Summit Hill, Saint Paul

Summit Hill, Saint Paul
Name	Summit Hill
Subdivision type	City
Subdivision name	Saint Paul, Minnesota
Subdivision type1	County
Subdivision name1	Ramsey County, Minnesota
Subdivision type2	State
Subdivision name2	Minnesota
Established title	Platted
Established date	1857
Area total sq mi	0.5
Population as of	2020
Population total	~3,500
Population density sq mi	7,000
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	55105
Area code	651
Blank name sec1	Congressional district
Blank info sec1	Minnesota's 4th congressional district

Summit Hill, Saint Paul. A historic residential neighborhood located atop a bluff overlooking Downtown Saint Paul and the Mississippi River. Known for its grand Victorian architecture, tree-lined streets, and status as one of the city's most affluent areas, it is anchored by the iconic Summit Avenue, which boasts the longest stretch of intact Victorian homes in the United States. The neighborhood is a designated historic district and has been home to numerous prominent figures in Minnesota history, including politicians, industrialists, and literary icons.

History

The area's development began in earnest after the Treaty of Mendota and the subsequent arrival of James J. Hill, whose Great Northern Railway empire shaped the region. Platted in 1857, Summit Hill attracted wealthy residents following the Panic of 1873, as they sought elevated ground away from the industrial Mississippi River flats. The neighborhood's character was solidified by the construction of monumental residences for figures like Frederick Weyerhaeuser and Frank B. Kellogg, whose mansion later became a National Historic Landmark. The Summit Avenue Residential Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, preserving its architectural legacy from the Gilded Age through the Progressive Era.

Geography

Summit Hill is bounded roughly by Mississippi River Boulevard to the west, which offers panoramic views of the river valley, Ayd Mill Road to the north, Lexington Parkway to the east, and Grand Avenue to the south. The neighborhood's topography is defined by its position on a steep bluff, with Summit Avenue running along the crest. This elevated geography provides a distinct microclimate and separates it from the bustling commercial corridors below, contributing to its secluded, park-like atmosphere. The area is part of the larger Thomas-Dale planning district within Ramsey County, Minnesota.

Demographics

As one of the wealthiest enclaves in the Twin Cities, Summit Hill has a high median household income and property values. The population is predominantly white, with a significant number of residents holding advanced degrees from institutions like the University of Minnesota and Macalester College. The neighborhood has a low population density relative to other Saint Paul areas, with many large, single-family homes. Demographic stability is high, with many families maintaining residences for generations, and it consistently ranks among the most desirable zip codes, such as 55105, in the state.

Landmarks and architecture

The neighborhood is renowned for its concentration of Richardsonian Romanesque, Queen Anne, and Tudor Revival homes. Notable landmarks include the James J. Hill House, a National Historic Landmark operated by the Minnesota Historical Society, and the Cathedral of Saint Paul, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece on the National Register. The Governor's Residence is located on Summit Avenue, as is the historic F. Scott Fitzgerald House, where the author wrote *This Side of Paradise*. Other significant structures include the Burbank-Livingston-Griggs House and the Arthur B. and Edna C. Gage House.

Education

Summit Hill is served by the Saint Paul Public Schools district, with many students attending nearby Central High School. The area is also proximate to several prestigious private institutions, including The Saint Paul Academy and Summit School, which was formed by a merger involving the historic Summit School. Higher education neighbors include Macalester College and the University of Saint Thomas. The James J. Hill House and the Minnesota History Center serve as important educational resources for regional history.

Transportation

Major thoroughfares include Summit Avenue, Grand Avenue, and Selby Avenue, which provide connections to Interstate 94 and Interstate 35E. Public transportation is provided by Metro Transit bus lines along these corridors. The neighborhood is highly walkable and bike-friendly, with access to the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway and the Mississippi River Regional Trail. While not directly served by light rail, the Green Line light rail stations at Union Depot and Victoria Street are a short distance away.

Category:Neighborhoods in Saint Paul, Minnesota Category:Historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Minnesota