From Fairways to Futures: The Evolution of The Heights
The story of The Heights is a century of transformation. Once home to the historic Hillcrest Golf Course, this 112-acre redevelopment on Saint Paul’s Greater East Side has evolved from a private fairway to a visionary model for sustainable, community-driven development. This timeline traces the journey, from its early days as a culturally significant golf course to its reinvention as a future-forward neighborhood focused on building generational wealth, climate justice and economic opportunity.
1921
Hillcrest Golf Course Opens
Designed by Tom Vardon, Hillcrest opened as a private nine-hole course, marking the beginning of nearly a century of use.
1945
Exclusively Jewish Country Club
A group of Jewish businessmen purchased Hillcrest, transforming it into an exclusively Jewish country club in response to widespread anti-Semitism. This designation lasted until the 1970s.
2000
A New Clubhouse, Growing Financial Struggles
Despite the construction of a new clubhouse, the club faced increasing financial challenges in the following years.
2011
Acquired by Local 455
The Steamfitters Pipefitters Local 455 purchased the course out of bankruptcy, intending to build a training center while keeping the course open.
2014
Training Center Plans Abandoned
Local 455 identified a different site for their training center and listed the Hillcrest property for sale.
2017
Course Closure
Due to declining memberships, mounting financial losses and site challenges — including contamination and lack of infrastructure — the golf course closed in October 2017.
2018
Port Authority Engaged
Local 455 approached the Saint Paul Port Authority (SPPA), recognizing its experience with brownfield redevelopment. Due diligence and planning began.
2019
Site Purchased and Visioning Begins
- In July, the Saint Paul Port Authority purchased the 112-acre site.
- Maxfield Research completed a market study showing strong demand for affordable housing and light industrial use.
- SPPA received an Infrastructure and Analysis Planning Report.
2020
Master Planning Advances
Despite global disruptions, planning for the redevelopment continued in partnership with the City of Saint Paul.
2021
Mission-Driven Planning
The finalization of the Master Plan focused on establishing The Heights' mission and values: sustainability, economic vitality and environmental stewardship. The team began mapping a path toward LEED Platinum and carbon neutrality.
2022
Infrastructure Construction Begins
Initial infrastructure construction began on the site, preparing for future housing and business development.
2024
Ongoing Construction & Early Progress
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and Xcel Energy made progress on housing and commercial projects. Ever-Green Energy began installing a district geothermal energy system, the first of its kind in Minnesota.
2025
Current Year
- Habitat for Humanity is continuing construction of 147 mid-density affordable homes, with the first homes available this year.
- Xcel Energy is developing a new service center, expected to open in 2027.
- Ever-Green Energy continues building a district geothermal system, including an innovative aquifer thermal energy storage system.
- Drone Progress Videos: Regular updates are shared on SPPA's YouTube Channel to showcase milestones and construction progress.