Rondo Land Trust Proposes St. Paul Sears Redevelopment
The land trust plans to transform the former 17-acre Sears site into a mixed-use space with housing and parks.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Commercial
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The Rondo Community Land Trust has announced a plan to redevelop the vacant 17-acre Sears site in St. Paul. The initiative aims to restore the street grid to create housing, parks, and a venue for the local community.
Why it matters
This project seeks to address historical displacement by providing new housing and public space for descendants of residents impacted by the construction of Interstate 94. The site has sat largely unused as surface parking since the original store closed in 2019.
The 17-acre site was purchased for $10.8 million, significantly above the $5.8 million taxable market value. Ramsey County has contributed a $50,000 grant to assist with the initial planning process.
The players
Rondo Community Land Trust
This organization focuses on land stewardship and community development to support housing accessibility.
Ramsey County
This local government entity provides administrative support and grant funding for regional development projects.
The details
The land trust intends to divide the massive property into smaller blocks by restoring the street grid. The development is expected to feature a mix of residential units and community amenities on the land that previously housed a Sears store.
Timeline
1963: The Sears store originally opened at the site.
2019: The Sears store officially closed.
2023: Pacifica St. Paul LLC purchased and then resold the site.
March 2026: The Rondo Community Land Trust purchased the 17-acre property.
Culture Shift
The initiative represents a localized effort to address the long-term impact of the historical displacement caused by the construction of Interstate 94. This effort reflects a broader movement to use community land trusts as a tool for urban equity and redressing past development harm.
Residents can expect future community engagement sessions where they can provide input on the master plan for the new neighborhood blocks. The proposed transformation of the long-vacant site into housing and parks will likely change local traffic patterns and land use in the area.
The takeaway
The transformation of the former Sears site marks a pivot from industrial retail history to community-centered land use. Residents interested in urban planning can monitor upcoming public meetings to see how the street grid restoration will reshape this 17-acre corridor.
Further reading
Learn more about local business and property developments in the Saint Paul Commercial section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Star Tribune.
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