Summit Avenue Residential Preservation Association

SOS Save Our Street is a citizen group affiliated with SARPA. We encourage all supporters of maintaining Summit Avenue's green, safe and historical residential character, to help our cause and DONATE.

The mission of the Summit Avenue Residential Preservation Association (SARPA, a 501 c(3) nonprofit) is to preserve the historic residential character of Summit Avenue for all users. Unfortunately, St. Paul's historic Summit Avenue is under threat.

 

Thousands stroll, jog, bike and travel the historical residential parkway setting of Summit Avenue each day. Unfortunately, the City of St. Paul plans to carve into the green space and move 60% of the curbs and 50% of the parking to make room for suburban-style, above-street-grade bike paths along its entire length.

Construction activity at intersection corners, removing/changing curbs, and extending several hundred driveways and walkways would surround the root system of most trees. As a result, as much as 60% of its tree canopy (800-950 trees) would be lost and green space reduced. In addition, the bike paths would traverse driveways and walkways, a safety hazard for cyclists and pedestrians alike.

Finally, parking along Summit will be reduced by up to 1/2, compromising school and event access, mail and delivery service, and denying access to those with physical disabilities. Drive lanes would be widened to 12', which typically increases speeding. A 21st-century parkway would replace a 19th-century historical streetscape.

 

Saint Paul’s Summit Avenue is America's best-preserved boulevard of Victorian and monumental architecture. The 4 ½ mile stretch comprises two National Historic Districts and extends from Minnesota’s State Capitol to the Mississippi River. Designed in the 1800s, Summit has maintained its residential character and streetscape. In addition to its more than 400 houses, Summit Avenue is home to thirteen churches, nine schools and several parks. Summit’s residential zoning includes allowances for non-residential use for churches and colleges but expressly prohibits commercial development. Residents and those who value Summit Avenue are strongly motivated by an awareness of the deterioration and loss of similar historic avenues in many cities.

 

SOS promotes transparency and public awareness. Make a difference by donating to Save Our Street.