Year: 1931
Connected Buildings
First National Bank (within structure)
Adjacent Bridges
Bridge 25 (North)
Bridge 30 (East)
Bridge 34 (South)
Easement Agreement
No easement agreement, private bridge.
Notes
Although it’s technically private, I’ve found the bridge to be still accessible. A security guard stopped me headed to the elevator on a weekend once, but kindly offered to escort me up when the other guard returned from their rounds.
From the building’s Wikipedia page:
It is believed that the world’s first modern skyway was built to connect the two towers.[8] The skyway connects the building’s 17th floor with the adjacent 16-story Merchants Bank Building which is part of the same property. It is the tallest skyway in the Twin Cities.[4] The skyway with six tinted windows was built in 1931 in conjunction of the finishing of the building. The Merchants Bank Building was the tallest in Saint Paul from 1915 to 1931 when the First National Bank Building overtook it.[10]
Bridges
A comprehensive guide to the climate controlled city owned bridges that make the skyway the skyway.
Buildings
Essentially the same information presented in the bridges section, only sorted by building.
Access
FUTURE SECTION
Why is this door locked? Where ARE the doors? How do I get in? How do I get OUT? Skyway access is one of the more perplexing aspects of the DtStP Skyway.
Wayfinding
FUTURE SECTION
Getting from A to B can be quite an undertaking. There are maps and signs in every building but how helpful are they and what does improving them mean?
Immediate Action Items:
Bridges:
- Determine what content is most valuable
- Go through agreements and add any additional buildings included
- Get consistent photos for all skyway bridges
- Compile information in a spreadsheet/database
Long-Term Action Items:
- Redraw easements to modern technology standards (or submit a request that DSI do it?)
- Obtain hi-res skway level building maps and integrate with bridges and access maps, creating a SUPERmap.
- Add a comprehensive buildings section to the mix, including all spaces vacant and occupied.
- Integrate database with comprehensive DtStP database.
Potential Related Projects?
DtStP - Downtown Saint Paul 