Ecolab Tower reborn as Stella apartments, Aldi returns
The former 17-story Ecolab Tower on Wabasha Street has reopened as Stella apartments in downtown St. Paul, and a new Aldi grocery has opened, restoring grocery service to the city's core.[1]
The conversion created 176 Stella Residences units at a stated cost of $70 million, and leasing began about two months ago.[1] Stella is roughly 20% occupied now and aims for 94-95% occupancy as it seeks residents to support downtown businesses.[1]
The project is one of several office-to-residential redevelopments as downtown St. Paul contends with roughly 35% central business district office vacancy, Colliers data show.[1] Downtown lacked a full grocery for nearly two years before Aldi opened, a gap city leaders say hurt residents and workers.[1]
Downtown Alliance President Joe Spencer and other city leaders say adding residents and basic services like a grocery is central to their downtown revitalization strategy.[1] Developers hope the mix of new housing and retail will help sustain restaurants, transit ridership and street activity as St. Paul works to rebound.
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📌 Key Facts
- The former 17‑story Ecolab Tower on Wabasha Street has been converted into 176 Stella Residences apartments at a stated cost of $70 million.
- Stella began leasing two months ago and is currently about 20% occupied, with a stated goal of 94–95% occupancy.
- Colliers data cited in the report say roughly 35% of St. Paul’s central business district office space is vacant.
- A new Aldi grocery store has opened in downtown St. Paul, ending an almost two‑year period without a grocery option in the city’s core.
- Downtown Alliance President Joe Spencer and other city leaders say adding residents and basic services like a grocery store is the core of their downtown revitalization strategy.
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