Watch CBS News

Submissions Pour In For St. Paul's $1 Million Idea

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Last month, we told you about a unique challenge from the city of St. Paul. The city asked for your ideas to improve St. Paul, with the winner getting a $1 million grant to turn their dream into reality.

Ideas were due by Wednesday night. At final count there were more than 900, and they range from clever to wacky.

So, to the conceivable ideas first: Several people wanted to renovate the old Ramsey County Jail, overlooking the Mississippi River. Some want it to be turned into a homeless shelter or a place for people displaced by storms.

Another idea called for a sculpture garden where the former Macy's store sits downtown. Another was creating a "Minnesota Walk of Stars" to honor famous Minnesotans, similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

But then things got a little weird. One person wanted a resort made up of small cottages in the trees along the Mississippi. Another suggested building the world's largest model railroad in downtown St. Paul.

And another person suggested getting laser projectors so the city could put emblems into the sky. The winning idea will be chosen in September.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.