The Minnesota Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of the University of St. Thomas, finding that a revised environmental review for its new Lee and Penny Anderson Arena was sufficient. The decision marked a significant victory for the university in its long-running legal dispute with a neighborhood group, Advocates for Responsible Development (ARD).
Background on the legal dispute
Two years ago, the ARD challenged the City of St. Paul’s initial approval of the university’s environmental assessment worksheet (EAW), citing its concerns over traffic, parking, and environmental impacts.
In July 2024, the Minnesota Court of Appeals sided with the ARD, ordering the city to conduct a more thorough environmental review. The court found the initial EAW deficient because it failed to account for the cumulative environmental impact of other construction projects on campus, like the adjacent Schoenecker Center.
At the time, the university issued the following statement:
“After thoroughly reviewing the court’s opinion, the university is confident that each of the three areas the court has directed the City of Saint Paul to address in the original EAW can be remedied. However, St. Thomas disagrees with the court’s opinion that the city’s initial EAW was insufficient and plans to appeal the decision.
“The university is encouraged that the court rejected many of the claims included in the lawsuit brought forth by an organization opposed to the arena. Last week’s decision follows the rejection of separate appeals that the same organization made to the City of Saint Paul Zoning Committee and City Council earlier this year challenging the arena’s approved site plan.
“The university remains committed to the development of the Lee and Penny Anderson Arena, which will provide a top-tier facility for NCAA Division I student-athletes and fans, strengthen the student experience and alumni engagement, and bring additional economic vitality to the region for generations.
“As a Top 50 Green College, St. Thomas also remains confident in the sustainable design and development plans for the new arena. The arena will create green space on the St. Paul campus and improve water runoff infrastructure, while replacing old, inefficient buildings with a new facility designed to meet LEED Silver Certification.
“The University of St. Thomas will continue construction of the Lee and Penny Anderson Arena, as permitted by law.”
The City of St. Paul went on to publish a revised EAW in October 2024, which detailed new mitigation efforts, including the use of an app-based parking system and shuttles for large events at the 5,300-seat arena.
Regardless, the legal challenge persisted leading to the latest ruling, where the appeals court approved the revised EAW, stating that the updated plan was sufficient and that a full Environmental Impact Statement was not necessary.
While aseparate lawsuit from the neighborhood group concerning the arena’s compliance with city zoning rules, specifically relating to its height and bluff setbacks, is still pending in Ramsey County District Court, the Arena is scheduled to open when the University of St. Thomas hockey teams hosts Providence College on October 24, 2025.
