What’s in store for 2026?

Chad Kulas

A new year is upon us. A time to look back on the past 12 months, but also to think about what’s to come this year. Here’s some of what’s ahead for the Midway in 2026.
Maybe its because I work across the street from it, but its hard not to notice the cranes and other pieces of heavy machinery next to Allianz Field. Phase I of United Village, as its called, will really take shape this year with construction on three new buildings. Two restaurants will open in early 2026 toward the east end of the development, followed by office space on the west end either late 2026 or early 2027. While it won’t be complete, the hotel closer to University Avenue will be worked on all year.
While some buildings go up, another goes down. Yes, the famous former CVS site at Snelling and University will be torn down in 2026. The move will signify the desired parcel will be closer to being ready for a new building or multiple. We will see if more concrete plans are found out this year, or if this is a longer project. And no, I don’t think there will really be a second Spruce Tree Centre…
If we travel a few blocks east, we would see the former At Home, T.J. Maxx and Cub Foods locations. The neighborhood desperately misses shopping options they provided, but there’s interest in the sites and we are hopeful for news this year.
Going north a few blocks, we would see the site of the old Hamline Midway Library. It will once again be home to the branch, with plans to open late 2026. The new library will be much more state-of-the-art and ADA-compliant.
Coming back along Snelling Avenue toward University Avenue, you can see the construction at Kimball Court. The project promises to help build a safer housing option for its residents as it expands the number of rooms.
It was sad news when we heard the paper recycler Smurfit WestRock would close operations and eliminate around 200 jobs. But there’s also opportunity on the site, with hopes many more hundreds can have a job in a future development. Will there be other uses on the space? Could there be housing and retail closer to University Avenue?
It wasn’t long ago parts of our neighborhood could say their elected officials included Mayor Melvin Carter, Councilmember Mitra Jalali and Ramsey County Commissioner Trista Martinson. Then rather suddenly, all three have moved on and in their places are Mayor Kaohly Her, Councilmember Molly Coleman and Commissioner Garrison McMurtrey. Mayor Her is the newest to be elected to her current position, though the one that has served as an elected position the longest. Everyone in Saint Paul is watching with a keen interest at what indications 2026 will show us for her vision.
In thinking of all the projects this year, it seems like the Midway will look completely different by January 2027. And certain spots certainly will, but for most of us our daily lives and routines won’t change much; though there could be more shopping options nearby once more. While there can be many more changes for good or bad, I’m very encouraged at the projects we know about.
Here’s hoping 2026 will lead to a stronger Midway.