Rondo Community Land Trust Acquires Former Sears Site in St. Paul in Largest Deal to Date
The Rondo Community Land Trust has acquired the former Sears site in St. Paul, a 17-acre property vacant since 2019, in the organization's largest acquisition to date at $10.8 million, with plans to redevelop it into residential, commercial and community-centered spaces.
The Rondo Community Land Trust has acquired the former Sears site in St. Paul. The 17-acre site, vacant since 2019, will be redeveloped into residential, commercial and community centered spaces following more planning and discussion with community members, according to the nonprofit.
“This acquisition represents an important step in returning land to community centered stewardship,” said Mikeya Griffin, president and CEO of the land trust. “The former Sears site holds deep historical weight for the Rondo community and we approach this with responsibility and care.”
As a daughter of Rondo, Griffin, said this new development is about preserving and forwarding the legacy of the historically Black neighborhood displaced by Interstate 94.
“We are going to make something happen,” she said.
The former Sears building being out of service for seven years is described as a languish, Griffin said, and the closing of a major retailer such as Sears had its impact on the community.
“People like my aunt who have been here and part of the community before Highway 94 and other elders in the community want to see something done with it,” she said.
This is something Griffin has had her eye on since becoming the president and CEO of the land trust nearly five years ago. Even though the group’s focus is affordable housing and commercial development, she felt a responsibility to bring this area along with some other sites back to the community, she said.
The $10.8 million site is the Rondo Community Land Trust’s largest acquisition to date. Griffin said it is a critical step toward district wide development. The organization is working with funders, grants, banks and donors.
“We’re proud of what [the acquisition] represents, this is not just about the property … This is about long term value creation, not just the transaction of the $10 million.”
Griffin said the redevelopment will return the tax base to the area, reduce property tax, create jobs, provide housing and lift the economy. The location of the site also plays a huge role in the development’s benefits. The organization hopes to bring to the Capitol area and create a functional bridge to downtown St. Paul while reaffirming the legacy and history of Rondo.
“That’s what we believe is going to continue to generate the generational wealth that’s going to be needed,” Griffin said.
Currently in pre-development, the land trust is finalizing site plans and preparing the site, deciding between building remediation or demolition. They are also working closely with other developers and partners who align with the organization’s mission, Griffin said.
“We’re not going to rush to define all the specifics before our planning process is complete and right now we’re building something that really and truly reflects the community and the opportunity of the site.”
The Rondo Community Land Trust will be unveiling their community engagement series in the coming months for community input, conversation and feedback.
Damenica Ellis welcomes reader response at dellis@spokesman-recorder.com.