In a recent government meeting, officials expressed enthusiasm over the upcoming opening of the 18/81 Café at Union Depot, set to launch in July. The café aims to provide both lunch and dinner services, featuring a diverse menu that will include offerings from the popular Lake Elmo Inn, alongside unique items tailored to the Union Depot's ambiance.

Commissioner Maguire highlighted the importance of affordability in the café's menu, ensuring it caters to a wide range of visitors. Additionally, the café plans to offer grab-and-go options, catering to the many commuters and pedestrians frequenting the area.

The discussions also underscored the growing vibrancy of Union Depot, particularly with the introduction of the Borealis train service, which now operates twice daily alongside the Empire Builder. This enhancement is expected to boost local tourism, allowing visitors from Red Wing to easily access the café and other amenities.

Officials praised the management firm JLL for their contributions to the project and acknowledged the positive impact of existing tenants, such as the Lowertown Bike Shop, which has recently expanded its services to include coffee. The meeting concluded with a call for improved signage to better inform visitors of the various offerings at Union Depot, reflecting the area's transformation into a bustling hub for both locals and tourists.