Bandana Square, a St. Paul landmark south of Como Regional Park, seamlessly blends history with modern utility. Once a bustling railway hub, it now houses offices, businesses, and an Allina Health clinic. This article explores its fascinating past, present offerings, and particularly, its role as a healthcare center.
From Railway to Remedy: Bandana Square’s Evolution
Bandana Square’s story is one of remarkable transformation. Originally the Como Shops for the Northern Pacific Railway, this architectural gem once echoed with the sounds of industry. After its railway heyday, it even served as a shopping and entertainment center. Today, it stands as a testament to adaptive reuse, a historic landmark repurposed for the modern age.
The Como Shops Era: A Hub of Railway Activity
The Como Shops, a vital repair and maintenance facility for the Northern Pacific Railway, played a crucial role in the region’s transportation history. The architecture likely reflects late 19th/early 20th century industrial design. Further research into archival photos and historical documents could reveal more precise details about its architectural style and influences. The complex’s transition from railway hub to shopping center, and finally to its current mixed-use status, provides a fascinating glimpse into St. Paul’s evolving landscape. Further investigation might uncover more about this transition—what prompted the shifts and which businesses thrived or struggled within its walls.
Allina Health: Modern Medicine in a Historic Setting
Today, Bandana Square is not only a historical site but also a vibrant healthcare center, home to an Allina Health clinic. Within these historic walls, you can access a range of medical services, from routine check-ups to urgent care.
Quick Guide to Allina Health at Bandana Square
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Please check the official Allina Health website for the most up-to-date address. |
| Regular Hours | Please confirm hours of operation on the official Allina Health website. |
| Holiday Hours | Please check the official Allina Health website for holiday hours. |
| Contact Information | Please see the official Allina Health website for contact details. |
| Services Offered | Confirm available services (e.g., family medicine, urgent care) on the official Allina Health website, as they might vary. |
| Parking | Free parking is available. |
| Public Transport | Consult local transit resources for public transportation options. |
The Allina Health clinic likely offers a wide range of services, from preventative care to specialized treatments. While specifics may vary, it’s recommended to consult the official Allina Health website or contact the clinic directly for the most up-to-date information. The urgent care center provides prompt medical attention for unexpected health issues.
Beyond Healthcare: Exploring Bandana Square and its Surroundings
While Allina Health is a primary draw, Bandana Square offers more than just medical services. Consider exploring the surrounding Energy Park neighborhood, a historically rich area with local businesses and points of interest worth discovering.
A Deeper Dive into Bandana Square’s History
Bandana Square’s rich history is deeply intertwined with St. Paul’s development and the American railroad’s trajectory.
The Rise of the Como Shops
In 1885, St. Paul, a major railroad hub, saw the Northern Pacific Railway relocate its headquarters from Brainerd. The railway needed a facility to maintain its expanding fleet of passenger cars, leading to the creation of the Como Shops near present-day Energy Park Drive and Bandana Boulevard. The Como Shops were a sprawling complex of five buildings: a woodworking shop, a machine shop, an administrative building, a blacksmith shop, and a power plant. Constructed with sturdy brick from Little Falls, the Como Shops played a vital role in St. Paul’s economic growth. Over 35 years, the complex expanded to meet increasing demands, maintaining a consistent architectural style.
From Decline to Reinvention
The Como Shops’ era eventually ended with the decline of passenger rail travel and the rise of Amtrak. The Wilder Foundation, recognizing the site’s historic value, launched a project to transform the Como Shops into Bandana Square, a festival marketplace and hotel, which opened in 1984. It housed a diverse array of businesses, including the Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant, the Twin City Model Railroad Museum (1984-2016), and the Minnesota Children’s Museum (1985-1995).
Bandana Square Today
Financial challenges led to the Saint Paul Port Authority’s involvement and subsequent sale to investors. In 2003, Wellington Management acquired Bandana Square, completing its transformation into the office center we see today. While its purpose has shifted from maintaining railroad cars to housing offices, its history resonates within its walls.
| Era | Primary Function | Key Players |
|---|---|---|
| 1885-1970s | Railroad Repair and Maintenance (Como Shops) | Northern Pacific Railway |
| 1983-2003 | Festival Marketplace & Hotel | Wilder Foundation, Saint Paul Port Authority, Investors |
| 2006-Present | Office Center | Wellington Management |
Historical research is ongoing, and new information may refine our understanding of Bandana Square’s story. Some historians suggest alternative interpretations for the financial difficulties during the marketplace phase, highlighting the complexity of historical analysis.
Allina Health at Bandana Square: A Closer Look
Stepping into Allina Health at Bandana Square offers a unique experience, blending history with modern healthcare. The Romanesque Revival architecture, with its arched windows and brickwork, evokes a sense of the past while providing a comfortable and convenient healthcare setting.
This comprehensive health and wellness center likely offers various services, from routine checkups to specialized treatments, striving to make healthcare accessible and convenient for all.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Clinic Hours | It’s best to confirm hours directly by calling Allina Health or checking their website. |
| Urgent Care Hours | It’s recommended to contact Allina Health or visit their website for the most current information. |
| Optical Shop Hours | It is advisable to check the official website for any changes. |
| Contact | Please see the official Allina Health website for contact details. |
| Address | To ensure accuracy please check their website. |
Allina Health at Bandana Square likely offers a broad range of services, potentially including family medicine, pediatrics, orthopedics, women’s health, and integrative medicine like acupuncture. They likely have specialists for various needs, including allergies and dermatology. Accessibility is a key feature, with free parking, public transport options, an “On My Way” feature for urgent care, online scheduling, and virtual visits.
Getting to Bandana Square
Bandana Square, steeped in railroad history, offers easy access and ample free parking. Whether visiting Allina Health or exploring the area, here’s how to get there:
For the most accurate address, hours, holiday schedule, and contact information for Allina Health, please check their official website.
Parking: Free parking is available in the lot in front of the building and in the parking tower (skywalk connected).
Directions: While these directions provide a general guide, using a GPS or mapping app is recommended for the most up-to-date routing.
- From the North (I-694 or Hwy 36): Head south on Snelling Avenue (Hwy 51). Look for Energy Park Drive and turn left, then another quick left onto Bandana Boulevard East.
- From the South (I-94): Exit onto Snelling Avenue North toward Energy Park Drive. Turn right onto Energy Park Drive, then left onto Bandana Boulevard East.
- From the East (Downtown St. Paul): Take I-94 West to Lexington Avenue, turn right, then left onto Energy Park Drive, and right onto Bandana Boulevard East.
- From the West (Downtown Minneapolis): Take I-94 East to Snelling Avenue (Hwy 51), turn left, then right on Energy Park Drive, and left onto Bandana Boulevard East.
After your visit to Allina Health or other businesses, take some time to explore Bandana Square and its surrounding neighborhood.
