Macalester-Groveland

Macalester-Groveland
Name	Macalester-Groveland
Settlement type	Neighborhood
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Minnesota
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Ramsey
Subdivision type3	City
Subdivision name3	Saint Paul
Named for	Macalester College and Groveland Avenue
Timezone	Central Time Zone
Utc offset	-6
Timezone DST	Central Daylight Time
Utc offset DST	-5
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	55105
Area code	651
Blank name	FIPS code
Blank1 name	GNIS feature ID

Macalester-Groveland. A prominent residential neighborhood in Saint Paul, Minnesota, it is distinguished by its academic anchor, Macalester College, and its historic, tree-lined streets. The area is known for its engaged community, well-preserved early 20th-century housing stock, and vibrant commercial corridors along Grand Avenue and Snelling Avenue. Its identity is shaped by a mix of academic influence, historic preservation, and active neighborhood associations.

History

The neighborhood's development accelerated in the late 19th century with the founding of Macalester College in 1885 and the expansion of the Twin Cities streetcar system. Key early figures included Edward Duffield Neill, the college's founder, and real estate developers like Cyrus H. Beardsley, who platted significant portions of the area. The construction of the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line and other routes by the Twin City Rapid Transit Company spurred residential growth, attracting professionals and faculty. Many homes were built in architectural styles popular during the American Craftsman, Colonial Revival, and Tudor Revival periods. The neighborhood was formally organized and named in the 1970s through the consolidation of several smaller districts, including the Groveland Park area.

Geography

Macalester-Groveland is bounded by Ayd Mill Road to the north, Cretin Avenue to the east, the Mississippi River to the south, and Fairview Avenue to the west. The terrain is characterized by a gentle slope descending from the higher ground near Snelling Avenue toward the Mississippi River bluffs. Major thoroughfares include north-south Snelling Avenue (part of Minnesota State Highway 51), east-west Grand Avenue, and Saint Clair Avenue. The neighborhood's western edge is defined by the scenic Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

Demographics

The population is characterized by a high concentration of residents with advanced degrees, heavily influenced by the presence of Macalester College, University of Saint Thomas, and other nearby institutions like the College of St. Catherine. Households often include professionals, academics, and students. Demographic data from the United States Census Bureau typically shows higher-than-average educational attainment and median household income compared to the City of Saint Paul overall. The area has a significant population of long-term residents, contributing to stable neighborhood associations like the Macalester-Groveland Community Council.

Education

Macalester College, a nationally ranked private liberal arts college, is the neighborhood's central educational institution. Other significant schools include Saint Paul Academy and Summit School on the border with Summit-University. Public education is served by the Saint Paul Public Schools district, including Highland Park Senior High School and Groveland Park Elementary School. The neighborhood is also proximate to the University of Saint Thomas in adjacent Summit-University and the College of St. Catherine in Midway.

Parks and recreation

The neighborhood features several notable parks, including Groveland Park along the Mississippi River, which offers playgrounds, athletic fields, and access to trails within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. Macalester College's athletic facilities, such as the Leonard Center, serve both the college and community. The Como-Harriet Streetcar Line historic right-of-way provides a recreational path. Residents also utilize the extensive Grand Round National Scenic Byway trail system and nearby Crosby Farm Regional Park for hiking and biking.

Transportation

Major transit corridors include Snelling Avenue, which is served by the METRO A Line, a high-frequency bus rapid transit route connecting to Union Depot and the Mall of America. Grand Avenue and Saint Clair Avenue are key east-west bus routes operated by Metro Transit. The neighborhood has good access to Interstate 94 via the Snelling Avenue interchange. Historically, the area was shaped by the streetcars of the Twin City Rapid Transit Company, remnants of which influence the current street layout.

Category:Neighborhoods in Saint Paul, Minnesota Category:Ramsey County, Minnesota