HISTORY OF THE GREEN STAIRS

In May of 2008 the decision was made to tear down the old Stairway due to irreparable damage from a rock slide. Maintenance of the stairway was very difficult owing to the stairway’s poor condition and overall deterioration of the structure’s steel.

Originally built in 1916 and preceded by a wooden structure, it was one of the most heavily used public stairways in the City, at 300 to 1000 pedestrians per day. Providing a direct pedestrian link from the high bluffs along Prospect Blvd. to Wabasha Street, the stairway is used by both walking and bussing commuters to reach downtown. It was also used by high school and college athletic teams for training, and by people just out for some exercise.

Finally, it’s no secret that the stairway also provides one of the most unique and beautiful views of the City.


Share a Memory: Have a fond memory of the Green Stairs?  Share your recollections of the stairway with our design team by writing them at:

 

Green Stairs Design Guidelines
 
Watch video of Green Stairs Removal

Green Stairs PowerPoint  Please be patient, this is a large file and takes a couple of minutes to open.


 

 

This project has received $2 million in federal stimulus funding and is a high priority project for the City. The City has authorized over $500,000 in Capital Project funds to pay for the design and construction administration.

The West Side Citizens Organization (WSCO) has established design guidelines, working with the City.  Kevin Nelson, who formerly headed the City’s Bridge Division, and Glenn Pagel, Kevin’s successor as Bridge Division Manager, are the Project Managers for the City.

A Consultant Team headed by Close Landscape Architecture, sub consultants, Meyer Sherer & Rockcastle Architects, BKBM Engineers, 106 Group Historical Consultants, and artist Randy Walker have been hired by the City to provide preliminary and final construction documents.

SCHEDULE

• July 1 – Final plans delivered to the city of Saint Paul
• August – MnDOT reviews plans
• September – Plans out to bid
• October – Bids awarded and contract negotiated
• November – foundation work begins
• December – Spring- Green stairs fabricated
• Spring – Stairs erected

Please note: Schedule is subject to change.