About bear + Larp

the Gateway to the Greater East Side is undergoing a strategic revitalization that elevates culture, commerce and community.

A New Identity for a Historic Corridor

Bear + Larp is both a community-led economic initiative — spearheaded by the Greater East Side Community Council (GESCC) in collaboration with the White Bear Business Association and supported by the City of Saint Paul — and the new identity for the White Bear Avenue corridor, located in Saint Paul’s Greater East Side. Spanning from Larpenteur Avenue E to Arlington Avenue E, the corridor has long been a center of neighborhood life, rich with cultural diversity, entrepreneurship and community pride. Today, Bear + Larp represents both where the corridor has been and where it is headed next.

History

The Moment to act is now

White Bear Avenue has reached a critical moment. Major public and private investments — most notably The Heights development — are bringing more than 1,000 new homes, hundreds of jobs, new businesses, a new park and a sustainability infrastructure to the Greater East Side.

At the same time, the City of Saint Paul is renovating the Hayden Heights Library, an essential community space, while planned roadway reconstruction and Metro Transit’s Purple Line will improve safety, walkability, bikeability and transit access along the corridor.

This momentum creates a rare opportunity for White Bear Avenue to grow alongside — not behind — this new investment. Bear + Larp ensures the Greater East Side helps shape its own future by strengthening local businesses, attracting thoughtful development and reclaiming the corridor as a thriving neighborhood destination.

Learn More The Heights

How We're Strengthening the Corridor

Naming and branding the corridor as Bear + Larp is a proactive step toward changing its trajectory. By establishing a shared identity, strengthening the business community and shifting the narrative from decline to possibility, Bear + Larp positions the corridor as a place of local pride, entrepreneurship and inclusive investment.

We are strengthening Bear + Larp by increasing its visibility, vibrancy and value:

  • Improving walkability and safety

  • Reducing the dominance of fast through-traffic

  • Elevating the corridor's economic, cultural and community assets

  • Supporting businesses before, during and after construction

  • Sharing positive stories that reflect real momentum and opportunity

TODAY’S GOALS

01

Engage residents, businesses and community partners

02

Support and promote existing businesses

03

Increase awareness of economic, cultural and development opportunities

Looking Ahead

01

Attract new businesses and entrepreneurs

02

Encourage thoughtful, mixed-use development

03

Counter negative perceptions of safety and vitality

03

Build long-term prosperity and local ownership along the corridor

Expert Analysis Shaping the Future of the White Bear Corridor

To guide this work, GESCC, alongside the Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS®, engaged the Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) Consulting Corps to evaluate the real estate and marketability of the White Bear Corridor. Their analysis included stakeholder interviews, on-site assessments, existing studies and economic, real estate, transportation and community data. Their findings and recommendations inform practical, achievable strategies for the corridor's next chapter.

Read The Report

Who is Bear + Larp For?

Bear + Larp is for everyone invested in the future of White Bear Avenue and ready to experience the corridor as a vibrant place to live, work and grow.

  • Local Businesses

    Bear + Larp is committed to the small businesses that give the corridor its heart. Through marketing, signage, events and partnerships, we work to increase visibility, foot traffic and opportunity.

  • Entrepreneurs & Businesses Relocating

    Bear + Larp offers affordable space, strong community support and access to one of Saint Paul's most diverse customer bases, making this the right time to invest and grow.

  • Community & Residents

    Bear + Larp invites residents to rediscover White Bear Avenue, supporting local businesses, celebrating culture and shaping a vibrant neighborhood destination.

  • Brokers & Developers

    Bear + Larp is emerging as Saint Paul's next investment corridor, supported by infrastructure improvements, housing growth and a coordinated, community-driven vision.

  • Investors & Municipal Partners

    Bear + Larp represents a collaborative, equity-focused reinvestment strategy that benefits the Greater East Side and the city as a whole.

    If you are interested in building your business, investing in the Bear + Larp corridor or getting more involved as a Greater East Side citizen, email the Greater East Side Community Council.