About - The Heights Saint Paul

About the heights

A Community-led Vision Transforming Saint Paul’s Greater East Side

The Heights is a 112-acre redevelopment located at the former Hillcrest Golf Club, located at the intersection of Larpenteur Avenue and McKnight Road on Saint Paul’s Greater East Side. The City of Saint Paul created the site plan through a community-led effort and the Saint Paul Port Authority leads a team of developers and partners in implementing, innovating and stewarding The Heights.

The Heights is the largest modern-day investment in Saint Paul’s Greater East Side. With the community shaping the development’s bold vision, connecting it with the history and strength of the surrounding neighborhood, the Heights promotes both opportunity and generational wealth.

Development Goals

housing
diversity

The Heights will deliver 1,000 thoughtfully designed homes for people of all ages and incomes, offering a strategic mix of for-sale and rental options across diverse housing types that support long-community stability and generational wealth.

High-Quality
Jobs

The Heights is developing one million square feet of light industrial space with companies positioned for growth, pay living wages, who share the development’s values and offer employee benefits and room for advancement.

Sustainable Development

The Heights is building a infrastructure that integrates clean energy, sustainable design and operational practices — alongside 20 acres of parks, trails and wetlands — to prioritize the health and wellness of all who live, work, and play here today and for generations to come.

community engagement

SPPA has prioritized a robust community engagement process, and it is reflected throughout The Heights development plan with its diverse neighborhood, promoting walkability and access to 20 acres of green space, including parks, trails and wetland.

The Heights Mission

Equipping and investing in our diverse and thriving community to reach new heights through sustainable living and economic vitality.

The Heights Development Values

Sustainability

At the heart of The Heights lies a commitment to green and sustainable practices. From carbon-neutral living to innovative uses of clean energy, we prioritize the health of our environment for present and future generations.

economic vitality

Healthy urban communities prioritize the wellness of residents and access to quality employment. The Heights is a hub of opportunity and innovation, empowering businesses to thrive and grow with their neighbors.

community engagement

We believe in fostering a community where every voice is heard and respected. By facilitating active public conversation and participation, we ensure The Heights reflects its community.

diversity and inclusion

The Heights prides itself on connecting with the rich diversity of cultures that surround it. Embracing the Greater East Side’s contributions and histories, from its Native American heritage to present-day communities, The Heights will be a place where everyone feels at home.

environmental stewardship

Beyond sustainability, we recognize our duty to protect and replenish the land and waters that sustain us. This means proactive measures to ensure soil quality, water purity, and the conservation of local ecosystems.

security and wellbeing

The comfort and care of our community members are paramount. Through vigilant planning and infrastructure development, we will create an environment where individuals, families and businesses can live, work and play freely.

historical recognition

Honoring our past is crucial to building our future. At The Heights, we will preserve and celebrate the history and cultures that have contributed to Saint Paul’s Greater East Side community.

The Heights Interactive Site Plan

The Heights includes 1,000 dignified homes, one million square feet of light industrial space and 20 acres of parks, trails and green space supported by a district geothermal energy system — the first of its kind in Minnesota.

Click on the map below to learn more about each individual parcel.

Construction Progresses at The Heights

With warmer weather returning, construction activities at The Heights are back in full swing. While public infrastructure work paused over the winter, progress continued thanks to Habitat for Humanity and Xcel Energy. This summer, Habitat is advancing construction on 147 mid-density affordable homes, with the first units expected to be available later this year.

Xcel Energy is continuing work on its future service center, and Ever-Green Energy is moving forward with its innovative district geothermal energy system.

UPDATE: May 13, 2025

UPDATE: December 12, 2024

Redevelopment Timeline

The transformation of The Heights is underway, and we’re excited to share the journey with you. From environmental cleanup to infrastructure improvements and vertical development, each phase is carefully planned to achieve development goals.

PRE 2019

Hillcrest Golf Course opened in 1921 and ceased operations in 2011. Read more at History.

JAN 2019

The Saint Paul Port Authority acquired the site for redevelopment.

JULY 2023

Demolition and environmental remediation commences at the site.

SEPT 2023

The Heights is awarded LEED for Communities Platinum Level Precertification.

OCT 2023

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity broke ground on the first phase of its 150 home builds.

DEC 2023

Environmental remediation was completed and verified.

MAY 2024

Earthwork began at The Heights, kicking-off the infrastructure phase of the project.

OCT 2024

Ever-Green Energy breaks ground on The Heights’ innovative district geothermal energy system.

NOV 2024

Xcel Energy breaks ground on its new service center.

OCT 2025

Infrastructure and site preparation are expected to conclude.

Project Updates

Keep up-to-date on The Heights and its redevelopment and construction progress.

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