Republic Services is committed to helping the communities we serve through Republic Services Charitable Foundation and our National Neighborhood Promise Program. As this week’s Black History Month feature, we spotlight a second neighborhood revitalization project.
Spotlight: Strengthening the Rondo Neighborhood though Rebuilding Together Twin Cities and the Republic Services Charitable Foundation’s National Neighborhood Promise (NNP) program.
A little history on the Rondo Neighborhood … Before 1956, nearly 80% of the Black community in St. Paul, MN, lived in Rondo. However, when construction of I-94 began, this community was physically divided and within the next decade, nearly 700 homes were demolished, 300 businesses closed and countless individuals were displaced. It’s estimated that Rondo lost more than half of its population, shrinking from 26,627 residents in 1950 to 12,347 residents in 2018. For photos and more history, visit the Reconnect Rondo website.
In 2021, Rebuilding Together Twin Cities received a $150,000 National Neighborhood Promise grant from our Charitable Foundation to revive and update the Rondo Commemorative Plaza and Community Center. The project aimed to create interactive historical displays that provide information of the old Rondo community, and also serves as a gathering space and cultural hub for residents.
On Juneteenth 2021, volunteers from the local community, Republic Services, and state, city and community officials, put the finishing touches on the community garden at the Rondo Center.
Read more about Rebuilding Together Twin Cities and its mission to repair homes, revitalize communities and rebuild lives here.
