The Saint Paul Condo Blog

So apparently, for the last year and a half, my attention has been looking up at the buildings, not at the ground.  I'm actually not sure how I first noticed these, but I began to investigate!  This was a project from the City of St Paul's Public Works division in 2008.  Four covers were designed and placed throughout the city, with a total of 200 covers (there are 4 designs).  The designs are the Conductor, the Capitol dome (both pictured) a runner, and a snow flake.

The current art project that Public Works is "working" on is sidewalk poetry.  They are taking applications for possible sidewalks throughout the city, if you've got a good poem, check out their website, as they are taking poems until the end of the month.

www.StPaul.gov/poetry

There's been talk at a few different buildings about banning smoking, and it usually involves grandfathering in the current smokers in the building and banning it for new owners/renters.

MarketHouse has done the incredible and banned smoking 100% throughout the condominium, including inside the lofts!

Smoking is really a hot button issue with condominiums.  Personally I'm torn.  I do enjoy a cigar (but never inside the condo) from time to time, so part of me feel banning smoking inside your own home starts to impede on quiet enjoyment of the property.  On the other hand, when smoke from one condo seeps into another, one person's enjoyment turns into a nightmare with no remedy for another.

Kudo's to MarketHouse for taking a leap into uncharted territory!

Now, as far as I know, this photo is 100%.  This is not a photo I took, but an old acquaintance from high school was taking photos down at Raspberry Island and captured an interesting scene.

I've heard of extreme walking as a sport, but bridge running is new to me!  I've driven/walked past the bridge a thousand times and always wondered what stopped people from climbing up to the top of the Robert Street bridge.  I guess I have my answer, nothing except fear.  Put this on the list of activities I will NOT be trying.  Click the photo to zoom in a bit...

From the official press release:

3rd ANNUAL

Black Dog Block Party

Saturday, May 9 , 1:00-7:00 pm

4th & Broadway, in front of the Northern Warehouse Lowertown, St. Paul MN

Featuring:

Local favorite:

The Brass Messengers

Music based around the Gypsy Brass styles of Romania, with their own take on American Country music, Latin American dance rhythms and Afro-Pop.

http://www.brassmessengers.com

The sensational French band on their way to The New Orleans Heritage

Festival:

Tarace Boulba

Quality funk, and French Afro-Pop. www.taraceboulba.com

Also performing:

Aviette

Cafe Accordion

Farewell Pluto

Junkyard Empire

Maria Isa and El Arco Iris ­ student drumming group

Other activities include:
 - Street Dance

 - Artists booths with art and craft items
 - Street performers and stiltwalkers
 - Beer & wine selections
 - Food and drink inside the Black Dog Cafe

Make a date for the Third Annual Black Dog Block Party! A favorite Lowertown festival, the Black Dog Block Party will feature soul-stirring, foot-stompin', can't-stop-dancin' music by The Brass Messengers, and special guests, the French band Tarace Boulba. With an outdoor stage right on the street in the heart of Lowertown, the music is up close and personal, adding an electric energy to the event. Additionally, local artists and performers showcase their best arts, crafts, and carnival performances.

Come to the Farmers' Market and stay for the fun! A not-to-be-missed event!

For more information, call the Black Dog Cafe at 651-228-9274 or see www.blackdogstpaul.com