Why the Saint Paul Port Authority?

The Saint Paul Port Authority has a proven track record of bringing complex projects to fruition, especially those where the public and private sectors need to work together. It is their expertise, working closely with both sides, that has made [Treasure Island Center] a reality.
Mayor Chris Coleman

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A Community Asset

Treasure Island Center is positioned to rejuvenate the center of downtown Saint Paul in much the same way CHS Field brought new life to the Lowertown neighborhood and Xcel Energy Center stimulated business growth along Kellogg Boulevard and West Seventh Street.

While the most visible part of project is TRIA Rink, where the Minnesota Wild will hold practices, there is a lot more to this innovative redevelopment project. The Wild should only need approximately five percent of available ice time. This leaves close to 5,000 hours each year for youth, college and adult leagues to take advantage of an NHL-quality sheet of ice with seating for 1,100. The expectation is that TRIA Rink will be the premier location for practices, games and tournaments all year long.

But it’s not just about hockey. Access to ice time also opens the door for sled hockey, broom ball, figure skating and other ice-related activities. In total, more than 600,000 people are expected to visit TRIA Rink each year.

While we anticipate ice time to be a valuable commodity state-wide, the Saint Paul Port Authority is working with several community groups to ensure underserved youth also have access to TRIA Rink. Our plan is to partner with results-based organizations that are making a difference in the lives of children across the City of Saint Paul.

New Retail. New Restaurants. New Businesses.

Filling in the four levels below the rink will be a diverse group of tenants who will add to the vibrancy of Treasure Island Center in their own way. They include:

“From hockey, to new restaurants and retail, Treasure Island Center will bring new excitement and activity to downtown Saint Paul for generations to come. The new TRIA rink will bring together the Minnesota Wild, youth hockey tournaments and adult leagues, all in a great celebration of the State of Hockey.”
– Governor Mark Dayton

 

Saint Paul Port Authority’s Role in the Project

  • Purchased the property in early 2014 for $3 million, at the request of the City, to ensure the redevelopment project provided the highest return in terms of new tax dollars, job growth, and public benefit.
  • Invested an additional $5.5 million to prepare the building for redevelopment, including the removal and sealing of all asbestos.
  • Partnered with Hempel Companies, creating the joint venture entity Go Wild LLC  to manage the redevelopment
  • Developed a sponsorship strategy to secure funding needed to increase spectator seating and public locker rooms – above and beyond the needs of the Minnesota Wild – to ensure TRIA Rink becomes true community asset