On St. Paul’s East Side, the Latino Economic Development Center is revitalizing a historic building that will serve as a small business incubator.
SAINT PAUL, Minnesota — Construction is nearly finished on the Plaza del Sol project, located at 990 Payne Ave. on St. Paul’s East Side. But Operation Metro Surge’s impact is being felt as they move towards the finish line.
The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) is transforming the historic building into a small business incubator that will feature a food hall, commissary kitchen and event center.
“As part of LEDC’s strategic initiative, through its East Side Real Estate project, to really be a catalytic force in East Side Saint Paul. Given all of the disparities, given the disinvestment by the government and just in general… we wanted to be a catalyzing force on Payne and for the entire East Side district,” said Alma Flores, executive director of LEDC.
The building, built in the 1900s, used to be an old furniture store. It will now serve as a spot to remove barriers for entrepreneurs.
The shared commissary kitchen will be open 24/7 to support food makers, caterers, food truck operators and emerging chefs. Plaza del Sol’s market hall will feature three food stands and two restaurant spaces with full kitchens.
On the top floor is an event space for up to 250 guests. The dance floor is made of refurbished wood from the building.
“The event center, we believe, kind of brings it all together for people in the community to have a space where they can come to,” said Tony Phelps, LEDC commercial real estate development manager.
LEDC will be moving its headquarters to the building and the organization will also rent out office space to other nonprofits.
According to Phelps, construction is about 90% complete.
“We’re finally getting to the point where we’re doing the painting. We’ll be installing floors here pretty quickly and then once that is finished, the stairwells and the elevators need to be completed. So we’re getting there,” Phelps said.
But the organization still needs to fill four out of the five vendor spots in the market hall.
“That has been a struggle. Operation Metro Surge really did quite a number in terms of people’s security and safety to start new businesses,” Flores said. “Given the Latino community was a target, it makes it difficult for them to put that risk out. And for us, as well… we don’t know what’s going to happen over the next 2.5 years.”
While Plaza del Sol is open to all, the original vision of the project was focused on supporting Latino-owned businesses.
“Our restaurants and stands were meant to be that cultural celebration of the different food types that make up Latin America and our center here was meant to do that,” Flores said. “But given Operation Metro Surge, we don’t exactly know whether that’s going to pan out. So we are opening it up to anyone who would like to start their business here with us.”
Construction is expected to wrap up by the end of May with a soft opening set for June and a grand opening in July.
Those interested in becoming a vendor or booking an event at Plaza del Sol can find contact information, here.
