WELCOME TO THE BEAR LARP DISTRICT
Gateway to the
Greater East Side
The Bear + Larp District is the new identity for the historic White Bear Avenue corridor, a place where Saint Paul’s Greater East Side roots meet its next era of growth. As the Gateway to Saint Paul, Bear + Larp supports local businesses, welcomes new investment and celebrates the diversity, creativity and resilience that define this community.
The Greater East Side is at a rare and transformative moment.
The Heights is delivering more than 1,000 new homes, hundreds of jobs, new businesses, community amenities and a sustainability infrastructure unmatched in the Midwest; a historic level of investment in a long under-resourced part of Saint Paul.
At the same time, planned improvements such as the reconstruction of White Bear Avenue and Metro Transit’s Purple Line will make the corridor safer, more walkable, bikeable and better connected.
Bear + Larp ensures White Bear Avenue grows alongside this momentum, rather than being left behind by it.
Who is the Bear + Larp District?
The Bear + Larp District is also an economic community initiative spearheaded by the Greater East Side Community Council (GESCC) in collaboration with the White Bear Business Association and made possible through the support and funding of the City of Saint Paul.
We need you! Every business, entrepreneur, resident and community organization of the Greater East Side is a vital part of the Bear + Larp initiative. Visit often for ways you can become involved.
The District Location
The Bear + Larp District encompasses in Saint Paul’s Greater East Side’s White Bear Avenue stretching from Larpenteur to Arlington.
It includes several key sites and commercial opportunities that can help shape the future of this vibrant, culturally diverse corridor…
DEvelopment and Leasing Opportunities
GLoryville
A planned four-story mixed-use development featuring 87 units of affordable housing at a highly visible gateway (the former Hafner site) along White Bear Avenue. The project is currently awaiting MHA financing and is actively seeking a first-floor anchor retail partner (25,130 square feet) to collaborate on an Asian grocery concept.
Hafner Shopping Center
A fully leased commercial property currently offered for sale, presenting a stabilized investment opportunity. It offers a strong tenant mix, an established customer base and a central, highly trafficked location.
Hillcrest Shopping Center
One of the corridor’s most prominent retail hubs, it offers opportunities for restaurants, retail, and service-oriented businesses, provides strong visibility for tenants along a well-traveled arterial, and attracts businesses interested in participating in coordinated corridor marketing and promotion.
Featured Businesses
Cups & cheers International Sports Bar & Restaurant
A neighborhood-rooted destination in the Bear + Larp District.
As this initiative continues to grow, we will expand this site to include a comprehensive directory of Bear + Larp businesses. In the meantime, we invite you to explore our featured business case studies and learn more about the entrepreneurs shaping the corridor.
Best Steak House
An iconic eatery on White Bear Avenue’s Hillcrest Shopping Center.
If you’re interested in being listed on the Bear + Larp website or having your business featured in a case study, please contact the Greater East Side District 2 Community Council.
All TEch Automotive
Built on quality, value and the Greater East Side community.
