Welcome to
Heritage & Community Resilience

Rondo CLT is named after Rondo Avenue, a main commercial corridor that was renamed Concordia Avenue during the construction of Interstate 94. The construction dislocated many long-term residents and fractured the predominantly African American Rondo neighborhood.

In 1989 a resident task force initiated by the Summit-University Planning Council explored successful methods of preserving housing affordability. The task force recommended the land trust model as a way to keep housing affordable for future generations.

At the conclusion of their work, both the Summit-University and Lexington-Hamline Community Councils voted to endorse the creation of the first community land trust in Minnesota and in 1993, Rondo CLT was incorporated as a non-profit organization to serve these communities.

After nearly ten years of success in the Summit-University and Lexington-Hamline neighborhoods, Rondo CLT expanded the land trust’s service area to include all of St. Paul and later to include Suburban Ramsey County.

Most recently, Rondo CLT became the first commercial land trust in Minnesota. Based on the success of the land trust model in homeownership, Rondo CLT developed a land trust model for affordable commercial space. The project was conceptualized as an anti-gentrification measure for local area businesses in an effort to retain and stabilize small businesses on the Selby Avenue Commercial Corridor.

The current economic environment coupled with a holistic approach towards neighborhood stabilization has led Rondo CLT to develop new projects that emphasize flexibility and collaboration. These projects range from economic development to neighborhood beautification but woven throughout each initiative is Rondo’s commitment to improving the quality of life of community members who the organization serves.

For 30 years, Rondo CLT has successfully developed affordable housing for modest-income households in St. Paul, Minnesota. As part of its vision, Rondo CLT has remained dedicated to addressing priorities as set by the community and exploring innovative development methods.

Our commitment lies in fostering an authentic connection between the Rondo neighborhood and its community members, their families, and shared interests. We urge you to reach out to the Rondo Community Land Trust and explore ways to align your personal goals with the success of your neighborhood. Remember, this is a historic place and your story is an integral part of its narrative.