245 Maryland Ave E

Call for Joint Venture/Development Solicitations

The Saint Paul Port Authority (SPPA) is seeking a qualified joint venture partner or land developer to help redevelop the 12.63-acre former Kmart site at 245 Maryland Avenue East into a modern campus. This is a unique opportunity to create at least 250 on-site jobs, generate long-term economic impact, and bring a high-quality development to a highly visible, high-trade location along I-35E near downtown St. Paul.

Why This Site?

• PRIME LOCATION: Immediate access to I-35E, I-94, and Highway 36, with high visibility, parking and multimodal transit options.
• FLEXIBLE ZONING & INFASTRUCTURE: Supports medical office, light industrial, advanced manufacturing and/or mixed-use development. Utilities and site conditions are ready for diverse operations.
• COMMUNITY & WORKFORCE: Dense residential neighborhoods and proximity to hospitals, downtown amenities, and professional services make it ideal for employers and tenants alike.

Development Goals

• Minimum of 250 jobs on site
• Stabilized development valued at $40–$50 million
• Present a timeline for activities in 2026, with preferred construction start Q4 2026
• Port participation preferred as a joint venture partner, contributing land as its primary investment
• Collaboration with the Port to advance sustainable and equitable development

Supporting Documentation

Please review the following documents for detailed information about the site and development expectations:

• PROJECT OVERVIEW (pdf)
• PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN
  • THE SITE AND EXISTING CONDITIONS
  • LAND USE CONTROLS AND POLICIES
  • UTILITIES

Submit Your Solicitation

We encourage interested parties to submit their solicitation directly to SPPA. SPPA seeks partners ready to deliver a transformative project without the constraints of a formal RFP.

Evaluation Criteria:

Job Count – minimum goal 250
Salaries / Benefits
Transaction Type – preference given to Joint Venture Partnership
Purchase Offer Amount
Redevelopment Type – light industrial or medical office building preference
Building Size
Value of Completed Development
Relevant Experience
Local / DBE / Emerging Developer

CONTACT

For questions or to a submit solicitation, please reach out to: