A former Macy’s store, currently being renovated in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, will be renamed Treasure Island Center, under a multi-year
sponsorship agreement recently signed between the St. Paul Port Authority and Treasure Island Resort and Casino. The long-vacant property will include a practice ice rink for the Minnesota Wild, which also will be open to the public, plus an orthopedic clinic, a brewpub and other retail and office space—however, not a casino.
Shelley Buck, president of the Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Council, which operates Treasure Island Resort and Casino, said, “The Treasure Island Center is an exciting opportunity to be actively engaged in the revitalization of downtown St. Paul. St Paul has always been an important market for Treasure Island Resort and Casino, and it is even more significant to us as a Dakota Tribe because it is within our historic territory.”
St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman added, “Having Treasure Island put its name on this incredible hub is a testament to the investment happening in downtown St. Paul. I look forward to seeing more vibrancy and energy in this area as Treasure Island Center becomes a destination for residents and visitors alike.”
Developer Hempel Companies has been working with the St. Paul Port Authority to transform the building, which takes up the entire block at Wabasha and 6th streets. The Treasure Island Center is scheduled to reopen in the fall.
St. Paul Port Authority President Lee Kruger said, “I am confident that additional sponsorship agreements will fall into place in the months to come. It is encouraging to see the business community stand behind the work we are doing to make Treasure Island Center a reality.”
The Treasure Island partnership was brokered by the Brand Enhancement Group, a St. Paul sports marketing firm that is working with other potential corporate sponsors for the new facility.
