn.”
Concept A: Central Plaza
In front of the Osborn370 building, a semi-circular seating area would frame the entrance to the plaza along Wabasha Street, with berm plantings at the edges. Moving the seating could instantly transform the area into a performance space.
A second, more informal seating area would be located in front of the Alliance Bank Center, where the Skygate sculpture would be relocated to offer shade. The pet relief area would be located by the bank center skyway entrance. Bollard lighting, catenary lights and a shade canopy would add further touches.
Concept B: Circular Plazas/Pergola
A second concept would create two circular seating areas — one in front of Osborn370 and a somewhat smaller seating area by the Alliance Bank Center — separated from shade trees by short walls. Linking the two circles, a tree-lined pergola would stand over two long, linear community tables.
The pet relief area would be located by the bank center skyway entrance. The Skygate sculpture would remain in the same general vicinity of where it stands today, moved a few feet to accommodate tree plantings, the seating area and a short wall between them. Bollard lighting and planters would add further touches throughout the plaza.
Concept C: Central Lawn
The final concept would install an open-air, boot-shaped lawn that swoops down from the Alliance Bank Center (the top of the boot) toward the corner of Fifth and Wabasha, the tip of the toe. There is less emphasis on seating, with a small seating area tucked closer to the Osborn370 building and another by the edge of Wabasha Street closest to the future Stella apartments.
The Skygate sculpture would be relocated so it sits directly in front of the bank center entrance, overlooking the new green. The pet relief area would be located on that side of the plaza, but moved closer to the sidewalk nearest Stella. Trees with tree grates, planters and seating walls would line three curving pedestrian paths bisecting the plaza.
To complete the survey and see renderings, visit tinyurl.com/OsbornPlaza2024.
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