In the city's continuing efforts to better connect downtown St. Paul with its riverfront, the public is being invited to an upcoming open house to learn more about -- and provide feedback on -- the conceptual design of St. Paul's River Balcony, an elevated pedestrian path that will provide visual and physical connections between downtown and the Mississippi River.

The publicly accessible pathway will extend from the Science Museum of Minnesota to Union Depot. The open house will feature a large table top model of the River Balcony as well as a 3D digital model.

First envisioned as part of St. Paul's Great River Passage Plan, the River Balcony would create open spaces above the river to accomodate walking, outdoor seating and public gatherings. The Great River Passage is St. Paul's vision to better link people with the city's 27 miles of riverfront.

The River Balcony's conceptual design was developed by the city and the University of Minnesota's Metropolitan Design Center. Mayor Chris Coleman, as well as Bruce Jacobson and Mic Johnson -- fellows at the design center -- are scheduled to speak at the open house.

WHEN: Thursday, September 24, 5-7 p.m. (program at 6 p.m.)

WHERE: Union Depot

214 Fourth St. East

Saint Paul, MN 55101