Recent content from Katie Galioto
Government workers returning to work is a big deal for downtown St. Paul, but not a silver bullet
The state, city and Ramsey County are among downtown St. Paul's biggest employers, but the mayor and small business owners say more is needed.
Minneapolis' total property value falls for second consecutive year
New assessments signal the property tax burden will continue to shift toward homeowners.
St. Paul, Wild want state to cover half of $769M Xcel Energy Center renovation
The NHL team's owner, Craig Leipold, said he's committed to keeping the team in the capital city. Mayor Melvin Carter hopes the revamp, which also includes Roy Wilkins Auditorium and the RiverCentre, revitalizes downtown.
Why the return of 5 days in the office is unlikely for many Minnesota workers
From federal workers and Amazon at the national level to 3M and U.S. Bank in the state, workplaces are dialing back remote policies.
Madison Equities tells tenants to vacate downtown St. Paul's Alliance Bank Center in two days
The city negotiated with utilities to grant tenants until the end of the month to move out, as yet another building from downtown's once-prolific property owner folds.
How downtown, social justice and women's sports play into Meet Minneapolis' 10-year plan
The tourism officials' goals include convention center renovations, riverfront improvements and more vibrant nightlife.
What's your work's return-to-office policy?
More companies are mandating that workers return to the office, including in Minnesota. Has your employer changed its in-office policies?
St. Paul boosters launch new nonprofit to raise funds to redevelop struggling downtown
The St. Paul Downtown Development Corp. will pool money from nonprofits, and government and corporate grants to jump-start projects.
A resurgence of artists is brewing in Minneapolis' Warehouse District
At the center of the potential post-pandemic rebound is the Kickernick Building and its new owner's gallery.
Downtown St. Paul's pivotal but troubled Central Station up for $130M redevelopment
Indianapolis-based developer Flaherty & Collins has ambitions to build housing and retail space around the Green Line light rail stop, though it will likely require substantial public assistance.
Minnesota pro sports teams face vast stadium, ballpark and arena needs
The Legislature will be asked to help with U.S. Bank Stadium, Target Field and Xcel Energy Center.
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Downtown Minneapolis' Ameriprise Financial Center sells at 97% discount
Minnetonka-based Onward Investors paid $6.25 million to add the 31-story office building to its growing downtown Minneapolis portfolio. It most recently sold for $200 million in 2016.
Ex-owners fight to take back condemned Seven Corners site in Minneapolis
A lender purchased the blighted block on Washington Avenue S. through a foreclosure sale last summer.
Lenders go after Madison Equities owner's house, one of few profitable properties
Several buildings belonging to downtown St. Paul's largest property owner remain embroiled in litigation and financial distress.
As Twin Cities area office building owners stomach tanking values, buyers see opportunity
Despite the deep discounts, there's optimism in the office market, at least for those involved in the highest-quality spaces in the most desirable locations.
Former landlord sues Finnegans Brew Co., alleging $461K in unpaid rent and expenses
Finnegans moved out of its downtown Minneapolis taproom last summer to partner with Fulton Beer.
Madison Equities relinquishes three downtown St. Paul buildings to lenders
Financial woes continue to loom over downtown St. Paul's largest property owner, currently embroiled in litigation for millions of dollars in debt. The company's founder and longtime principal, Jim Crockarell, died early this year and left more than a dozen properties to his wife, Rosemary Kortgard.
Holidazzle returns to Nicollet Mall to help rev up downtown Minneapolis
After a break in 2023 because of funding, downtown Minneapolis boosters reinvented their holiday event in hopes of activating the central business district.
Downtown Minneapolis' Wells Fargo Center sells to trio of investor groups
Minnetonka-based Onward Investors partnered with two other firms to purchase the city's third-tallest building. The sales price was not immediately available.
St. Paul condemns troubled Lowry Apartments in downtown, displacing dozens of tenants
Officials temporarily relocated residents to hotels following a water leak in the troubled property.
Ryan Cos. to transform Eagan's former Thomson Reuters compound to industrial campus, housing
The Minneapolis-based developer finalized its purchase of the 179-acre site Friday after initially agreeing to the deal earlier this year.
Bloomington's SkyWater Technology nets $16M in federal funds to increase semiconductor production
The manufacturer plans $127 million in infrastructure and cybersecurity upgrades as the U.S. works to strengthen its position in the global industry.
St. Paul offering free co-working space, parking in effort to repopulate downtown
Those who take a tour of the Wellworth co-working space could win a free or deeply discounted six-month membership and parking at a nearby city ramp.
