Design Visioning: City of Saint Paul Como Lakeside Pavilion

Thursday, August 17th, 2023

One gem in the City of Saint Paul’s Como neighborhood is the Como Lakeside Pavilion, which is located on the shores of Lake Como, near the park, walking trails, golf course and zoo. The City is exploring opportunities to expand and enhance the amenities and accessibility of the 118 year old structure.

Pope Design Group’s team supported a conceptual design process to explore options for minimal, moderate and extensive improvements, helping City Council President Amy Brendmoen to study the potential for giving new life to the historic structure.

The project was featured in the Star Tribune this week, and outlines the design work and hopes for future improvements.

The team’s goal was to study the site’s challenges and enhance the opportunities for accessibility, visibility and connections, and to make the pavilion more accessible and inclusive for the whole community.

“It’s one of the most iconic structures we have in the park system. It’s a very visionary design. People seem excited by it,” Andy Rodriguez, City of Saint Paul Parks & Recreation Director told the Star Tribune, noting that Como Regional Park is the busiest in the city and one of the busiest in the state.

Read more about the pavilion and proposed renovation concepts, article linked here.