The Saint Paul Port Authority’s purchase and subsequent redevelopment of the 3M Co.’s East Side Campus and 15 more acres of land we already own nearby will be our largest single jobs-restoration effort in 20 years. The new site under redevelopment, encompassing the former 3M Campus and Port-owned sites nearby, is called Beacon Bluff.

Not since the development of our Westgate Business Center in Saint Paul’s Midway has so much abandoned or underused property been redeveloped in an environmentally friendly way at one time.

The Port Authority will redevelop the property consistent with its more than 75-year history of partnering with the community to offer expansion-minded businesses clean land on which to grow, close to an able workforce and public transportation. We now are working with a variety of community groups to determine the best use of the 3M property.

“Public involvement in the process is vital,” said Wally Waranka, president of the District 4 Planning Council. “The redevelopment must reflect the pride we have in where we work and live and play.”

The area was home for 3M from 1910 to 1962 when the company moved its headquarters to a new Maplewood complex. We expect to purchase the property in two phases. For more information please contact Bill Morin at 651-204-6226 or Monte Hilleman at 651-204-6237.