STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
RA-SPC-5619 identifies the district as historically significant in the area of community planning and development under NRHP Criterion A. The nomination cites the property as the first federally funded urban renewal project in Saint Paul. The property has further significance under Criterion C, in the area of landscape architecture, in recognition of Cass Gilbert’s original design for the Capitol Building and Grounds, as well as the subsequent landscape architects who contributed to its realization.
As a landscape, the plan for the Capitol Mall evolved over the period of significance (1902-1962). This study evaluates the key features and the ability of the landscape to convey its significance. The evaluation assesses whether the landscape characteristics, associated features and spatial organization which shaped the space during the historic period exist in the same way as they did historically.
Please see the presentation from Sasaki here, as they explore the CLR for their planning of the Capitol Mall Design Framework.
