Model Cities Redevelopment
URBAN GREEN SPACE FACT SHEET
A project of Model Cities Community Development Corporation
Model Cities is creating a new scattered-site, mixed-use development known as Model Cities Redevelopment.
The development will create forty-four new units of workforce housing and over 30,000 square feet of office
and retail space. Located along University Avenue in St. Paul, the new construction will be immediately
adjacent to the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit’s Victoria Street Station. One fundamental principle
underpinning the Model Cities Redevelopment project is a commitment to environmental sustainability. A
defining feature of that commitment will be the development’s incorporation of over 9,000 square feet of new
urban green space along University Avenue. Additionally, the development will create a rooftop garden for the
workforce housing residents of the development. Following are details and benefits related to these features:

Pocket Parks: Two new pocket parks will be created along University Avenue, replacing 9,200 square
feet of impervious surface area. With a dearth of existing green space along this major urban
thoroughfare, these pocket parks will serve to soften the streetscape and provide a respite for residents,
customers, and pedestrians.

Urban Gardens: The pocket parks will also incorporate opportunities for urban gardening. These
urban gardens will allow community residents who may not have land of their own
to grow their own food, flowers and vegetables. Aside from the affordability and empowerment derived
from growing one’s own food, urban gardening can lead to an improved diet and a reduced dependency
on processed food products. Additionally, urban gardens can help facilitate cross-cultural and crossgenerational relationships, helping to build a sense of community, pride and stewardship.

Rooftop Garden: The Model Cities Redevelopment project will also incorporate a rooftop garden into
its building design. This rooftop garden will function as a community gathering space for the residents
of the building. With opportunities for gardening and reflection, the rooftop garden will create a safe
and secure oasis within the surrounding urban fabric.

Stormwater Management: With 9,200 square feet of reduced impervious surface area, the Model Cities
Redevelopment project will play a valuable role in alleviating the impacts of non-point urban stormwater
runoff. By creating more than one-fifth of an acre of new pervious surface area, the new green space will
provide opportunities to reduce the volume of stormwater runoff and minimize pollutant loading where
formerly no pre-treatment existed.

Positive Environmental Impacts: Apart from their community benefits and visual appeal, these green
spaces play a role in alleviating a variety of environmental issues. In addition to the stormwater benefits
listed above, these pocket parks will help reduce the urban heat island effect by reducing the amount of
radiant heat reflected into the atmosphere. Additionally, the vegetation within these pocket parks will
reduce air pollution by filtering out ambient CO2 emissions.