[DEV] Live Minneapolis - Saint Paul

Thomas-Dale—frequently referred to as Frogtown—is Saint Paul’s most diverse neighborhood. This diversity is reflected not only in our residents who come from every corner of the globe, but in the wonderful shops, restaurants, and services that you will also find here. University Avenue is the major commercial center in the neighborhood, home to about 100 Asian-owned businesses and many others—and it is served by high-frequency and express buses and the forthcoming Central Corridor LRT line. Our modestly-priced homes, strong sense of community, active and engaged residents, and proximity to the State Capital, downtown, and I-94 make Thomas-Dale a great place to call home.

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Boundaries and Zip Code

North: BNSF railroad tracks
South: University Avenue
East: I-35E
West: Lexington Avenue

Zip code: 55103, 55104, 55130

Sub-Neighborhoods

The following neighborhoods are part of the Thomas-Dale planning district (District 7):

• East Midway
• Capitol Heights
• Frogtown
• Mount Airy

History

Thomas-Dale was settled by European immigrants in the 1880s when the new rail lines were built to the north of the neighborhood—homes from this time period are still in the neighborhood. In 1890 the first streetcar line between Saint Paul and Minneapolis opened along University Avenue, spurring commercial development. Thomas-Dale is now home to new immigrants who are bringing new businesses and vitality to the neighborhood.

Housing Styles and Types

Many of the homes in Thomas-Dale are modestly sized two-story Foursquares or ramblers—with over half of the homes being constructed prior to 1940. There are also a number of historic homes in the neighborhood from the Victorian era that range in size from “mechanic’s cottage” to larger Queen Anne-style homes. Apartment buildings are also located throughout the neighborhood.

Schools

Public Schools:

• Creative Arts High School (9-12)
• Jackson Preparatory Magnet School (K-6)
• Franklin Music Magnet School (K-6)

Charter Schools:

• New Spirit School (K-8)
• Hmong Academy (K-12)

Private Schools:

• Saint Agnes School (K-12)

For more information on Saint Paul schools, visit Live MSP's Schools page.

Public Facilities

• West Minnehaha Park and Recreation Center—playing fields, basketball court, game and meeting rooms
• Biff Adams Ice Arena at 743 N. Western Avenue. 651-558-2200
• Rondo Community Outreach Library
• Jackson Street Roundhouse/Minnesota Transportation Museum
• Mount Airy Boys and Girls Club/Valley Recreation Center

Home Purchase/Home Improvement Incentives

• The Greater Frogtown CDC offers several home improvement programs in the neighborhood. See: http://www.greaterfrogtowncdc.org/housing/lending.htm
• Restore Saint Paul

For information about other incentive programs that may be available in this neighborhood, visit Live MSP's Incentive Programs page.

Getting Involved

• Thomas-Dale/Dist. 7 Planning Council—the official neighborhood organization.
• University UNITED—a coalition of citizens and businesses along University Avenue
• Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation—non-profit business and housing developer in the neighborhood.
• Midway Chamber of Commerce—supports area businesses through advocacy and programming.
• Center for Hmong Arts and Talent—nurtures and develops Hmong talent.
• Hmong American Partnership--to help Hmong grow deep roots in America while preserving the strength of Hmong culture.
• Hmong Cultural Center—provides cultural education and resources to promote understanding between Hmong and non-Hmong populations.
• Lao Family Community—to facilitate and promote the success of Hmong Americans in Minnesota.
• Oromo Community of Minnesota--provides programs and services to assist Minnesota’s Oromo Community.
• Frogtown Gardens—neighborhood group of gardeners.

News

• The Monitor is a monthly newspaper delivered free of charge to residents in the Thomas-Dale neighborhood. It is also available on-line at: http://www.monitorsaintpaul.com/index.html
• Hmong Times—is published twice a month and is distributed free at selected Asian businesses and organizations, Hmong Festivals and at the publication office. Subscriptions are available at the rate of $75 per year.
• The Greater Frogtown Community Development Corporation has an e-mail newsletter that you can subscribe to at: http://www.greaterfrogtowncdc.org/

Statistics

• Wilder Research Center Neighborhood Profiles—Includes trend information on neighborhood demographics, economics, and housing, taken from the most recent census data.
• Ramsey County’s Property Records and Revenue Department—Review Saint Paul property sales data by searching for or entering in a street name. You can find the most recent sales price for individual properties and current property tax information.
• Saint Paul Crime Statistics—Crime maps, statistics, and reports compiled by the Saint Paul Police Department. Check out Interpreting Crime Statistics. to help you make sense of these resources.

Real Estate Listings

Search Realtor.com for listings. You can search for properties by either clicking on the map or entering the neighborhood name or zip code (noting that zip code boundaries span multiple neighborhoods) into the search bar.

OwnAHomeMN.org—Check here for listings of affordable homes sold by community developers. Note: not all neighborhoods have listings.

Contacts

Thomas-Dale/Dist. 7 Planning Council
Tait Danielson Castillo, Executive Director
533 North Dale Street
Saint Paul, MN 55103
Office: 651-789-7407
Website: www.d7mix.org
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Meetings: Board Meeting – 2nd Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. Community Concerns Meeting - 4th Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
533 North Dale Street

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