Downtown St. Paul program pairs small businesses with empty storefronts (and zero rent)
The St. Paul Downtown Alliance filled vacant retail space by setting up businesses with free six-month leases.
Minneapolis Downtown Council reveals newest 10-year plan to revive the city's core
The city boosters have organized the strategy around neighborhood cultivation, foundational safety, hassle-free systems and irresistible vibe. Ideas range from adding an outdoor ice rink to standardizing skyway hours.
Edina Realty pays $3.5M to settle AG allegations of improper payments for home security warranties
The real estate broker allegedly partnered with Home Security of America to promote warranties in exchange for compensation.
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How to park in downtown Minneapolis, whether you're commuting or having a night out
Parking operators say evening and weekend traffic is back to pre-pandemic levels, if not busier, while commuter traffic is about 70% of what it was.
She's buying downtown Minneapolis office space, sensing 'greatest opportunity of our lifetime'
Erin Fitzgerald left her job at JLL to found her own commercial real estate firm in hopes of revitalizing downtown Minneapolis.
Office-to-housing conversions could revive Twin Cities downtowns, but at what cost?
Minneapolis and St. Paul leaders are pegging such conversion projects as the key to downtown revitalization, but it's easier said than done.
Mayor Frey's latest plan has 'action steps' to revitalize downtown Minneapolis
The Downtown Action Plan is one of many strategies from various stakeholders in recent years aimed at transforming the urban core after the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Downtown Minneapolis' Northstar Center to reopen after millions in renovations, years of planning
Developers transformed the 17-story west building into "hospitality-infused" office space, along with a revamped skyway and food court.
Downtown Minneapolis still grappling with office vacancies, plummeting values
Even as companies look for new space and bring employees back in person, it's not enough to offset space vacated in the wake of the pandemic. But some brokers and boosters are optimistic despite the ongoing challenges.
Minneapolis passes law aiming to bolster office-to-housing conversions
Civic leaders say such developments, often costly and complicated projects, are key to downtown's future.
Protesters display banners with white supremacy messages from Interstate 694 bridge
Ramsey County deputies spoke with the group, which then took down banners and dispersed.
Judge says widow of downtown St. Paul's largest building owner is on hook for loan
As Madison Equities properties show signs of financial distress, banks are seeking repayment from Rosemary Kortgard as the guarantor of unpaid loans.
Downtown St. Paul is having a moment — but not a good one
Beloved restaurants have closed and office buildings have sold at discount, raising alarms about the future of the capital city's urban core.
Downtown St. Paul property owners OK expansion of privately funded safety services
The assessment-funded downtown improvement district will double its budget and expand its reach into Lowertown.
Rent control ruling too late to help one St. Paul tenant
Procedural delays and a symbolic City Council vote raise questions about how the city's law should be interpreted and enforced.
Man on motorized bike struck, killed in Minneapolis hit-run
Minneapolis police said they arrested the driver, who had run from the scene.
As office tenants move out, Madison Equities fires back at St. Paul officials for downtown crime
City leaders have publicly criticized downtown St. Paul's largest property owner for deteriorating conditions at the Lowry Apartments.
Judge appoints emergency receiver for downtown St. Paul's troubled Lowry Apartments
An attorney for the city argued that owner Madison Equities let the building deteriorate after a lender began foreclosure proceedings.
St. Paul mayor seeks emergency court intervention for downtown's distressed Lowry Apartments
Mayor Melvin Carter lambasted property owner Madison Equities in a Monday evening speech as tenant problems persist.
Downtown St. Paul's Lowry Apartments near foreclosure as problems pile up
In a rare move, the city revoked the building's fire certificate of occupancy amid mounting code violations and tenant complaints against owner Madison Equities.
Developer seeks $21 million from St. Paul for stalled housing and retail at Highland Bridge
Private development has slowed at the 135-acre site of the former Ford plant, which was projected to have hundreds more housing units by now.
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter wants to scale back rent control
Amid slowing development, the proposal — a concession to developers — aims to foster new housing construction.
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter proposes property tax increase for 2025
The mayor's budget address, unveiling an $855 million spending plan, focused on public safety, housing, downtown and climate change.
St. Paul Mayor Carter tells city staff to steer clear of child-care ballot initiative
City Council Member Rebecca Noecker and supporters accuse Carter of an "undercover campaign" to undermine effort to raise taxes to pay for child care.
