Saint Paul Councilmember Molly Coleman, Mayor Kaohly Her, and the Hamline Midway Coalition Release Statement on the Demolition of the Former Midway CVS Building

SAINT PAUL, MN – This morning, the former CVS building located at the corner of University and Snelling began the demolition process following years of public engagement and advocacy from the City of Saint Paul and neighborhood community groups.

Since becoming vacant in April 2022, the building has been a persistent concern for residents and businesses in the surrounding area. Its demolition marks an important step toward future redevelopment and renewed investment in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood and along the University Avenue corridor and builds on the momentum created by new structures going up at the United Village site, a new childcare center for the YMCA, and a long-anticipated new Hamline Midway Library opening later this year, among other projects.

In response to the demolition, Ward 4 City Councilmember Molly Coleman, Mayor Kaohly Her, and the Hamline-Midway Coalition released the following statements:

Councilmember Coleman:
"Hamline-Midway is one of the most vibrant, connected, and loved neighborhoods in our city. But for too long, CVS has left this storefront at the center of the community vacant—wasting space, negatively contributing to public safety, and deeply harming perceptions of the neighborhood. Today's demolition opens up an array of new possibilities and marks an important step toward building the intersection that this community deserves: one that is activated, safe, and full of positive energy. Our office is committed to doing everything we can to bring about the next chapter of Snelling, University, and the Hamline Midway community as a whole."

Mayor Her:
“Demolishing the former CVS building represents meaningful progress as we work to build a more vibrant and economically strong city. For too long, this property caused disruption for nearby residents and businesses. Clearing the site will help restore safety and create new opportunities at one of the most active and promising intersections in our city.”

Hamline Midway Coalition leaders Lisa Nelson and Justin Lewandowski:
“The Midway is the heart between downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul, with Snelling and University serving as one of its most important commercial and cultural corridors. For years, neighbors, businesses, and community partners worked together to address the long-vacant CVS building at this intersection.

What began as frustration grew into a shared effort—from the Community Vitality and Stewardship pledge signed by hundreds of neighbors, to the Stabilize Snelling & University campaign, and the creation of the Snelling & University Alliance.

The CVS coming down is more than the removal of a long-empty storefront. It’s a step toward the kind of intersection our neighborhood deserves—and a reminder that collaboration, from neighbors to city leaders, can move things forward.”

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