Celebrate the Midway this spring

Kaitlynn Fuller

It is true that Saint Paul’s Midway has seen its fair share of challenges, but this spring, signs of life and vibrancy abound. Look no further than the recent teardown of the abandoned CVS on Snelling and University for evidence that the Midway is changing and rebuilding. Midway Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Chad Kulas was among other community and city partners who gathered to reflect and celebrate on the day before demolition. He shared that he “looked at [the celebration] not as dancing on the grave of the former CVS as much as it’s we are celebrating the future and what can happen here.” The CVS site will become an empty lot, but it is an empty lot that can be imagined as something new and has the opportunity to bring more energy to a critical intersection in the neighborhood.

Across the street, the giant crane at United Village heralds economic development and joins the CVS demolition in bringing energy and progress to the Midway. An office space, a hotel, and restaurant pavilions are underway, all designed to bring more people to the Midway and increase vibrancy.
Two more changes to the Midway will be the completion of the Hamline Midway Library and the YMCA Early Learning Center. Both of these projects underscore the Midway as a place where people continue to learn and grow.

Yes, we have seen business turnover, but there is still a plethora of flourishing businesses in the Midway that deserve recognition. The Hamline Midway Coalition has been hosting regular “Monthly Midway Meetups” at neighborhood staples such as Mama’s Market & Deli, Shanghai Wholesale Market Place, Ginkgo Coffeehouse, Flying Pig Thrift, Black Garnet Books, and most recently, Urban Lights Music.

Some of these businesses have called the Midway home for years. Mama’s Market & Deli, a newer addition, has burst onto the scene with energy and growth. Located inside the Little Africa Plaza, Mama’s Market was started by nine mothers who shared a goal to celebrate their culture and follow their dreams. Now, they provide sandwiches, smoothies, coffee, cultural grocery staples, community gathering space, and more.

Also located in Little Africa Plaza is the African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS) office. While AEDS has made the difficult decision to cancel their well-loved Little Africa Parade & Festival this year, they are working hard to support the community in other ways. They recently launched the Taste of Africa Small Business Activation Series. This initiative will bring attention to small businesses through art, cultural programming, and community events.

You can also check out the multiple community arts organizations in the Midway. There is the beloved Turf Club, as well as the Hive Collaborative, Film North, Taiko Arts, and the previously mentioned Urban Lights. All of these organizations bring vibrancy to the Midway and will host a variety of events this spring.

Long-term residents of the Midway know the exciting hustle and bustle this neighborhood offers. Don’t live in the Midway and wondering how to visit? Jump on Metro Transit’s (MT) Green Line or A Line for easy access to all things Midway. MT continues to expand and improve their current services. They have seen success with their safety initiatives, which included increasing the presence of MT police officers and community service officers, TRIP agents, and supplemental security officers. MT General Manager, Lesley Kandaras, emphasizes that MT’s safety plan has a focus on being proactive and a community partner.

With all that is on the horizon for this vital neighborhood between the downtowns of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, there are many reasons to be hopeful. Whether you are local to the Midway or not, join in on celebrating the Midway this spring. Pay homage to the recently-cleared CVS site and meditate on this opportunity for the neighborhood to dream together about what is next. As the Midway has shown, there is always more to come.