ReConnect Rondo
I helped a St. Paul neighborhood devastated by the construction of an urban renewal era highway develop a plan for how to create a thriving Black cultural enterprise district by building a community land bridge.
Skills/tools used: participatory design, workshop facilitation, community input design
Press: Urban Land | ReConnect Rondo
All images courtesy of ReConnect Rondo
Problem
The Rondo neighborhood in St. Paul, Minnesota, wanted to repair and rebuild the damage caused by the construction of highway 1-94 in the 1960’s. The community had been working for years to “reconnect Rondo” with the goal of rebuilding their community, ending systemic oppression, and creating a Black cultural enterprise district connected by a community land bridge. The community organizers were looking for avenues for equitable development.
Outcome
Ongoing partnership with ULI and Reconnect Rondo to design a community-led public-private partnership to facilitate restorative and equitable development
Introduction of a $6.2 million funding bill from the Minnesota state legislature in support of the key recommendations from the Urban Land Institute Advisory Services panel
Received funding from US Department Of Transportation as part of its “Reconnecting Communities” effort
Approach
I was part of a weeklong panel of experts brought in to evaluate and conduct various feasibility studies for a comprehensive approach to this project through Urban Land Institute’s Advisory Services Program. We conducted hundreds of interviews, met with elected and community leaders, artists, and local businesses to discuss the plan. We also conducted research and feasibility analyses for creating and developing a land bridge, prioritizing inclusive economic development that centered communities of color.
Partners
Urban Land Institute
ULI Minnesota
Minnesota Department of Transportation
City of St. Paul
ReConnect Rondo
