URBAN HOME	COURSE DESCRIPTION	SYLLABUS	READINGS	GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT HOME

URBAN FIELD TRIP

Every student will be required to complete the following field assignment.

No student will pass the course without a passing grade on this project. You may work in small groups to facilitate transportation, i.e., those with cars should take several passengers who will pay the cost of gas.

The fundamental concepts of geography as discussed in lectures are distance, direction, size, shape, regionality, contiguity, hierarchy, scale, perception of the environment and spatial interaction. In essence, one is practicing geography when she or he explains the landscape and/or its elements in these terms. This field trip is designed to enable each of you to become a geographer, or at least to look at the city in the manner of a geographer.

During this trip, I want you to look for and examine and write about the following: a) corridors of circulation (transportation and communication), b) boundaries of all types, c) gradients (changes of phenomena through space), d) uniform regions (areas in which places are more like each other than they are like places outside the region), e) nodal regions, f) the importance of accessibility, g) the importance of shape, h) the importance of size, i) the importance of distance, j) the importance of direction, k) the importance of contiguity, l) the role of the physical landscape in urban growth and city structure, m) examples of diffusion, n) the role of people's perception of their environment.

You should all keep a field notebook while on the trip in which you record answers to the questions contained in the field directions and your observations on the landscapes, descriptions of neighborhoods, traffic patterns, pollution, etc. In addition, record any questions you have about your experiences in various parts of the city. Make sure your observations reflect the concepts listed in the paragraph above. You will all turn in a field project which will be an edited version of your notebook. If you work in groups, your group may turn in a cooperative project. However, the project should reflect each person's contribution. A project done by four people should be significantly different from one done by an individual.

I suggest you plan to take your time on this trip. Ride your bike or drive slowly and carefully! You might want to eat in one of the many restaurants you will pass, or picnic in a park. Don't worry about getting lost. Keep your eyes open, and stop to take notes.

Do not think of the time you spend on this trip as something over and above class time. The "real world" is the geographer's laboratory. While on this trip, conduct yourselves as though you were making observations in a laboratory situation.

The trip should last at the minimum from 15-20 hours. This trip and the time you spend making your notes presentable normally takes about 60 hours. This route is a minimum; don't be afraid to explore on your own.

> Remember to smile - most people love to talk about themselves - your task is to listen.

*** GET A ROAD MAP ***

TRACE YOUR ROUTE ON THE MAP BEFORE YOU GO

- YOU WILL ENCOUNTER DETOURS - TRY TO FOLLOW THE ROUTE

PART ONE: ST. PAUL
Starting point: Macalester College. (Be sure to note time, day and weather conditions in your notes.)

Leave the campus and drive east on Summit Avenue to Western (just after Summit turns). (Be sure to read Sandeen's book on Summit before you start.
1. How great an impact does the College have on the homes on Summit? What kinds of uses is the College making of these buildings? How does this affect that character of the neighborhood?
2. How far are the homes set back from the street? How does this distance compare with the distance between houses? How do these features change as you move eastward along the Avenue? What is the significance of set?back or the distance between buildings and the street?
3. How many people do you see walking or jogging? What are their ages (young, old)? What is the traffic like?
4. Is there a boundary between single?family and multiple?family units? What sort of house styles do you see? What clues to the age of these homes can you see?
5. How many churches are there along the Avenue? Where do the churchgoers park their cars? Why are there so many churches along this road?
6. Are there any construction projects visible? Is so what sort of work is being done?

Turn LEFT on Western, go NORTH on Western one block to Holly/Maiden Lane (the alley - take a moment to walk around the parks at Summit and Western). Turn RIGHT on Maiden Lane, go northeast on Maiden Lane about four blocks to Selby. Turn RIGHT on Selby, go to Summit, turn RIGHT on Summit. Return along Summit to Dale.
1. Who used to live in this part of St. Paul?
2. Who lives on Summit Avenue? On Maiden Lane? What clues are in the landscape about the process of change here?
3. What are the larger houses used for? Visit the Hill Mansion and the Cathedral if you have time. Be sure to take time to look at the view of downtown and the Capitol area from the front steps of the Cathedral.
4. What will be the future of the area between Selby, Farrington, Summit and Ashland?
5. What statues are in the parks at Summit and Portland and at Summit and Western? (These may be covered when you get there).
6. Describe the new construction on Summit. Do these buildings fit into the landscape? Who might live in one of them?
7. Does this street put you in a special mood or frame of mind?

