By Scott Carlson
The long-time owner of Milton Square has sold the storied retail and apartment complex in St. Anthony Park to a group of local investors who aim to continue preserving its existing legacy.
The parties announced the sale on June 3. Terms were not disclosed.
According to its buyers, Milton Square’s nearly 27,000-square-foot space will continue to house a curated mix of small businesses, including boutiques, wellness services and neighborhood cafés — all set within the property’s iconic European-style setting.
The new ownership group is led by Ned Rupp, Spencer McMillan and Mark Battles — all raised in St. Paul, and lifelong friends, with an enduring appreciation for St. Paul’s architectural heritage, according to the group’s news release.
“Our collective vision centers on continuing Milton Square’s legacy as a vibrant local destination and neighborhood fixture,” the buyer’s group said, “while ensuring its long-term sustainability for future generations.’’
In the same news release, seller Heather O’Malley, speaking on behalf of her family, reflected on the building’s long legacy of community stewardship:
“My mother, Mary Ann Milton, purchased Milton Square in 1957 with a vision to create something enduring and beautiful — a place where independent businesses could thrive and neighbors could gather.
“It has been a great honor to carry forward her vision. I’m grateful to see the next generation of thoughtful local owners stepping in to preserve and care for this historic treasure.”
O’Malley assumed ownership of Milton Square when her mother, then 85 years old, retired in about 2010. Milton Square’s current eclectic mix of tenants includes Nicos Taco’s & Tequila Bar, Marigold, Yes! Yes! Vintage Boutique, Tax Cat Consulting and Almost Heaven.
Designed in 1909 by architect Franklin Ellerbe, Milton Square is known for its Tudor Revival architecture, charming courtyard, and beloved collection of independent shops, professional offices and cafés.
The property has been a neighborhood anchor for more than a century. Milton Square was Frank Ellerbe’s first commission. He would later go on to form Ellerbe & Co., a notable international architectural firm, which would turn into Ellerbe Beckett.
“I have been a lifelong admirer of Milton Square; I fondly remember going to Muffuletta growing up,” said Ned Rupp, speaking on behalf of the buyer group. “We’re honored to serve as its next stewards.”
“This is a very special place — not just architecturally, but in the daily lives of neighbors and visitors. We look forward to supporting the existing tenants and continuing the property’s legacy as a cornerstone of the community.”
O’Malley said that an essential condition of selling Milton Square was for new buyers to honor the current character of the mixed-use development, including its focus on supporting small business development. She noted she had many offers to buy the property and revamp or tear down the current structure, but those offers were not acceptable.
O’Malley told the Bugle. “This is a unique property and a rare gem and creation in St. Anthony Park. I wanted to find a group of people or a buyer who wanted to keep it the way it is. I am very pleased that I found this (buyer’s) group.
Rupp told the Bugle he wants to maintain Milton Square’s character just as O’Malley and her family did for 68 years. “We hope to do the same,” he said.
The transaction was brokered on behalf of the seller by Jim Kenney, Kevin Peck and Jeff Hart of Suntide Commercial Realty.
Milton Square was built in three phases, starting with the Como-facing building in 1909, former Bugle editor Mary Mergenthal recently wrote for Kristin Anderson’s monthly SAP architecture history series. Today, Milton Square totals 26,865 square feet, occupying nearly 1 acre at 2244 Carter Ave.
Mergenthal noted, “The structure facing Carter Avenue was built in 1912, and the middle building facing the courtyard was added in 1914. Each of the first two buildings included apartments on the upper floors, retail space at street level and community halls on the lower level.”
Scott Carlson is managing editor of the Bugle. This article includes background material from a previous issue of the Bugle.
Photo cutline: New owners of Milton Square are pledging to retain its storied legacy. Photo from Milton Square website.