Payne Phalen

Early on a cool, hazy Friday morning, people cross the street from McDonough Homes to stand in line at the garage located behind the large white house at Wheelock Parkway and Jackson Street in Saint Paul. Most are silent, keeping to themselves, though some engage in spirited conversations. After a while, the back door opens and Sister Kathleen Spencer steps outside, greeting everyone as she walks to the garage. When she opens the door, people slowly move into the garage where an assortment of bakery goods and other food awaits. MORE »

Losses of jobs and older housing stock have exacted a toll on the Payne Phalen neighborhood on the East Side of St. Paul. Recently vacant storefronts bear signs announcing a store opening, advertising space for rent, or announcing a building for sale. Adjacent to Payne Avenue, once-elegant homes are in deteriorating condition. As in other urban neighborhoods, “Vacant” signs mark the homes that are in foreclosure or condemned for unsafe conditions. Committed residents hope to change these bleak conditions. MORE »

At first glance, Orchard Recreation Center looks like any other rec center in Saint Paul. However, when you approach the front doors you quickly notice the difference. Taped to the door, is a letter from the City of Saint Paul Division of Parks and Recreation that reads: MORE »

Minnesota boasts at least 40 official dog parks. Among cities, Minneapolis and Eden Prairie host the highest number of parks, with five and six respectively. In the city of St. Paul, there are an estimated 40,000 households with dogs, surpassing the 31,000 households with children. Yet the city of St. Paul has only one official dog park—at the intersection of Arlington Avenue and Arkwright Street in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood. Since its opening in 2000, Arlington/Arkwright park usage has dramatically increased, and it’s estimated that over 1,000 dog owners use the park each week. MORE »