History of White BEar Avenue

Decades ago, White Bear Avenue thrived as a vibrant, walkable commercial destination. Small businesses, including cafes, grocery stores, hardware shops, hair salons and family destinations like Hafner Supper Club and the neighborhood bowling alley, served as daily gathering places. Hillcrest Shopping Center bustled with jewelry stores, clothing shops, groceries and essential services, anchoring the corridor as a hub of neighborhood life.

Over time, changing property ownership, disinvestment and shifting traffic patterns contributed to declining storefronts and reduced activity. The construction of highways redirected shoppers to regional destinations like Maplewood Mall, while public investment in infrastructure and amenities lagged behind other parts of the city. As a result, outdated and negative perceptions began to overshadow the corridor's cultural strength, resilience and potential.