A Critical Connection

The River Balcony is a proposed 1.5-mile promenade along downtown Saint Paul’s river bluff, connecting public spaces, civic landmarks, and development sites, providing new connections to the river and sparking economic development along the riverfront.

Location

Located downtown and anchored by the Science Museum and River Centre to the west and Union Depot and Lambert’s Landing to the east, the Balcony becomes the point of access to all that Saint Paul has to offer, forming a gateway to the city and the river.

The River Capital

One of only two capital cities along the entire stretch of Mississippi River, our city’s unique history, culture and economy are connected to the 17 miles of river that flow through it. The River Balcony stitches together trails, bikeways, open spaces, civic landmarks, and development sites along the bluff to the Mississippi River. Features include an observation tower and “Big Woods Walk”, a “Bluff Walk” down to the river via a newly pedestrianized E. 2nd Street, and a welcome center at Lambert’s Landing.

Project Design

The City of Saint Paul and Great River Passage Conservancy worked with James Corner Field Operations and consultants to complete schematic design for the River Balcony. Schematic design includes site analysis, exploring design concepts, providing a general overview of the River Balcony’s basic features and programming, and getting a general idea of the look and feel of the project. Following months of community engagement, we invite you to view the final schematic design as it was presented in November 2022 and review the final design report with further detail below.

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