Jackson & Fort Neighborhood Re-Wilding

Sustainable Urban Redevelopment

The “Re-Wilding” of Jackson & Fort aims to transform an underused parking lot in downtown Saint Paul into a serene park that serves as a refuge from urban life. The park, filled with native Minnesotan flora, descends from the street level, and promotes biodiversity and climate resilience.

The park focuses on the idea of reintroducing native plants to the barren site and using them to program outdoor activities. The organic layout of exterior program is inspired by the curved road to the north and includes various community-focused amenities such as a dog park, a playground, and grassy hills for relaxation and play. In colder months, a northeastern pond transforms into an active ice rink, ensuring the park remains vibrant throughout the year.

As a conversational element to the proposal, the building lightly interacts with the site as the design features a ring-shaped rotunda that is lifted above the park. The materials add to the sense of place using cross-laminated timber and steel to honor the city’s milling and rail history. Inside, the structure houses cultural hubs and facilitates year-round activities through cafes, gallery space, and community working areas.

Overall, the project aims to provide sustainable urban redevelopment by fostering a sense of community, offering urban respite, and connecting to the city’s heritage.