Andrew Runde

The investigation and modeling of the St. Paul Capitol Approach is being enacted to determine — with both historical city maps and photographs — the consequences of assigning the monument’s front, and thus the measurable ramifications on the surrounding cityscape as a result. The methods used to examine potential bias involve using topography data from USGS, Sanborn fire maps of St. Paul, historic/redlining maps of St. Paul, and photos from the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) archives to piece together an accurate 3D model of the Capitol Approach. The program for the actual modeling is Rhino 3D. Using plug-ins for Rhino (such as Grasshopper) we will be able to manipulate and highlight the experiences that were altered by development. True analysis of the working model and historical maps will begin mid-April and thus, we must be somewhat loose with our current assumptions; however, simple results such as changes in visibility from various vantage points and changes in commercial or residential areas can be seen. Based solely on the compiled maps and historical information we have collected so far it is probable that the Capitol Approach greatly influenced the St. Paul cityscape. A side-by-side comparison between the MNHS maps and modern services like Google Earth and Open Street Map shows the difference in development quite easily. As outlined in The Impact of Urban Renewal on the Twin Cities (Martin and Goddard), ramifications beyond the short-term demolitions were seen around the Capitol as well, including significant alterations in zoning and roadway placement that persist today.