Turn LEFT on Dale, go south three blocks to Crocus Place. Follow Crocus to Fairmount. Go west on Fairmont to Victoria, turn RIGHT on Victoria. Go to Grand Avenue. Park your car or bike so you can enter Victoria Crossing and walk along Grand for a few blocks. You are now in the Crocus Hill neighborhood.
1. What clues do you see that indicate the age of the homes?
2. Do you see any multiple?dwelling units here?
3. Characterize the house types, the landscaping, and the general feel of the area.

Grand Avenue.
1. What kinds of commercial establishments do you see? Why do you suppose they are located here?
2. Describe the pattern of land use you see.
3. What kinds of dwelling units do you see? Why?
4. How frequent is the bus service along this street?

5. Why are condominiums popular here?
6. Who lives along this street?
7. Why are there so many restaurants along here?
8. Characterize the shops along the street.
9. Who shops and eats in the restaurants along Grand?

Get back into the car. Go east two blocks to Grotto, turn LEFT on Grotto and go north on Grotto two blocks to Portland.
1. What changes took place in the landscape as you went from Grand to Summit? Why?
2. What elements in the landscape changed as you went from Summit to Portland? Be specific.
3. How does this (north) side of Summit differ from the south side?

Turn LEFT on Portland, go one block west to Avon. Why is the House of Hope Park here? Turn RIGHT on Avon, go north on Avon one block to Holly. Describe the housing around this intersection. Turn RIGHT on Holly, go east one block to Grotto. Turn LEFT on Grotto, go one block north to Ashland.
1. What are the present and past uses of the buildings on the west side of Grotto?
2. What is Webster Magnet School?

Turn LEFT on Ashland, go west two blocks to Victoria. Turn RIGHT on Victoria, go three blocks north to Selby. Turn RIGHT on Selby, go east eight blocks to Virginia. Park your car or bike. Walk around the developments at Selby and Western. Turn LEFT on Virginia, go two blocks north to Marshall. Turn LEFT on Marshall, go five blocks west to Dale. Turn RIGHT on Dale, go seven blocks north to Fuller. Turn LEFT on Fuller, go nine blocks west to Lexington.

This route will take you through part of the so?called Summit?University area. In addition, you will see two of its edges.
1. What is happening to the housing stock along Ashland?
2. What is special about the building on the NW corner of Fisk and Selby?
3. What is the pattern of race in this area? How do you know?
4. Where do the Southeast Asians live?
5. What is the condition of the streets, sidewalks and other public property?
6. Are there many people walking on the sidewalks?
7. What sorts of buildings are vacant along Selby?
8. Note the number of children and men on the streets. How does this vary throughout the area?
9. You will see several examples of low?income housing. Where are they? What condition are they in? What kinds of units are they?
10. How many vacant houses do you see? Where are they located?
11. What is happening to the land use around the Selby?Dale intersection?
12. How many "for sale" and "for rent" signs do you see? Is there any pattern to their distribution?
13. Are the boundaries of this area very sharp? Give examples to support your answer.
14. Describe in detail and make a sketch map of one block in this area. Passengers in the same car should do different streets.
15. How many buildings are being converted to new uses here?
16. How much vacant or unused land do you see? Why is it here? What is the pattern of vacant land?
17. How does it compare to minority areas in other cities you have seen?
18. Describe the commercial activities at Selby and Dale. Who uses them?
19. What is the old St. Joseph's Academy being used for?
20. Who lives in Liberty Plaza?

21. Make a list of the kinds of commercial activity you see along Selby. Is there a pattern to their location?
22. What happens to housing styles as you go west on Fuller to Lexington?

Turn RIGHT on Lexington, go three blocks to University. What land uses are found along Lexington between the freeway and University? Why?

Turn RIGHT on University Avenue, go 12 blocks to Western. As you move eastward along University, keep careful track of the types of businesses located here.
1. What are their space requirements, their ages and their conditions?
2. Are the enterprises oriented toward street traffic? Make a sketch map of a two?block segment of the Avenue (both sides).
3. How does the intersection of Dale and University compare to the intersection of Dale and Selby? What functions are located here?
4. Please visit at least three Asian establishments on University. Why has this cluster of Asian businesses developed along University? Who operates them? Where do you think the clientele come from?

LEFT on Western one block to Sherburne. LEFT on Sherburne three blocks to Kent, RIGHT on Kent, one block to Charles. RIGHT on Charles, six blocks to Marion, LEFT on Marion, three blocks to Thomas. LEFT on Thomas, eight blocks to Dale. If possible, visit the Church of St. Agnes.

