StoryCAPboard's Comprehensive Vision for the Minnesota State Capitol Area and MallSeptember 3, 2026

CAPboard Unveils Ambitious 30-Year Vision for Minnesota Capitol Area

The comprehensive plan aims to transform the 60-block government campus into a vibrant civic heart for all Minnesotans, shaped by extensive community input.

Published Sep 15, 2026

The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAPboard) has laid out a comprehensive, 30-year vision to reimagine the Minnesota State Capitol Area and Mall, proposing a transformation from a primarily governmental campus into a dynamic “civic heart” for the state. Presented recently to the Minnesota House, this long-term framework encompasses a 60-block area within St. Paul, aiming to create a more welcoming and activated public space that better connects with its surrounding community.

My goal is to show how the 2040 comprehensive plan, the capital mall design framework, and the cultural landscape report already established a long-term vision for this place. In particular, I want to show how the mall is envisioned not as an isolated government campus, but as Minnesota's civic heart, connected to St. Paul, connected to the park system, and welcoming Minnesotans from across the state.
— Eric Cedarleaf Doll, Executive Secretary of CAPboard

This ambitious plan is built upon CAPboard's 2040 comprehensive plan, the Capitol Mall design framework, and a detailed cultural landscape report. These documents collectively establish a vision for significant improvements over the next three decades, emphasizing accessibility, green spaces, and enhanced public use. The framework is not intended as a final blueprint but rather a guide for future development, with decisions belonging to the community and the legislature in a collaborative process.

Community Input Shapes Vision

Community feedback played a crucial role in shaping the current design framework, revealing a consistent desire for more vibrant and engaging spaces. Residents and stakeholders expressed a clear need for increased activity, improved natural elements, and better integration with the surrounding urban fabric.

Other Topics from This Document

Analysis of State Capital Malls Designated as State Parks
Funding and Partnership Models for Capital Mall Development
Programming and Activation of Capital Mall Spaces
Security, Accessibility, and Environmental Considerations in Capital Mall Design
Integration of Capitol Area with Surrounding Neighborhoods and Regional Planning

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Votes (2)

Presentation on Other State Capital Malls as State Parks

No official action was taken on this presentation; it was for informational purposes and to generate questions for future follow-up.

Andrew George, nonpartisan staff with LCC, presented a comparative analysis of state capital malls designated as state parks in California, Oregon, and Tennessee. He detailed how each park received its designation, its offerings (tours, monuments, green spaces), and administrative structures. Key differences included establishment by statute vs. administrative action, and varying divisions of authority between park departments, legislatures, and general services for maintenance, security, and programming. Questions from the working group focused on details of guided tours, funding mechanisms, and the role of non-profits in other states.

Presentation on CAPboard's Planning for the Capitol Area and Mall

No official action was taken on this presentation; it was for informational purposes and to generate further discussion for future meetings.

Eric Cedarleaf Doll, Executive Secretary of the CAPboard, detailed the comprehensive planning efforts for the Minnesota Capitol Area, including the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, Capital Mall Design Framework, and Cultural Landscape Report. He emphasized the vision of the Capitol Mall as 'Minnesota's civic heart,' not an isolated campus, with a focus on connecting it to St. Paul and the state. The presentation covered historical context, current implementation of 'bold moves' (e.g., tree planting, tribal flag plaza, Rice Street reconstruction), and consideration of funding models through partnerships. Discussion involved the implementation process, involvement of security, and the positive impact on surrounding neighborhoods.

Notable Quotes (9)

Um California, we'll start with this map shows the uh Capital Park in Sacramento. Uh it extends uh um 40 it's 40 acres. It extends from 9th Street on the the west side uh to 15th.
— Andrew George [0:04:41]

Presentation on Other State Capital Malls as State Parks

I have a note here, and again, Mr. Turva put this together, but, uh, there's a legislative operating account that reimbures the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation for a share of ground for for their for its share of ground maintenance and utilities.
— Representative Claybourne [0:09:56]

Presentation on Other State Capital Malls as State Parks

I would say that there's already a mechanism which the way that we fund regional parks here in our state that in 1985 state Minnesota promised like the metro regional agencies that like they would pay for 40% of the operating cost of these parks. These are regional parks and right now though the state only pays 10% of that cost and so I don't know if there's something already in statute around state parks versus but I know there is already something on regional parks and so I don't know if it's necessarily something we would create brand new or if it was something that would be similar we could look at it from there but I will say as a as a city that has a very large regional park it is very costly for us to manage that on our own and with this being in the in St. Paul here. I would want to make sure that if that whatever funding source comes through that that actually is allocated so that um the responsibility doesn't just fall back in the city of St. Paul. I I want this park and I love it idea of it. I just want to make sure that St. Paul's tax uh payers aren't the ones who end up paying for the cost of managing the park because right now we only get 10% of the 40% promised to us and that's in state statute right now for regional parks.

Ordinances & Resolutions (5)

Senate Bill 632Legislation

Oregon bill that established the Oregon State Capital State Park and its foundation fund.

2040 comprehensive planPlan

Adopted by CAPboard in 2021, established a new vision for the capital area as a 'civic heart.'

Capital Mall Design FrameworkPlan

Updated in 2023/2024 with legislative funding, applies principles from the comp plan to the capital mall with detailed strategies and design guidance.

Cultural Landscape ReportReport

Gives a preservation lens, identifies historic landscape significance, and informs changes to the Capitol Mall.

2023 legislationLegislation

Provided resources to CAPboard to update the capital mall design framework and initial implementation funding, specifically mentioning new green spaces around Rice Street and University, and a mature tree canopy.

THE OLMSTED COUNTY RECORDER

CAPboard Unveils Ambitious 30-Year Vision for Minnesota Capitol Area

Community Input Shapes Vision

Other Topics from This Document

Analysis of State Capital Malls Designated as State Parks

Funding and Partnership Models for Capital Mall Development

Programming and Activation of Capital Mall Spaces

Security, Accessibility, and Environmental Considerations in Capital Mall Design

Integration of Capitol Area with Surrounding Neighborhoods and Regional Planning

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Addressing Funding and Infrastructure

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Votes (2)

Notable Quotes (9)

Ordinances & Resolutions (5)

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