A dozen projects to improve St. Paul's Green Line corridor, ranging from the proposed River Balcony to a tool station for bikes, have won grants amounting to nearly $600,000 from the Knight Foundation.
The winners of the Knight Green Line Challenge were announced Tuesday, the second of three years during which the foundation will spend a total of $1.5 million on the best ideas to enliven St. Paul neighborhoods along the light-rail line.
Foundation officials said the winning projects fell into three categories: exciting residents and drawing newcomers, expanding economic opportunity and strengthening civic engagement.
This year's competition drew 358 applicants, a list that was narrowed in August to 27 finalists. The contest is open to any person, business or nonprofit with proposals to benefit downtown, Summit-University, Frogtown/Thomas-Dale, Hamline Midway, Union Park or St. Anthony Park.
Projects were judged on their potential impact, proximity to the Green Line and feasibility. For more information, go to knightgreenlinechallenge.org/.
The winners announced Wednesday:
• St. Paul Riverfront Corp., $100,000 to develop concepts with the community's help for the proposed downtown River Balcony.
• Rondo Ave. Inc., $75,000 to share oral histories at the new Rondo Commemorative Plaza and Garden.
