The Saint Paul Riverfront Corporation, in collaboration with the City of Saint Paul, acquired the Firstar property in October 1999 for the purpose of redeveloping it as "public green space reconnecting the downtown to the Mississippi River." Firstar Bank (now US Bank), the St. Paul Companies, and two private individuals provided lead contributions to support property acquisition and design work.
A design process involving representatives of the Riverfront Corporation, the City and the downtown community was subsequently launched. The design team considered not only the Firstar site but also Hamm Plaza and the surrounding streets when developing the design concept. The final concept provides flexbility, enabling the site to function as a destination for events and festivals and as a crossroads for pedestrian movement between the Wabasha main street area and the Rice Park/RiverCentre district.
After the acquisition the site was leveled for a parking lot and Allied Parking managed the site on behalf of the Riverfront Corporation as design and fund raising were underway. The site was also used to host the annual St. Patrick's Day celebration and the Koch International Children's Festival.
The proposed $4.2 million dollar park will include native perennial and tree species, areas for festivals and concerts, sidewalk improvements on all sides and Charles M. Schulz memorial sculptures.
On June 19, 2002, the Saint Paul City Council approved an agreement between the City and the Riverfront Corporation for the Landmark Plaza Project which allowed construction to begin officially on June 24th, 2002. The official ground breaking ceremony was held on June 27, 2002. The park officially opened on May 28, 2003.
