A Note From Our Team
It is hard to believe that we are already moving into fall. Summer brought plenty of activity to downtown Saint Paul, with numerous events and programs giving people more reasons to get outside and enjoy the city. We also continue to see increased investment in the downtown area, with new businesses opening and existing companies expanding. It is great to see new additions and familiar names adding to what downtown has to offer. We are proud that many of the buildings that business owners call home are served by District Energy.
At District Energy, our focus is shifting as we move toward the end of cooling season and prepare for the heating season. This transition is an important time for building operators to review equipment, address maintenance needs, and make sure systems are ready for colder weather. For additional guidance, please review our Preventative Maintenance Check List resource for tips on preparing your system for the season ahead. Our team is available to help customers prepare and keep your systems operating reliably throughout the year.
Construction of the Capital City Thermal Plant is progressing, and the project is starting to look quite different from when construction began earlier in the summer. If you have not driven by the site recently, you may be surprised by how much progress has been made. We have included a few photos below to show how the project is coming together.
We have also been busy listening to our customers and planning opportunities to connect and share information. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s 2026 Customer Survey. We appreciate hearing from you and look forward to putting that feedback to use.
Throughout the fall, we look forward to continuing to work alongside our customers and the broader Saint Paul community. Thank you for your continued partnerships. If you have questions or need assistance, please reach out to our team at 651-297-8955 or info@districtenergy.com.
New and Expanded Businesses Downtown
Downtown Saint Paul continues to see new businesses open and current ones expand, bringing more places for people to work, eat, and spend time. A recent Pioneer Press article highlighted 21 new and expanded businesses throughout downtown, and 14 of those businesses are either District Energy customers or located in buildings we serve.
The businesses featured in the article include new housing, restaurants, cafes, retail shops, and event spaces. The article also shares the stories behind some of these businesses and what brought them to open their doors downtown.
One of those businesses is Owl’s Eye Art Collective, which recently moved into a commercial space in Market House, a building served by District energy for both heating and cooling. The collective has expanded its offerings to include coworking spaces, art studios, and classes, adding another creative destination to downtown.
Also highlighted is Stella, a new apartment community in downtown Saint Paul and a District Energy customer for both heating and cooling. The project repurposes the former Ecolab University building, creating new housing in a building that previously served as office space. Stella adds to the growing number of places for people to call home in downtown Saint Paul.
Read the full Pioneer Press article to learn more about the people and businesses behind the changes happening throughout downtown. If you are downtown, consider stopping by and supporting these local businesses.
Welcome Avalon
District Energy is excited to welcome a new customer to our cooling system, Avalon, a new event center in downtown Saint Paul. Located in the historic James J. Hill Reference Library overlooking Rice Park, Avalon offers a unique setting for weddings, galas, corporate gatherings, and celebrations.
The building, completed in 1916, was originally a gift from James J. Hill and his family to support business research and economic development in the region. Designed by architect Electus D. Litchfield, the Renaissance Revival building features a grand three-story reading room, tall stone pillars, and Tennessee marble throughout.
For nearly a century, the Hill Library served as a resource for entrepreneurs, researchers, and the public. In 2021, the building was purchased by First & First with plans for this new event space. Renovations began in spring 2025, while preserving many of its historic features.
Today, Avalon brings new life to the building and to downtown Saint Paul. We are glad to provide cooling to Avalon and be part of this new chapter.
For more information about Avalon, upcoming events and the venue, please visit their website at avalonsaintpaul.com.
Photo by Studio KH Photograph
From Groundbreaking to Today
Construction of the Capital City Thermal Plant at University Avenue and Mississippi Street is well underway. Since construction began earlier this summer, the two-million-gallon storage tank has already begun to take shape, giving the site a very different look from earlier this year. We will continue to share updates as construction progresses.
Thank You for Your Feedback
Our 2026 Customer Survey is now complete. Thank you to everyone who took time to participate and share your feedback with us. Hearing from our customers directly help us understand what is working well and where there may be opportunities to improve. Our team is reviewing the responses and will use your feedback for future improvements to our services and customer experience.
If you have questions or would like to get in touch with our team, please contact us at 651-297-8955 or info@districtenergy.com.
2026 Operating Engineer Seminar
When asked what topics customers would like to learn more at our annual Operating Engineers Seminar, the top areas of interest were District Energy building system optimization, followed by general District Energy system updates.
The seminar is planned for Wednesday, November 4th. Be on the lookout for an invitation and registration details via email. We hope you and your teams can join us for lunch and learning!
If you have questions or would like to receive information about upcoming educational events, please contact Gaoia Xiong at Gaoia.Xiong@districtenergy.com.
We Are Hiring
Ever-Green Energy currently has job openings. If you know someone who may be interested, please share these opportunities with your network.
Electrical Designer II
Saint Paul, MN, US
Operations & Maintenance Engineer
Minneapolis, MN, US
Chief Operating Manager
Minneapolis, MN, US