What is the density of housing here? Note size, age and quality of structures. Why does the block size differ from west to east? How does this area compare with the areas south of the freeway? What is the name of this part of the city? How did it get that name? What is happening to the housing in this area?

RIGHT on Dale, seven blocks to Minnehaha. How does Dale Street compare with Selby? Note the old Burlington Northern railroad shops at Dale and Minnehaha. When were they built? How are they being used?
RIGHT on Minnehaha, four blocks to Western. LEFT on Western, four blocks to Atwater. RIGHT on Atwater, four blocks to Woodbridge.
1. What immigrant group settled this area?
2. Who lives here now?
3. How does the density of housing here compare to that of other neighborhoods you have traversed?

LEFT on Woodbridge, one block to Milford. Turn RIGHT on Milford, go about two blocks to Rice. RIGHT on Rice about three blocks to Sycamore. LEFT on Sycamore, go east on Sycamore to Cortland Place, which becomes Jackson. LEFT on Jackson, go north about four blocks to main gate of Oakland Cemetery. Enter the cemetery and spend a few minutes exploring.

Return to Jackson, turn LEFT on Jackson, go north about 20 blocks to Wheelock Parkway. Drive through the public housing complex on Jackson, south of Wheelock Parkway.
1. How has the presence of railroad tracks affected land use in this area?
2. What are the probable futures of the Rice Street commercial functions?
3. Characterize the housing along Sycamore. What is happening in this area?
4. Describe the design of the cemetery. How does it relate to urban planning?
5. Visit the large public housing project and the newer Mississippi Street School (Wheelock & Jackson) Why are they here? What condition are they in?

Continue on Wheelock Parkway to Payne Avenue. RIGHT on Payne Avenue. Continue until the junction of Payne and Maryland. Turn LEFT on Maryland and go east eleven blocks to Prosperity. Turn RIGHT on Prosperity and go SW along the site of the old Phalen Shopping Center. After visiting the old shopping center site retrace your route along Maryland to Payne. Turn LEFT of Payne continue south to Drewery (one block past Minnehaha, near old Strohs Brewery). Stop and park on Drewery. This route will take you through one of the oldest ethnic neighborhoods in St. Paul, the Swedish and Italian East Side. While here, compare an ethnic enclave with a racial enclave??look for differences and similarities. Walk into Swede Hollow from Drewery. Find the entrance off the alley that will take you through the tunnel under Drewry. Explore the Hollow and the area called Railroad Island just west of Payne.
1. Is the population 100% white?
2. What kinds of services are available here?
3. What is the condition of the streets, sidewalks and other public property?
4. Are there many people walking on the sidewalks?
5. Note the names on the stores.
6. Note the numbers of men and children on the streets. How does this vary throughout the area?
7. Are there any empty stores on Payne Avenue?
8. How many "for sale" and "for rent" signs do you see?
9. What sort of a park will Swede Hollow be?
10. How do the land use patterns in Railroad Island compare with those you have seen elsewhere?
11. What has happened to the Brewery? Why?
12. What is happening to the old Phalan Shopping Center? Why?
Follow Drewry and Payne back to Minnehaha. ( Stop light by Stroh's site)
Go RIGHT on Minnehaha, travel east on Minnehaha about 8 blocks to Earl.

This route will take you through the brewery's property and close to one of the 3M's larger factories.
1. Describe this section of the city.
2. What is the nature of the boundary between the residential area and 3M?

Turn RIGHT on Earl and go south about 13 blocks to Mounds Park Blvd. Park the car and walk to the edge of the bluff under the airport beacon. Take a long look at the landscape. Look for the Mpls skyline about ten miles in the distance. Watch the activity at the airport and on the river. This was once the home of Northwest Airlines. Be sure and look downstream at the port of St. Paul.
1. Using the terms on the first page of the assignment describe this place.
2. Examine the Indian Mounds. Why have they been fenced in? Why can you freely enter Oakland Cemetery and wander over graves but you are prevented from walking on the mounds?
3. Does this Park have a special sense of place?

Return to your car and travel east on Mounds Park Blvd out of the park to Burns. Turn RIGHT on Burns and go east about five blocks to the intersection of Burns and Highway 61. Turn RIGHT on Highway 61 and go south about three miles to the intersection of highway 61 and I 494 go west on I 494. Be sure to note the steel mill along highway 61 just before you reach the I 494 turn. Why is it here?

