Howie: Downtown Duluth’s longtime concrete embarrassment finally meets its fate
For now, give Reinert his due. The Auto Shoppers Ramp is finally going away, brick by stubborn brick, because he made it a priority. And if you squint past the dust, you can almost see a downtown Duluth that isn’t held together by plywood, nostalgia, and wishful thinking. Almost.
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Howie: The skywalk once symbolized ambition. Today it symbolizes hesitation.
The skywalk was engineered for a different downtown — one built around banks, utilities and insurance headquarters moving employees between ramps and desks without touching Superior Street. That downtown is gone.
Tim Meyer: Use the 'Fargo Formula' for downtown redevelopment
It is time to bring major community stakeholders and economic drivers — such as UMD and the College of St. Scholastica — downtown. With them would come students, faculty and staff, along with parents, friends and visitors, fueling a historic rebirth of downtown Duluth.
Howie: Tim Meyer begins column on Duluth’s future
Tim’s column will dive into the issues that shape this city in real time: housing, community development, downtown reinvestment, sports, politics, business decisions that ripple through neighborhoods, and the constant tug-of-war between nostalgia and progress.
Howie: The library isn’t the story. It never was.
This time, the leverage isn’t casino revenue. It’s downtown frustration — visible poverty, safety complaints, business dissatisfaction and the persistent sense that downtown Duluth has not lived up to decades of promises.
Latest
Duluth Marshall opens against Sauk Centre in state opener
The Hilltoppers, led by super-sophomore Chloe Johnson (31.3 points per game), enters the tournament as one of the favorites in the eight-team bracket and could meet No. 3 seed New London-Spicer or No. 6 Minnehaha Academy in the semifinals if both teams advance.
Tim Meyer: Botched QB decision cost the Vikings 2025. Will it cost them two seasons?
The Vikings could add another veteran quarterback, draft another young passer and force McCarthy to earn his way back into the starting job. Competition is the reality of the NFL, where roster spots — and careers — are constantly on the line.
Howie: In St. Paul, regions that show up together get heard
Under the leadership of Chamber President Matt Baumgartner, Duluth and St. Louis County Days has become a respected presence at the Capitol. Legislators expect it. Policymakers notice it. And participants leave knowing their region’s voice has been heard.