june 25, 2025
Julie Printz, Downtown resident and community organizer, tells me about her enduring love for Downtown,
“I’ve loved Downtown Saint Paul since I was a child. My mom and I would come Downtown to shop at places like Dayton’s, Saint Paul Book and Stationery, Sonnen’s Pet Shop, and a clothing store called Three Sisters. My eye doctor was in the Lowry Medical Arts building, and since my mom worked downtown, I’d sometimes take the bus down West 7th to join her for lunch. When Galtier Plaza was built, I became a founding member of the YMCA there—at just 19 years old, I was already drawn to downtown, even driving in from the suburbs just to work out. I remember thinking, Someday, I want to live here.”
"Now, I do (live Downtown). My husband and I first lived in the historic Pioneer Endicott and now live in a condo bordering Wacouta Commons Park. I love the blend of old and new architecture—buildings like the Saint Paul Hotel standing proudly alongside sleek, modern spaces. I love that I can walk everywhere and that we’ve been able to downsize to one car. My Labrador and I often make a walking loop through Downtown, passing through every park along the way."
Printz talks about the people that make Downtown so special "Downtown Saint Paul is full of passionate, creative people with big visions. The community here is inspiring. We’re also lucky to have the skyway system, which makes exploring the city easier even on the coldest or rainiest days."
Julie explores the future, "I get discouraged when some Downtown residents claim that Downtown is trapped in a doom spiral—and that current leadership is solely to blame. Rather, I’m a hopeless optimist. I guess when you are in love with your city, you can't help yourself. I believe Downtown is full of untapped potential just waiting to be unleashed."
"Yes, we lost a grocery store—but let’s be honest: many of our neighbors couldn’t afford to shop there. This is a chance to rethink and create something more accessible. Did a major landowner file for bankruptcy? True—but that opens the door for new owners to breathe life into neglected buildings, increasing both vibrancy and density. And more neighbors mean more amenities!"
“We’re about to celebrate the opening of the beautiful new Pedro Park this July—something made possible because people cared enough to get involved and raise their voices. The newly expanded Downtown Improvement District is already making a visible impact: our city is cleaner, and more at-risk individuals are being connected to vital services. I love seeing the friendly ambassadors in the parks and chatting with folks on the sidewalks. Their presence adds energy and life to our streets.”
"I’m also excited about the new Downtown Development Corporation, which is bringing much-needed focus and momentum to development efforts Downtown."
As to how she can help, Printz says, "I see a very bright future for Downtown, and I’m eager to be part of shaping it. As a natural organizer, I chair the Friends of Pedro Park, where we’re planning gardening and educational events in the park. I also host a casual monthly happy hour for a group of women Downtown and am always looking for ways to foster deeper community connections—whether through garden tours, weekly evening walks or bike rides, or other opportunities for residents and workers to engage with each other. I also serve on the board of the Capitol City District Council."
“There’s so much possibility ahead. I can’t wait to see what we build together.”