Rice Street in Ramsey County is bustling once again, as the first phase of its long-awaited improvements has been completed. On Saturday, Oct. 18, local officials and community members came together for a ribbon-cutting event to commemorate the re-opening of Rice Street from Wheelock Parkway to Arlington Avenue. According to a news release from Ramsey County, the celebration marked not just the physical enhancements but also recognized the future construction plans and the collaborative efforts behind the project.
The revitalization of this corridor didn't emerge out of nowhere. As Ramsey County Public Works' John Mazzitello put it in a statement, “This project didn’t start with cones and concrete, it started years ago with conversations." The process began way back in 2019, and it involved extensive community engagement, gathering input from thousands of residents, businesses, and local stakeholders through a series of open houses, pop-up events, and surveys.
Not just a case of roadworks, the Rice Street project stands out for its partnership with Forecast Public Arts, a group dedicated to integrating local culture into urban renewal initiatives. Their artist liaisons were part of the Rice Street undertaking from the start, ensuring the preservation of community identity. “They brought creativity and community voice into what’s often a very technical process,” Mazzitello told Ramsey County. By embracing the neighborhood's spirit through art walks and storytelling, Forecast Public Arts has been instrumental in shaping a design reflective of the community's character.
The ribbon-cutting event was not without its creative flair, featuring activities like build-your-own Rice Street superhero and block printing. Meanwhile, The Perfect Coffee provided coffee and treats, and attendees had a chance at winning local restaurant gift cards. The next phase for Rice Street is set to impact the stretch from Maryland Avenue to Manitoba Avenue and is slated to begin next year. Meanwhile, the section from Manitoba Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue is on the docket for 2027. The complete redesign aims to enhance resident mobility and safety with a reconfigured three-lane road, ADA improvements, upgraded transit stations, and better snow storage solutions.
