Bandana Square facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Northern Pacific Railway Company Como Shops Historic District
|
|
Bandana Square: steam locomotive and water tower enhancing the railroad theme
|
|
 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Energy Park Dr. and Bandana Blvd. Saint Paul, Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Built | 1885 |
| NRHP reference No. | 83000937 |
| Added to NRHP | March 31, 1983 |
Bandana Square, once known as the Como Shops of the Northern Pacific Railway, is now a busy office center. It was first planned as a large indoor shopping mall in the Energy Park area of Saint Paul, Minnesota. This historic site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its important past.
Contents
History of Bandana Square
Bandana Square opened in 1984. It was created by changing the old Northern Pacific Railway's Como Shops. The idea was to make it a big shopping and hotel complex. Different groups, including railroads, the government, and private donors, helped make this happen.
A Best Western hotel and conference center is still located at Bandana Square. When Bandana Square first opened, it had several restaurants. The Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant was one of them. It later moved to Downtown Minneapolis in 2003. The Dino's Greek fast-food chain also had its first year-round restaurant here. Before this, Dino's only had stands at the Minnesota State Fair and other events.
The center was bought by the Saint Paul-based Wilder Foundation in 1983. Over time, the project faced financial challenges. The Wilder Foundation decided to sell it. The Saint Paul Port Authority took over the center in 1989. They later sold it to investors. These new owners tried to make it a regional retail and entertainment spot. Wellington Management bought the center in 2003. By 2006, the entire center was changed into office spaces.
Museums at Bandana Square
Several popular museums were once located near or within Bandana Square. These museums attracted many visitors to the area.
Minnesota Children's Museum
The Minnesota Children's Museum was located in a building close to Bandana Square. It was there from 1985 until 1995. When it moved to Downtown Saint Paul, many visitors followed it.
Twin City Model Railroad Museum
The Twin City Model Railroad Museum was located inside Bandana Square itself. It was there from 1984 until 2016. The museum then moved to a new location in St. Paul. It was the last original tenant from when the building was first turned into a shopping and entertainment area.
