Ryan Companies and a partner developer updated the St. Paul HRA on construction and design progress at the Highland Bridge site, including the gateway mixed-use building, three retail shells along Ford Parkway, the civic square (Outlot B), and early plans for Blocks 11 and 16.

Sean Ryan, a developer with Ryan Companies, told the HRA that construction on the Gateway project (formerly Block 2B/2C and Outlot B) began in June and that the project remains on track for a forecasted turnover date of Oct. 26. He described the Gateway building as a 97-unit market-rate multifamily building with about 23,000 square feet of retail. Ryan reported that footings and foundations are complete, precast structured parking and the parking slab on grade are finished, exterior wall framing for the first floor is ongoing, and wood framing for floors two through four is in progress. He said in-unit MEP rough-in would begin later in the month and that roof installation was targeting Nov. 5 to get the building watertight before winter.

Ryan also highlighted reuse of architectural elements from the historic Ford plant on the east facade that faces the future Civic Square. "We are going to be using [sections of] the Ford plant along the east facade of the multifamily building that faces Civic Square," he said, describing the friezes and other salvaged pieces that have been stored on-site and are now being integrated into the new construction.

On retail and tenant improvements, Ryan said three standalone retail buildings along Ford Parkway have foundations complete, underground plumbing and utilities ongoing, and structural steel erection planned to begin at the end of the month. For Block 2C, which will house the Tierra Encantada daycare tenant, Ryan said the scheduled turnover to the tenant is June 2026 and the tenant will perform the interior fit-out (tenant improvements) after the shell is made watertight.

Nick Nowatarski, development director with Leidner Apartment Homes, briefed the HRA on Blocks 11 and 16. He said Block 11 is currently planned for roughly 175 units and about 2,000 square feet of retail, with construction planned to start in late spring or summer 2026 and an estimated construction duration of about 18–20 months. Block 16 is planned to follow about a year later with roughly 180 units. Nowatarski said the team expects to submit entitlements in November and a building permit application in January to enable the targeted construction start dates.

Council members praised the pace of construction and the in-person presentation. Council Member Rieing asked when the buildings would be move-in ready; the developers said Block 11 occupancy would likely fall in winter 2027 into 2028, with Block 16 about a year later. Several members encouraged colleagues to visit the site to view the rapid progress.

The presentation included renderings, site sequencing and a timeline; developers said they have held pre-application meetings with city staff and will continue neighborhood outreach. No formal HRA action or vote was required on the update.