North End Quick Facts
County: Ramsey
Population: 308096
Size: 50.20 sq mi
Median Home Price: $189900
Average Rent Price: $948
Commute to Mpls: 20 minutes
Commute to StP: 5 minutes
Utilities
House Styles Website
North End Overview
North End is north of the State Capitol in St. Paul and at the heart of it is Rice Street, which is one of the oldest streets in Minnesota. It has roughly 21,000 people and has traditionally been a neighborhood of immigrants. There have been many waves of immigrants including Hungarians, Romanians, and Germans. More recent waves have included the Hmong, Somalians, and refugees from Karen. There have been the usual issues in the neighborhood due to gentrification, but the community is committed to making the neighborhood vibrant once again.
North End has a historic feel to it as it houses the State Capitol, Oakland Cemetery--in which several famous Minnesota politicians are buried. It is also the beginning point of the Gateway Trail, which is 18 miles of connectivity between St. Paul and Stillwater.
They take pride in their green spaces, which include Marydale Park, Cayuga Park, and the Trout Brook Nature Sanctuary. The last was created in order to provide a nature haven in the midst of a dense urban neighborhood. It is 42 acres of bountiful greenery, colorful murals, and diverse flora and fauna.
There is plenty to do in the neighborhood. If you're a foodie, there are restaurants with different cuisines, including Thai, Chinese, and more than one pizza place. If you're more into sports and athletics, there is the Rice and Arlington Sports Complex which is a haven for anyone who enjoys baseball/softball. They have batting cages, too. In addition, there is a field on which you can play lacrosse, soccer, or football.
North End History
Settlers started coming to North End in the 1840s and a driving force behind the development was a man named Edmund Rice. He purchased a tract of land where Cayuga Street is now and made his home there. It's called Trout Brook and it's now a sanctuary. In 1857, he helped found the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad and allowed it to run through his property.
The railroad was central in the development of the area. Settlers moved further south whereas businesses started sprouting up along the railroad, including the Jackson Street Roundhouse (railroad roundhouse).
Rice Street is a major thoroughfare in North End and has played a big part in the commercial side of the city. It isn't much to look at because it was built in a hurry and without fanfare. It's part of the streetcar route, which means that several businesses are on the street as well. At one point, there was a multitude of bakers, confectioners, grocers, and butchers in the space of a few miles. Many of these buildings are now gone, but not forgotten as the city has slowly changed over the decades.
Another point of pride for the city is that it has the oldest manufacturer in Minnesota, currently named the St. Paul Foundry. It was established in 1869 and named the St. Paul Brass Works Company. Their primary product at the time were cast metal parts which was needed by the Great Northern Railroad, which started in St. Paul. Currently, they still produce quality metal castings, including brass, bronze, and aluminum sand castings.
Like many urban neighborhoods, North End is concentrating on revitalizing the neighborhood. Thy are committed to bringing together the diverse members of the community and are seeking out the funds and resources in order to accomplish this goal.
Green / Environmental
North End does not have an official environmental policy. They are focusing their energies on strengthening the roots of the neighborhood in order to make it a vibrant place to live once again. They are funneling their efforts into making the neighborhood safe, welcoming, and economically sustainable. The few nods to environmental issues are that any North End Neighborhood Organization (NENO) events will have zero waste and that they would do their best to preserve green spaces.
