Modern Highway Photos: Through St. Paul's East Side

May, 2007 (Page 4)

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Looking north on Arcade Street towards Minnehaha Avenue. U.S. 61 has used Arcade Street since it was first marked in 1926. It is the only U.S. route to still use surface streets in the metro area. The 3M plant and the bridge over Phalen Boulevard and a set of railroad tracks are visible ahead.

On the bridge over Phalen Boulevard, constructed in 2002 to replace the previous structure completed in 1949 (when there was nothing but railroad tracks underneath). Ahead is a relatively modern commercial district with a strip mall including a Rainbow Foods among other typical suburban fare. The mall was constructed on the site of the Seeger Refrigerator Company factory, which closed in 1984 (source: Twin Cities Then and Now, Larry Millett).

Looking north on Arcade Street towards Sims Avenue. Arcade was also an historic streetcar line. Unlike the areas further south, this section of Arcade has escaped a great degree of modernization, still giving the feel of a classic American commercial strip, although neighborhood bars now seem to be the primary business activity. Note the classic "Arcade Bar" on the right, still sporting a Hamms' sign, years after the old Hamms' Brewery on St. Paul's east side closed down.

Looking north at Case Avenue, where streetcars turned off of Arcade Street to enter the surrounding neighborhoods.

Looking north at Jenks Avenue. Arcade Street is like a hillier version of East Lake Street in Minneapolis, lined with aging commercial buildings containing specialized neighborhood oriented businesses (car shops, pizza joints, bars, etc.)