Summit Avenue called the pinnacle of U.S. streets

Last update: October 8, 2008 - 12:01 AM

Summit Avenue in St. Paul has been named one of 10 great streets in the United States in 2008 by the American Planning Association.

The avenue was singled out because of its "breathtaking vistas, park-like qualities and decades-long history of planning measures, civic participation and private stewardship," according to the association.

The honor is part of the association's Great Places program, which highlights places of exceptional character, quality and planning.

Summit stretches nearly 5 miles in the western part of the city, ending at the Mississippi River. Victorian-era mansions sit along the tree-lined street. It's popular with cyclists, joggers and walkers.

"We take great pride in our historic neighborhoods, and Summit Avenue epitomizes that pride," Mayor Chris Coleman said in a statement.

The nine other Great Streets are in Tempe, Ariz.; Tampa, Fla.; Louisville, Ky.; Portland, Maine; Boston; Annapolis, Md.; Philadelphia; El Paso, Texas, and Arlington, Va.

For more information, go to www.planning.org/greatplaces.

CHRIS HAVENS