Summit Hill in Saint Paul in Ramsey County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Summit Lookout Park
This park was originally the site of the Carpenter's Hotel, a towering wooden structure of the late 1850s, that sat on the east corner of the triangular lot defined by Summit Avenue, Ramsey Hill and the river bluff. The Victorian building featured a two story basement with windows cut into the stone retaining wall along Ramsey Hill. Projecting three stories above grade, the hotel was crowned with an open observation deck. It is believed that the hotel burned, and by the mid-1880s the Summit Avenue landmark had been demolished.
The Saint Paul Board of Park Commissioners took possession of the hotel site in 1887, and the property had been a public park since that date. Other than the rebuilding of the stone retaining wall and the ornamental rail above, for over a century the park remained unadorned, an expansive open lawn with informal and random plantings.
Parallel with the relocation of the New York Life Eagle to its permanent perch in 2004, Public Art Saint Paul and the Ramsey Hill Association conducted a charrette to develop a conceptual design for the park. The Lookout Park Partnership, a dedicated cadre of volunteers, raised the funds and coordinated the park’s construction. Along with the Partnership, the City, generous individuals, foundations, organizations and corporations demonstrated an extraordinary model of collaboration and commitment to the community the true meaning of public-private partnership.
The renovation of Summit Lookout Park, gateway to the Ramsey and Crocus Hill neighborhoods, celebrates a remarkable 35-year transformation. Once thought blighted and outdated, the charming homes and mansions have now been carefully restored and the district has become a showplace of urban heritage and architectural preservation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 44° 56.486′ N, 93° 7.05′ W. Marker is in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in Ramsey County. It is in Summit Hill. Marker is at the intersection of Summit Avenue and Ramsey Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Summit Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 440 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul MN 55102, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The New York Life Eagle (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Cochran Park (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); F. Scott Fitzgerald Birthplace (approx. 0.3 miles away); McQuillan Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); F. Scott Fitzgerald House (approx. 0.4 miles away); C.S.P.S. Hall (approx. 0.4 miles away); 151-155 Western Avenue (approx. half a mile away); St. Joseph's Academy (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Saint Paul.
Also see . . . Summit Lookout Park: Idyllic corner atop Ramsey Hill provides premium view of city. Lisa Stories website entry (Submitted on June 20, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,720 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 24, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.