I was trying to find a photo of this intersection from 10-15 years ago, but I'm not finding anything on the interwebs that is pre-yellow paint. This used to be Concord and State intersection, not sure when that changed. Just south of downtown St Paul, this area on the West Side is quite unique. Lots of Mexican themed stores and the community in this area are well supportive of the heritage.This entire area has been so improved, this one photo doesn't do it justice. It was quite run down when from when I can first recall living in this area. It is a very beautiful neighborhood now. For restaurants in the area, Boca Chica is highly recommended. The El Burrito Mercado grocery store in this photo has been here for quite a while. It looks like they have expanded from what I remember plus Cherokee Bank is now in the building. I certainly will have to revisit this area when I get the time for more photos.
3 comments:
I am so glad they have revitalized this fabulous chunk of property. Growing up, this was definitely the place NOT to be after dark! :)
If you ever return to this part of St Paul, you will NOT recognise this area. The streets are still the same, but this entire area has gone over a major facelift. If you recall the appartments on Concord avenue, they have been torn down and there are now town homes in the lots. So many new businesses and remodeling jobs on the buildings.
There is still the Cozy Cantina which is still probably the only place in that area you wouldn't want to be after dark.
The West Side is dear to my heart as it is my old stomping grounds growing up, so there will be more photos of this area.
I do come back a couple of times each year, but the last few times I have been on the West Side it was nighttime, so I didn't get to see all of the improvements. I have always liked it down there, especially the Taco John's (that is probably gone). YUM!
My uncle lived in those apartments on Concord (the not so attractive ones right off of 52 on a little hill/bluff). Right up the road on Annapolis & Robert (technically not the West Side, I know) I used to be a teller at a satellite bank location, but they have totally replaced that building. My Dad's best friend lived on Page, almost near the end, and I would watch them play broomball on Saturday mornings in the winter.
My Grandfather owned Oscar's Drive-In on Robert Street (now J.T.'s) and made the world's best coney! His chili recipe is a family secret that my own Mother hasn't even shared with me yet! Many a wasted afternoon spent in Signal Hills, too! What amall! I thought that was the coolest thing going, never even knew it was cheesy until at least junior high! I LOVED St. Paul Book & Stationery and playing with the "new" Macintosh PCs at Radio Shack... what a NERD!!! :)
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