Rondo Community Land Trust

Golden Thyme

More than a restaurant and cafe, Golden Thyme is a gathering place, focused on preserving legacy and uplifting economic prosperity in Rondo.

An interior view of a restaurant with green walls, dark wooden tables and chairs, and a bar area in the background.

Golden Thyme Restaurant and Bar

Preserving a Legacy and Elevating a Community Landmark

In 2023, Rondo CLT purchased Golden Thyme Coffee & Café from Mychael and Stephanie Wright. After nearly 25 years of establishing and operating the beloved neighborhood gathering place, we worked with them to create an innovative approach to steward their legacy and grow their brand.


Today, Golden Thyme Restaurant & Bar is an upscale New Orleans–inspired dining experience featuring dishes like shrimp and grits, house-seasoned ribs, and a full bar with signature cocktails. With an ambiance that blends Southern hospitality and modern flair, this destination restaurant created over 35 jobs and anchors a growing hub of Black-led investment along the Selby corridor.

Golden Thyme Café: Honoring Tradition, Welcoming the Future

Golden Thyme Café carries forward the tradition of the original Golden Thyme Coffee & Café, offering a cozy daytime experience with rich coffee, light bites, and an inviting space to gather. As part of Rondo CLT’s commercial portfolio, the café honors neighborhood legacy while serving as a welcoming front door to our broader mission of building affordable opportunities for families and entrepreneurs.

Modern, brightly lit cafe interior featuring a long, white quartz bar, yellow counter, and stools against glass windows.

Our Purpose

Rooted in Mission. Guided by Vision. Driven by Values.

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01

Our Mission

We believe affordable housing is essential for strong, thriving neighborhoods. Our work focuses on: Offering permanently affordable homeownership and rental opportunities for low and moderate-income households. Preserving housing affordability and supporting neighborhood stability. Expanding business opportunities to help local entrepreneurs grow and contribute to the community.


02

Our Vision

Through innovative programs and responsible stewardship, we ensure that housing and business opportunities remain within reach today and for future generations.


03

Our Values

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OUR PARTNERS

Partners and Funders

Green Associated Bank Foundation logo featuring a stylized tree icon next to the brand name text.
Wells Fargo logo: white text on a red square with a thin yellow horizontal stripe at the bottom.
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation logo: a gold, four-pointed star icon next to the organization name in grey text.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota logo with blue cross and shield icons next to the company name.
White text on a red background reading "McKNIGHT FOUNDATION."
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Public Accountability

Financials, Reports, and Required Disclosures

Audited Financials

Annual Reports

OUR TEAM

Dedicated Leaders. Community Builders.

Rondo CLT is comprised of a dedicated team committed to promoting affordable housing and commercial space in St. Paul, MN. With experience in community development and real estate, we strive to support economic growth, diversity, and lasting positive impacts.

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Mikeya Griffin

President & CEO

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Damon Mason

Associate Director

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Felicia Perry

Senior Economic Development Manager

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Karen Addoun

President & CEO

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Addie Backhus

Development and Communications Manager

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Justin Gaarder

Senior Real Estate Specialist

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Pamela Taylor-Berry

Rehab Advisor

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Kim Lieberman

Housing Advisor

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Liz Zalanga

Executive Assistant

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Elizabeth Kirsner

Housing and Engagement Advisor

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Jonathan Hardy

Office Manager


Board of Directors

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Charles Bradley

President

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Brooke Blakey

Secretary

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Tiffany Phillips

Treasurer

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Krystle D'Alencar

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Tameka Jones

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Rekik Endeshaw

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Tiffany Price

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Marcio Thompson

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Latashia Matlock-Rivers

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Kate Speed

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Where can I read Rondo CLT’s annual report and financials?

    You can view Rondo CLT’s most recent annual report and financial documents by visiting our About page: https://www.rondoclt.org/about/about-us

  • What is a community land trust (CLT) and how does it create affordable housing?

    A Community Land Trust (CLT) is a nonprofit organization that creates permanently affordable housing by separating the ownership of land from the ownership of the home. Rondo CLT owns the land and offers homes at below-market rates, making homeownership more accessible. Homeowners sign a 99-year ground lease and agree to resale terms that ensure the home remains affordable for the next buyer. This model creates long-term affordability, community stability, and generational wealth.

  • Who can qualify for Rondo CLT’s programs?

    Rondo CLT’s Homebuyer Initiated Program is available to individuals and families earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Updated income guidelines and qualification details are available on our website here: https://www.rondoclt.org/residential/our-initiatives. Our commercial and community engagement programs are open to everyone.

  • How is Rondo CLT supported?

    Rondo CLT is supported through a combination of city, state, and federal funding programs, institutional and corporate grants, and individual donors who believe in the power of community ownership. This diverse funding mix helps us keep housing and commercial spaces affordable for generations to come.