Cray Plaza

Navigating the complexities of urban renewal, Cray Plaza stands as a testament to Saint Paul’s evolving cityscape. Originally known as Galtier Plaza, Cray Plaza has a rich history. The plaza opened in 1986. It occupies a full city block in the Lowertown neighborhood. Cray Plaza is more than just a building. It’s a mixed-use development encompassing apartments, condos, townhomes, retail spaces, offices, and even a parking garage. The original vision for Cray Plaza, then Galtier Plaza, was ambitious. It aimed to be a keystone in Lowertown’s revitalization. The plaza’s initial design was a point of contention between developers, the city, and the Lowertown Corporation. The final product features two towers, the Jackson and the Sibley. The Jackson Tower pushes the boundaries of height restrictions. The Sibley Tower is set back, creating a unique visual dynamic. Cray Plaza even boasts a skyway connection. This skyway links it to the Farm Credit Bank, further integrating it into the city’s fabric. The project faced numerous financial and logistical hurdles. Cost overruns, high interest rates, and delays plagued its development. The initial vision of a high-end retail space didn’t pan out. Later, the focus shifted to services catering to the neighborhood and downtown. Cray Plaza has housed a variety of businesses over the years, including restaurants, a convenience store, a conference facility, and even a credit union. In 2009, Cray Inc. became the anchor tenant. This led to the renaming of Galtier Plaza to Cray Plaza. Today, Cray Plaza’s residential spaces thrive. However, the retail section has struggled. Bigos Properties acquired this portion in 2019 with plans for residential conversion. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced further construction delays. Despite these challenges, Cray Plaza continues to be a prominent feature of the Saint Paul skyline.