After crossing the bridge take the second RIGHT turn on Concord Avenue (Highway 56) go north .4 mile to Armour Avenue. Turn RIGHT on Armour go to Hardman. Turn LEFT on Hardman and go north along the old stock yard periphery to John Carol road. turn LEFT on John Carol and go to Concord Cross concord and go up the Hill following grand to the south at the Y intersection. This will take you to Third Avenue by the historical museum and Municipal Building. Follow third two blocks south to Marie. Turn LEFT on Marie go one block to parking lot at corner of Second Avenue and Marie. Get out of the car and contemplate the scene from the bluff.

You have just passed through one of the major industrial landscapes of the Twin Cities. It is obviously in a state of flux.
1. Why do you think the stockyards and associated packing industry were located here?
2. What are the new buildings being constructed here? Do you think this is a good use of land?
3. What do you think the impact of de-industrialization has been on South St. Paul?

Go south on Second Avenue. Pay careful attention to the Serbian Church at Second Avenue and Fourth Street and the Croation Hall at Second and Fifth Street. If you are of age you may want to stop at the Cro Bar for a refreshment. Turn LEFT on Sixth Street and go east three blocks down the hill to Concord Avenue. Turn LEFT on Concord Avene and go north about three miles to Robert Street. This will take you along one of the commercial strips in South St. Paul and through a portion of the Hispanic Community.
1. How does it compare with Frogtown, Summit University, and the East Side. Pay careful attention to the sort of services available here and the types of housing.
2. Are there any art works or pieces of architecture that indicate the cultural background of the population?

Stop near the intersection of Concord and State Street. Take time to visit the stores of the Hispanic Community.
1. How do these establishments compare with these on Grand and University Avenues?

Turn RIGHT on Robert and go downtown. Follow Robert across the bridge to Kellogg (Be sure to check out Kellogg Park). LEFT on Kellogg, go six blocks to Washington. RIGHT on Washington, go one block to Fifth. If parking space is available, leave the car and take a half?hour to walk around the area. Be sure to see the intersection of Seventh and Wabasha, Dayton's, Town Square and the other stores in this part of the CBD. RIGHT on Fifth, go three blocks east to Wabasha Street. LEFT on Wabasha, go five blocks north to West Tenth Street. RIGHT on West Tenth, go one block to Cedar Street. RIGHT on Cedar, go seven blocks to Fifth Street. LEFT on Fifth, go east six blocks to Wall Street. Stop in the area, known as Lowertown, and walk around the market and Mears Park. Be sure to go inside Galtier Plaza.

The central business district of St. Paul is like the CBDs of other American cities but is small enough to cover easily.
1. What types of activities group together? Where are the areas of specialization? Why are these activities located where they are?
2. Pay close attention to the buildings around Rice Park. Visit Landmark Center. What role does this area have?
3. Visit the new Children's Museum, the Minnesota Museum of American Art and the Science Museum. What do they contribute to the area?
4. What are the buildings on Wacouta and around Mears Park used for?
5. What is happening in Galtier Plaza?
6. What do you think the farmers' market will do to this section of downtown? Why is it located in this location?
7. If you are in this area on a weekday, walk through the skyways. How have they changed the city scape?

8. What sorts of buildings are under construction? What are they being built in this part of St. Paul?

RIGHT on Wall Street two blocks to Kellogg. Take Kellogg four blocks to Robert. Go LEFT on Robert over the bridge. Immediately on other side off the bridge make a RIGHT onto Filmore. Go a couple hundred yards and stop and look around. You are now in the midst of the site that has been slated for development by the city. Take time and think about a few questions.
1. Having explored the Downtown area, how do you think riverfront development will affect the CBD as a whole?
2. Would people want to come here, what would make them want to come here?
3. What do you think would be a successful way to develop the riverfront? Why?

Turn around and go back to Robert St. Turn RIGHT on Robert go one block to Plato and turn RIGHT. Take Plato past Wabasha to Ohio. Make a LEFT on Ohio (it is a diagonal road sloping south up the ridge.) At the top of the hill make a RIGHT onto Cherokee. Right before the intersection with Smith St. stop at the overlook.
1. Name the various forms of transportation that have LEFT their mark on the riverfront and what basic form of transportation is currently missing?
2. Observe the houses on this bluff, why are the not like those on Summit and Crocus Hill?
3. From this vantage point does St. Paul appear to be a cohesive urban environment?
Why? Why Not?

