FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2025
Contact:
Melanie Johnson
Ward 7 Legislative Aide
Saint Paul City Council Offices
Ward7@ci.stpaul.mn.us
651-266-8670
Saint Paul City Council votes 6-0 in Support of Rezoning Intent for Hamm’s Brewery Redevelopment
SAINT PAUL, MN – In a unanimous 6-0 vote, the Saint Paul City Council approved a motion of intent to rezone two remaining parcels at 694 Minnehaha Avenue East, part of the Hamm’s Brewery Redevelopment site. This critical step advances the redevelopment process and allows the rezoning proposal to proceed through the Council’s formal legislative process, including three scheduled readings.
If approved, the rezoning would convert the parcels from General Industrial (I2) to (H2) Residential and (RM2) medium-density multiple-family residential to (T3) traditional neighborhood—clearing the way for affordable housing development.
“We simply can’t build affordable housing in an I2 industrial zone,” said Councilmember Johnson. “The future of this site is not manufacturing — it’s housing, mixed-use development, and walkable neighborhoods. Rezoning to T3 and H2 aligns with what East Side residents have consistently said we want more of: housing options, connected communities, and neighborhood amenities.” - Councilmember Johnson tells community.
As Chair of the Saint Paul Housing & Redevelopment Authority, Councilmember Johnson emphasized the significance of this decision: “This isn’t a hard vote for me –our community has already spoken. East Siders want to see the Hamm’s Brewery site brought back to life. We support bringing affordable housing to this historic site. We want housing, thriving local businesses, and a site where East Siders can live, work, and visit.”
The Hamm’s Brewery Redevelopment Site was designated in the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan as an Opportunity Site – a location primed for higher-density, mixed-use development. The redevelopment will preserve historic buildings and bring new life to the long-vacant site with:
- 196 total affordable housing units, including:
- 110 family-friendly new constructions units
- 86 artist-style loft units in restored historic brewery buildings
- A community marketplace
- Indoor and outdoor gathering spaces
- Mixed-use amenities support walkability and local vibrancy
Councilmember Johnson remains consistent in advocating for more housing on the East Side and underscored that today’s vote reflects years of community input and organizing. “This is about seizing the opportunity of having more housing on the Eastside and the long overdue preservation of old, underutilized, and vacant buildings on this site that is desperately needed,” said Councilmember Johnson. “We must continue to honor the voices of residents, district councils, business owners, and elected officials who’ve been calling for reinvestment at Hamm’s for decades. Now, we’re turning that vision into reality.”
For additional details, community members are encouraged to visit the redevelopment project website at hammseastside.com.
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