Pop-Ups at Central Station: Supporting Safety Through Positive Activity
Client: John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in cooperation with the City of Saint Paul,
Metro Transit, Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce (SPACC), and Building Owners and Managers Association Saint Paul (BOMA)
Date Range: January 2016 - October 2018
Summary: The Musicant Group created a one-of-a-kind, inclusive and bustline public space that served transit riders, employees, residents, and visitors in the block surrounding the Green Line’s Central Station. Through two years of design improvements, pop-up activations and events, and piloting of onsite ambassador services, we created desirable experiences that increased the sense of safety and enjoyment for people who live, work, and visited Downtown St. Paul.
Project Goals & Strategy
Our goal was to create a positive narrative about activity happening at Central Station, the busiest stop in downtown. Additionally, we sought to increase employee satisfaction with their employers in downtown Saint Paul, and increase ridership at transit facilities.
Our strategy was a holistic application of physical improvements, management systems, events and communications to create desirable experiences in Downtown St. Paul and foster a sense of ownership over the space.
What we did
Hosted a series of pop-up programs and events on the Central Station block
Piloted on-site clean and safe hospitality ambassador program
Provided site stewardship through our on-site Community Manager
Supplied and managed additional seating and amenities, including moveable furniture, books, games, and art
Outcomes & Benefits
Through our visitor survey:
40% said the pop-ups made their experience of the skyway and street level better (1% said worse)
28% said their feelings of safety in the space were improved
57% said experiences increased their pride in working in Downtown Saint Paul
This project was profiled by the Star Tribune and St. Paul Pioneer Press
Our programming served as a model for the newly formed St. Paul Downtown Alliances' launch of their own improvement district
Testimonals
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“Exactly what the city needs. I want to call the Mayor’s office and ask for more investment in these programs.”
- Downtown Resident
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"...[T]o gather and share spaces in a variety of different ways...[O]ften, you don't have space like this in the middle of the city, where you can do activities in the winter."
- Excerpt from Star Tribune, December 2016