Sponsor: Community & Economic Development
Property Management
Public Works
Title
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Purchase of 1840 English Street from Wanless, LLC
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Recommendation
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1. Approve acquisition and Purchase Agreement of Parcel 152922320083 with Wanless, LLC, in the amount of $325,000.
2. Authorize the County Manager to approve and execute the purchase agreement, settlements, closing documents, and other related real estate documentation associated with the acquisition of Parcel 152922320083 in a form approved by the County Attorney’s Office.
3. Authorize the County Manager to execute future amendments to the agreement that do not have a financial impact.
4. Authorize Property Management to pursue a sale of the combined surplus property, parcels 152922320083, 152922320093, 152922320094, and 152922320095 in accordance with the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority Real Estate Management Plan and to return to the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority with the negotiated terms of sale for approval.
5. Approve the transfer of $325,000 plus closing costs from Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority tax levy fund balances to the 2026 Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority capital budget to be used for this purchase.
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Background and Rationale
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Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority (RCRRA) owns property and buildings to provide existing and future transit and transportation use in Ramsey County. In 1992, the RCRRA purchased the Northeast Corridor from approximately I-94 in St. Paul north to Beam Avenue in Maplewood from BNSF Railway. A subsequent purchase extended RCRRA ownership north to I-694. In addition to the mainline railroad corridor, two rail access parcels in Maplewood were included in the purchase as they provided access between the railroad mainline and the former railroad shops at the Gladstone Savanah nature preserve.
The Northeast Corridor is home to the Bruce Vento Regional Trail and has been included as a route in past transit analysis for the Rush Line and METRO Purple Line projects. In December 2025, Ramsey County, Metro Transit and the cities of Saint Paul and Maplewood announced the METRO Bronze Line, a reimagined bus rapid transit project that built upon the former METRO Purple Line. The Bronze line’s routing in Maplewood is along White Bear Avenue, not the RCRRA property, providing the RCRRA with the opportunity to sell excess property. The two railroad access parcels are no longer needed for transit or transportation uses beyond providing a small trailhead and access between the Bruce Vento Regional Trail and Gladstone Savanah. However, they are small, and their disposition and redevelopment would benefit greatly by combining them with adjacent parcels as available. One such adjacent parcel, 1840 English Street recently became available and its purchase and incorporation with the two railroad access parcels would greatly improve redevelopment potential bringing the combined property under RCRRA ownership to 2 acres.
The proposed purchase of 1840 English Street and parcel supports strategic objectives in an area that has experienced recent development activity. The combined property will provide a redevelopment opportunity that would otherwise not exist should the parcels remain in separate ownership.
This acquisition creates opportunities for equitable development through shared cooperation via a city led coordinated planning effort that can align redevelopment with community priorities while maximizing public benefit. The inclusion of a small trailhead for the Bruce Vento Regional Trail and connection to the Gladstone Savanah nature preserve and Gloster Park as part of this planning effort will enhance public access, connectivity, recreation and transportation infrastructure.
Redevelopment of these parcels in a manner consistent with the county’s Economic Competitiveness and Inclusion Plan will transition tax-exempt properties into taxable status, generating new property tax revenue and contributing to the long-term fiscal health of the city and county. Overall, the purchase represents a strategic investment that advances development potential, community goals, and long-term public revenue.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The Ramsey County Board has adopted the Economic Competitiveness and Inclusion Plan that provides a guide for a comprehensive economic development strategy, centered on equitable growth and strengthening economic competitiveness. This strategy prioritizes inclusion in future investments and other actions related to housing, job creation, workforce development and place-based investments.
The City of Maplewood has expressed a strong interest and willingness to lead the planning work necessary to initiate equitable site redevelopment in the area consistent with the vision, mission, goals of the county and of the city.
Community Participation Level and Impact
In December 2025, Ramsey County, Metro Transit, and the cities of Saint Paul and Maplewood announced the METRO Bronze Line Project. This reimagined Bus Rapid Transit Project will utilize White Bear Avenue in Maplewood for its routing, unlike the former Purple Line, which was routed on RCRRA property, providing the RCRRA the opportunity to dispose of excess property. The city of Maplewood will lead the planning work necessary to initiate equitable site redevelopment. The county’s Equitable Development Framework will be utilized as the redevelopment of this area advances.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☒ Collaborate ☒ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The funding for this request is coming from the Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority tax levy fund balance. Adequate fund balance is available to accommodate this request. The sale price of the property is $325,000. It is estimated that closing costs on this transaction could be up to $10,000.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
1. Purchase Agreement
2. Letter of Support from Maplewood for the purchase of 1840 English Street
3. Ramsey County Equitable Development Framework