The design/build team for a new St. Paul Saints (independent; American Association) has been chosen: Ryan Companies, AECOM and Julie Snow Architects.
“We are very excited to design and build the next great addition to the city of St. Paul,” said Mike Ryan, director of architecture and engineering for Ryan, via press release. “Ryan is committed to its history of improving Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro.”
Ryan will serve as general contractor and lead designer on the downtown ballpark project; LA-based AECOM and Minneapolis-based Julie Snow Architects will assist.
The $54-million project includes the demolition and cleanup of the former Gillette factory in downtown St. Paul, the construction of the new 7,000-seat ballpark and the demolition of Midway Stadium to make way for a business park. The state, the city and the Saints are splitting the costs of the project, though a funding plan still need to be finalized. We’re looking at a 2014 opening at what should be an interesting place: it looks like home plate will face southeast, with the grandstand positioned away from any views of the downtown skyline. (The above illustration is not positioned true north.) If you know St. Paul, let’s put the views into perspective: if you’re sitting behind home plate, you’ll have a great view of the Lafayette Bridge, with the ballpark sitting to the east of Broadway and bounded to the north by a freeway entrance. The right-field corner will be the entrance near the Farmers Market. The best views could come from the outfield seating, where you’ll see the downtown skyline and perhaps the State Capitol.
Image courtesy St. Paul Saints.
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