RIGHT on Smith across the High Bridge. Three blocks after the bridge go RIGHT on W. 7th St. Go five blocks to Chestnut. RIGHT on Chestnut two blocks to Ryan. RIGHT on Ryan, go one block to Irvine Park. Park your car and walk all through this area.
1. Look carefully at the buildings and at the Park itself. What are they being used for? How many of the buildings are multiple units? Look at the house at the end of Walnut on the edge of the bluff (the Wright Pendergast house).
2. Who lives in this neighborhood? Who will live here in the future?
3. Is there any evidence that would indicate that this area once rivaled Summit as THE place to live?
4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this location?
5. What is going to happen to this part of the city?

Leave the square going west on Walnut, one block to Exchange. LEFT on Exchange, go one block to Ramsey. RIGHT on Ramsey, go one block to West Seventh.
1. Who lives in the housing project?
2. How does it compare to others you have seen?

Turn LEFT onto West Seventh. Proceed about 18 blocks to Randolph.
1. What commercial functions are found along West Seventh?
2. How old is this route?
3. How does this commercial street compare with Grand, Selby and Payne?

Turn RIGHT onto Randolph and proceed west to Snelling Avenue.
1. Does the physical landscape have an effect on the residential pattern?
2. What non?residential functions does Randolph have? Have you seen any other streets like Randolph on this trip?
3. Describe the junction of Snelling and Randolph. Explain the pattern of land use around this intersection.

Turn RIGHT on Snelling, return to Macalester.
1. What is the difference between the Snelling?St. Clair intersection and the Snelling?Randolph intersection?
2. Why is there a difference?

Write up your notes on this portion before you start the next segment of the field trip.

 

 

PART 2: MINNEAPOLIS RIVER FRONT AND DOWNTOWN

Pick a warm day and put on your walking shoes!

Starting point: St. Anthony Main, Riverplace and the nearby Our Lady of Lourdes Church. This site was once the main street of old St. Anthony.
1. What functions are here?
2. What is the average size of establishments? What is the smallest? Largest?
3. How important is the parking ramp to this project?
4. What kinds of housing units have been built here?
5. Who lives in this area?
6. What evidence can you find of the previous uses of this space?
7. What is the oldest building (or buildings) in the area?
8. Who is shopping in the stores and eating in the restaurants?

Cross over the Hennepin Avenue Bridge (either walk or by car). Visit Nicollet Island (turn RIGHT just before you leave the western edge).
1. Who do you think will live here?
2. What do you think will happen to the land use pattern on the island?
3. Can you think of any functions that should be located here?

Cross the bridge over the western channel of the river. If you are driving, leave your car on First Street. Enter the Nicollet Mall via the Northwestern National Life Building. This building is considered the foot of the Mall, although the nearby condos have extended the "action space" closer to the river. How does the building's use indicate changes in downtown land?

Proceed along the Mall, stopping in the major department stores.
1. How does the pattern of small shops and restaurants relate to the location of office structures and larger stores?
2. How does this area contrast to the downtown shopping district of St. Paul?
3. Be sure to go into the IDS Crystal Court to get a sense of how the skyway system works.

Continue along the Mall.
1. How does the pattern of landuse change?
2. How does Orchestra Hall and the Peavey Plaza interface with the Mall and the building across the street?

Go through the Hyatt Regency to the Loring Greenway. Walk along the Greenway to Loring Park and the Walker Art Center.
1. What function does Westminster Presbyterian Church provide for the new downtown community?
2. How would you characterize the residential community that is under development at this end of the Mall?
3. Contrast the land use along Willow Place and 15th Street.
4. What design features of the Greenway do you like/dislike?

Return to your car by walking down Hennepin. This street has been a major street in Minneapolis from the birth of the city.
1. What function does this street have today?
2. Compare the buildings here with those on Nicollet.
3. How has the entertainment business shaped landuse in this part of Minneapolis?

At Sixth turn RIGHT and go four blocks to the government precinct around the City Hall and County Court House. Visit the National Guard Armory on Sixth between Portland and Fifth Avenue South.
1. How has public investment impacted this section of the city?
2. Why has the specialization occurred here?

Walk towards the river on Fourth Avenue South.
1. Why are the Exchanges here?
2. Why is there a large train depot and train shed at Fourth and Washington? What would be a good way to reuse this site?

Turn LEFT at Washington, go one block to Third Avenue South. Turn RIGHT on Third Avenue South and go to First Street.
1. What evidence is there in the landscape that indicates this area was once considered to be one of the most important parts of downtown?
2. What will be the future of this area?

Turn LEFT at First Street and return to your car.

Now that you are free, explore the rest on your own. I'm sure you will enjoy yourselves.