Commission grants conceptual approval for observation wheel at Saint Paul Square with staff conditions

The Historic and Design Review Commission voted July 16, 2025, to conceptually approve an observation wheel proposed for a site in the Saint Paul Square Historic District, granting approval contingent on staff stipulations about materials, lighting, signage and pedestrian-level design.

The proposal was presented by James McKnight, who said the project team would continue to develop detailing and return with construction-level drawings. In staff’s presentation, OHP staff (Edward) said the downtown design guide and downtown overlay informed the review and that staff’s recommendation emphasized street-level relationships — materials, architectural form, lighting, signage and landscaping — because those elements most affect the pedestrian experience.

“...we find that there is relatable height in the immediate vicinity,” OHP staff said, noting height diagrams submitted by the applicant that compared the wheel’s proposed height to nearby towers and hotels. Staff also recommended the applicant refine how ground-floor elements such as outdoor seating and auxiliary buildings relate in material and profile to nearby historic buildings.

Commissioners discussed the project’s unusual typology in a historic district. Commissioner Group said the feature “is not alien in any way, shape or form” and suggested it could revive recreational elements of the area. The applicant, McKnight, told the commission he agreed to all staff stipulations and that the current approval is conceptual, with additional design review and staff coordination to follow.

The motion to grant conceptual approval with all staff stipulations passed by roll call vote with all commissioners present voting aye.

Next steps: the applicant will submit detailed drawings addressing the staff stipulations for administrative review and for any subsequent subcommittee or commission review required by staff.