Tour groups explored the concrete labyrinth of the former Macy's building in St. Paul Tuesday, envisioning the not-too-distant transformation of the block-long structure that has sat vacant for years in the center of downtown.

But first, there was a rooftop celebration. Mayor Chris Coleman, Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold and other development partners discussed the importance of the $71 million redevelopment project as construction crews worked behind them.

"This was a missing link in the fabric of the city of St. Paul," Coleman said of the building, now called Treasure Island Center, which will include the Minnesota Wild's rooftop practice rink and office and commercial space on the five levels below.

The center, next to the newly reopened Palace Theatre, will enliven a quiet section of downtown and connect the dots between Rice Park and Lowertown, Coleman said.

Crews have completed a quarter of the reconstruction, said Randy McKay, principal of developer Hempel Cos. They expect to debut the Wild rink this fall.

The building will include office space for the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, TRIA Orthopaedic Center, the St. Paul Police Department and Wild coaches. A Tim Hortons will be on the second level, Stacked Deck Brewing will have glass garage-style doors opening to Cedar Street on the ground floor and Walgreens will have a two-level space at the corner of Wabasha and 6th streets. More tenant announcements will be made in the next month, McKay said.

Treasure Island Resort and Casino has signed on for the naming rights of the former Macy's building in downtown St. Paul.

The cost of the project has grown in the past year. When Hempel signed on last April to partner with the St. Paul Port Authority on rehabilitating the building, the price was estimated at $60.6 million. It grew to $71 million because tenants wanted more improvements to their spaces, McKay said. He said Hempel will cover the added costs — not the Port Authority or taxpayers.

Jessie Van Berkel • 612-673-4649