Originally published in the Park Bugle, August 2025.
Historic Campus Transitions: Luther Seminary’s Next Chapter
After more than a century in the neighborhood, Luther Seminary – long a cornerstone of North St. Anthony Park – is preparing to leave its historic campus. In June, seminary officials announced plans to sell the remaining 10-acre “upper campus” and relocate to a smaller location elsewhere in the Twin Cities. This follows news that the “lower campus” is already under a purchase agreement with a developer, Lifestyle Communities – with the sale expected to close in 2026. Together, these sites include spaces like Stub and Northwestern Halls and the cherished Breck Woods. The seminary has shaped the landscape of our community since 1904, and its departure will mark a major transition. At the same time, it creates a rare opportunity to thoughtfully shape how these spaces serve future generations.
HealthPartners Site May Also See Changes
Another important site to watch is the HealthPartners property at 2481 Como Avenue, located just east of Highway 280. While no formal applications have been submitted, HealthPartners has long expressed interest in developing the site into a larger medical campus.
Any potential development here would likely impact traffic patterns and public access around the Luther Seminary Lower Campus as well. It also raises new possibilities for long-term infrastructure planning – including conversations about improved road access or a new street connection between key sites. SAPCC will continue monitoring this location closely and will share updates as more information becomes available.
Industrial Site Closure Signals New Possibilities
In South St. Anthony Park, the Smurfit WestRock paper recycling mill on Wabash Avenue officially closed in June, with nearly 200 jobs lost. While the closure marks the end of an era, it also unlocks a large redevelopment site near light rail and existing infrastructure.
Westgate and Raymond: Growth Around the Green Line
South St. Anthony Park continues to evolve as a hub of transit-accessible growth. Development along University Avenue near Westgate and Raymond Stations is booming, with new apartments, retail, and cultural spaces taking root. One example is the multi-phase redevelopment of the former Weyerhaeuser lumber site at 700 Emerald Street, now home to new affordable and workforce housing. As part of that project, the City of St. Paul has completed Westgate Commons Park at Emerald and Sharon – a brand-new green space now open to the public. SAPCC and neighborhood partners have been activating the park with community plantings, bike education, and even a group ride this summer.
Planning for Smart Growth Together
The St. Anthony Park Community Council’s Unified Design Guidelines and 10-Year Neighborhood Plan provide a community-driven vision for growth. These tools prioritize affordable housing, walkability, preservation of tree canopy, and thoughtful infill development. And as new proposals come forward – whether at Luther Seminary, WestRock, or along University – these frameworks help make sure what’s built reflects the priorities of residents.
Get Involved – Your Voice Matters
So much is happening – and more is on the way. In the coming year, there will be community forums, developer proposals, and opportunities to shape what our neighborhood becomes. If you want to be part of those conversations, join the SAPCC Land Use or Transportation Committees. Meetings are open to all, and we’re always looking for more neighbors to weigh in. It’s one of the best ways to ensure that St. Anthony Park stays vibrant, inclusive, and rooted in the values we share.
Tom Ososki lives on Como Avenue in North St. Anthony Park and is the co-chair of the SAPCC Land Use Committee. SAPCC Committee meetings are open to all – neighbors are encouraged to join!