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WALNUT STREET STAIRWAY
ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Join the Advisory Committee!

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Rethos, the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy, and the West 7th/Fort Road Federation, in collaboration with the City of Saint Paul, are embarking on a fundraising campaign to repair and reopen the Walnut Street Stairs. This initiative aims to reconnect Saint Paul’s neighborhoods, reopen a vital piece of the city's infrastructure, and celebrate the diverse stories of communities connected by the steps. 

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The Walnut Street Stairway, connecting Summit Avenue near the James J. Hill House to Irvine Avenue below, has historically served as a vital passage through Saint Paul's landscape. However, the stairway’s closure due to wear and environmental factors has left a gap in the city’s connectivity. 

Recognizing the significance of this historic feature, an advisory committee is currently being formed to begin its work in 2025. This committee will focus on collecting stories from the community about the steps, exploring their historical role in connecting neighborhoods, and identifying ways to integrate the stairway into the city’s broader network of parks and public spaces.  

Over the next year, the advisory committee and project partners will: 

  • Engage the Community

  • Research Historical Significance

  • Inspire Community Connections

  • Explore Innovative Uses

Community members interested in joining the advisory committee can apply here. Applications will remain open until February 28, 2025. 

“We are excited to launch this first step in the process of bringing the Walnut Street Stairway back to life. By gathering community input and creating a shared vision, we aim to reconnect the city and build momentum for this important project.”

Dr. Heidi Swank, Executive Director of Rethos

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