Homeless camp off Bruce Vento trail forcing advocates to explore new approaches
Officials say its many Hmong residents resist shelters, want to stick together.
Vice President Kamala Harris, Gov. Tim Walz hold rally in battleground western Wisconsin
Sen. JD Vance, running mate to former President Donald Trump, appeared at an event in Eau Claire to counter the Democrats.
Catholic church withdraws opposition for supportive housing complex in downtown St. Paul
The Church of the Assumption plans to continue conversations about lingering safety concerns.
St. Paul ballot measure will ask whether city elections should move to presidential years
Grassroots organizers say they want to boost turnout for municipal elections.
Owner may auction historic St. Paul Athletic Club building after it loses its last tenant
In default and owing more than $500,000 in property taxes, John Rupp said he plans to leave the downtown market.
Downtown St. Paul's largest property owner says the city's core is in 'crisis'
An attorney representing Madison Equities offered a dismal portrayal of St. Paul as the company markets its entire office portfolio.
Catholic church opposes plan for supportive housing complex in downtown St. Paul
Citing crime, the Church of the Assumption is objecting to an 88-unit project from nonprofit developer Aeon.
St. Paul moves toward loosening building restrictions on Grand Avenue
The City Council wants to eliminate height restrictions and other rules blamed for stifling development.
Historic Lowertown St. Paul building goes into bankruptcy
The Park Square Court Building is one of several recently listed for sale by downtown St. Paul's largest property owner.
Minnesota's urban core has boomed. But now momentum is shifting back to the suburbs.
New population estimates show slowed growth for the region and faster growth in farther-out suburbs.
St. Paul wants to expand privately funded Downtown Improvement District to include Lowertown
The district, funded by assessments charged to property owners, pays for street cleaners and safety ambassadors.
St. Paul officials seek power to impose fines against landlords, others accused of code violations
For the third time in less than a decade, city leaders are advocating for a new tool to enforce ordinances.
Private development stalls at Highland Bridge in St. Paul
Developers and city officials are talking about reducing the density of housing and other changes that could restart construction.
For sale: Downtown St. Paul's historic Lowry Hotel, now home to affordable apartments
The nearly century-old building was listed by Madison Equities less than a week after the company dumped its entire downtown office portfolio on the market.
Downtown St. Paul's largest property owner seeks single buyer for it all
Madison Equities, downtown St. Paul's largest property owner, is marketing six office buildings and two parking ramps.
St. Paul restores Rondo Avenue name to city street
Stretches of Concordia and St. Anthony avenues are renamed Rondo to match the footprint of the once-lively St. Paul commercial artery.
Searching for Snoopy: What happened to all the 'Peanuts' statues in St. Paul?
The creative tributes to the comic strip characters were ubiquitous in the capital city in the early 2000s.
Downtown St. Paul property values down, residential values up
Four takeaways from this year's Ramsey County Assessor's report.
St. Paul proposal would allow cannabis businesses throughout commercial corridors
Larger businesses would be limited to areas zoned for industrial uses, and retailers could not be within 300 feet of a school.
St. Paul is considering a switch to one-sided winter parking rules
Changes are likely years away, but a pilot in some St. Paul neighborhoods could start next winter.
St. Paul leaders have high hopes for lackluster 5th Street
A trip down 5th Street spotlights many of the struggles downtowns have experienced across the country even before the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic.
New surface parking lots in St. Paul would have to make room for EV chargers under proposed ordinance
The proposal aims to bring St. Paul closer to meeting climate policy targets and projected market demand for electric vehicles.
St. Paul council members condemn decision not to charge officer who killed Yia Xiong
Three council members said they were "deeply disturbed" by prosecutors' determination that deadly force was justified in the 2023 shooting.
6 takeaways from St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter's State of the City address
Mayor wants a renovated arena, more downtown housing and a new approach to snow plowing.
St. Paul City Council passes resolution calling for cease-fire in Gaza
After avoiding the issue for a month, the council unanimously approved a resolution calling for an end to the fighting and U.S. military aid to Israel.
Up above the St. Paul skyways, an abandoned city park gathers fines and dust
The old Town Square Park turned from an asset to an eyesore, and there's no end in sight.
St. Paul picks one trash hauler to replace five, while dipping its toe in the garbage business
The city wants FCC Environmental to take over hauling, but will also make a first foray into municipally-run collections.
Organizers launch campaign for St. Paul child care ballot measure
The ballot question would increase St. Paul property taxes to fund up to $20 million in child care subsidies for low-income families.
