UBS Plaza

Did a raccoon really scale UBS Plaza? Yes, it’s true. In 2018, a raccoon captivated the world by climbing this very building, UBS Plaza in St. Paul. The furry adventurer became an internet sensation, its daring ascent livestreamed for all to see. News outlets everywhere covered the story of the “MPR Raccoon,” a nickname given by employees of Minnesota Public Radio working across the street. The raccoon’s climb wasn’t just a quirky event. It highlighted UBS Plaza’s prominent presence in the city skyline. Originally built in 1980, UBS Plaza wasn’t always known by this name. It started as Conwed Tower, later becoming Meritor Tower in 1987 when Meritor Mortgage Corporation occupied its top floors. UBS Plaza’s name changed again in 1993, becoming Piper Jaffray Plaza when Piper Jaffray moved in. This 25-story high-rise stands at 305 feet tall. It houses not just UBS Financial Services, but also the architecture/engineering firm TKDA and several law firms. Imagine the stories within these walls, from the everyday workings of businesses to the unexpected visit of a determined raccoon. The raccoon successfully made it to the roof, a testament to its tenacity. UBS Plaza isn’t just a modern office building. It’s a part of the Town Square mixed-use complex and a landmark in downtown St. Paul. Today, UBS Plaza stands as a testament to its adaptable nature and its enduring presence in the heart of the city. It also reminds us that sometimes, even the most unexpected visitors can leave a lasting mark on a place’s history.