Rondo
Rondo Avenue was once the heart of Saint Paul’s most prominent African American community, dating back to the years following the Civil War. In the 1960s, the region was divided due to the construction of Interstate 94—destroying nearly 700 homes and 300 businesses, displacing thousands of citizens across the metro. This development disrupted the neighborhood, but its hope, pride, and civic engagement still lives on and is celebrated at the Rondo Commemorative Plaza and throughout the annual Rondo Days celebration.
Rondo Commemorative Plaza
In 2013, a two-story commercial building on the corner of Concordia Avenue and Fisk Street burned down. This seemingly unremarkable structure held deep importance to the community and was one of the last physical traces of the old Rondo community. Rondo native, Marvin Roger Anderson, organized a wake for the building to honor its passing and share memories of the space. Thus, sparking inspiration to create a permanent space to learn, honor and remember Rondo's legacy.
