Vandalism and weather over two decades have tarnished this unique park structure.
The Schubert Club Heilmaier Memorial Bandstand is a beloved flourish on Saint Paul’s Raspberry Island (formerly Navy Island). Its glass and steel design echoes the curves of nearby bridges, the lap of waves along the mighty Mississippi and the hulls of boats that ply the river. When lit at night, it becomes a beckoning lantern on the dark water.
Commissioned by the Schubert Club and Public Art St. Paul in 2002, it was designed by James Carpenter of New York. Local architect and art connoisseur Peter Kramer was the architect of record.
Over the years the bandstand has been compromised by the elements and vandalism, which includes damaged/cracked glass panels, missing glass panels, and spray paint/stickers applied to surfaces. The bandshell’s condition creates a public safety hazard as well as an eyesore for visitors.
Through the assistance of Public Art St. Paul founder Christine Podas-Larson and Peter Kramer, the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy has received a generous $20,000 gift to conduct a design feasibility process for the Bandstand’s renovation.
The design feasibility process will include:
- Conversations with current and past users of the Bandshell,
- Consulting with the structure’s original engineers, and
- Design and budget scope for next steps from James Carpenter Design Associates Inc.
This vital step will create a guide for returning the Bandstand to safe and functional use.
Get a virtual tour of the bandstand when it was first completed in this Public Art St. Paul video.
You can help make the next step in the renovation process possible by making your gift today. Simply designate “Schubert Club Bandstand” in the “message” field of the online donation portal.
View Looking Northeast – Summer 2021. Photos by James Carpenter
