Since 2012, Saint Paul residents have been hosting free Jane’s Walks—‘walking conversations’ that get people out exploring their neighborhoods and talking about what matters to them. Jane’s Walks are inspired by the ideas and legacy of urbanist Jane Jacobs, who fought against freeways cutting through neighborhoods and for walkable communities where people know and watch out for each other.

Saint Paul is kicking off the 2018 walk season on May 5th as part the International Jane’s Walk Festival the first weekend in May. There will be four walks all together, see descriptions, dates, times, and locations below.

Are you interested in leading a Jane’s Walk in Saint Paul or another city? Everyone is an expert in their own community, and YOU can lead a Jane’s Walk. In past years, walk topics have included: the geologic history of the Mississippi River Valley, labor history on the East Side, evolution of the Upper River Landing neighborhood, and accessibility and the inclusive city. What issue or place do you care deeply about or just curious to know more? The possibilities are limitless. All walks are volunteer-led and must be free.

If you are interested in leading a walk, please contact Carol: janeswalk.stpaul@gmail.com

The West Side in Brick: Architects and Brickmasons

Saturday, May 5 • 9:30 – 10:30 am

Meet under the large White Oak, Robert and King Streets, Saint Paul Led by Nicole Foss Beginning beneath one of the oldest trees in the Twin Cities, we’ll tour a cluster of brick homes built by the West Side’s German master-builder and brickmason, Henry Lange and stop by the former homes of stonemason, Adam Rau, and German-born-and-trained architect, Emil Strassburger. We’ll imagine the landscape when these houses were constructed, many with foundations of limestone from quarries nearby.

 

 

The Moderns: F. Scott Fitzgerald and Art Deco Saint Paul

Sunday May 6 • 10 am – 12 noon

Meet at the Fitzgerald Sculpture, Rice Park, Downtown Saint Paul Led by Joan Mathison Joan Mathison, founder of Adventures with a Locavore, will explore the Jazz Age landscape of F. Scott Fitzgerald in downtown Saint Paul—landmark Art Deco buildings, Bohemian writers and artists, and an avant-garde bookshop called the Kilmarnock. Learn about the people and stories associated with the buildings that inspired them to later reminisce about “our little Greenwich Village”. Read Joan’s Kilmarnock Bookstore article: www.mnopedia.org/place/kilmarnock-books

 

 

Sacred Landscape?

Sunday, May 6 • 1 – 3 pm

Meet at Wabasha & Kellogg Blvd Bridgehead, Saint Paul Led by Robert Ferguson Downtown Saint Paul occupies a river landscape that has been considered sacred by the native people for thousands of years. What role do sacred sites play in our understanding of the modern city, apart from its name? Our two-hour walking tour will begin at the Wabasha Bridgehead, pass through Lowertown, and end at the Church of the Assumption on West 7th Street.

 

 

Access in the City

Saturday, May 12 • 1:30 – 3:30 pm

Meet at Highland Park Library, 1974 Ford Parkway, Saint Paul Led by Kjensmo Walker This Jane’s Walk focuses on accessibility and the sidewalk network. Before the walk there will be a short presentation. Using wheelchairs and low-vision simulation goggles we will navigate the neighborhood around the Highland Park Library. Please do not bring purses or bags, as you will need your arms and hands free.