Keg House Commons Opens as New Saint Paul Hub
The $3.2 million development offers a new model for operators repurposing historic properties with grant-backed financing.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Outlaw Development has completed the $3.2 million renovation of the historic Jacob Schmidt Brewing Company Keg House, converting the former Keg & Case Market into a new community hub known as Keg House Commons. The venue is scheduled to open in Saint Paul later this month.
Why it matters
By repurposing the facility through a combination of private capital and strategic grants, the developer aims to establish a sustainable community space that generates long-term value. This project offers a model for operators looking to revitalize vacant commercial real estate while leveraging local institutional partnerships.
The $3.2 million redevelopment project transforms the historic Keg House, which now features an event space with a 500-person capacity. Financing for the overhaul involved support from the GroundBreak Coalition, LISC Twin Cities, and Sunrise Banks.
The players
Outlaw Development
A real estate development firm focused on neighborhood revitalization and property ownership models.
GroundBreak Coalition
An organization providing grants to support community wealth building and equitable development projects.
LISC Twin Cities
A local branch of a national community development financial institution that facilitates capital for regional projects.
Sunrise Banks
A community-focused financial institution that provides commercial lending and support for regional developments.
Element Boxing and Fitness
A fitness facility and training studio that is relocating its operations to the new Keg House Commons building.
The details
Renovation work involved extensive interior demolition and structural repurposing of the former Keg & Case Market space to optimize the building for a new commercial mix. Outlaw Development secured the property in April 2026 and utilized strategic partnerships to avoid foreclosure, ultimately dividing the interior for multiple occupants, including a relocated Element Boxing and Fitness.
Timeline
November 2025: The $3.2 million project began.
April 2026: Outlaw Development acquired the property.
October 2026: The facility is expected to open.
Spring 2027: Outdoor green space events are planned.
Market Landscape
This development follows the pattern set by the 2026 LISC Twin Cities revitalization standards for financing and structural adaptation of aging commercial properties. It underscores a shift toward using structured grants to preserve historic assets in competitive urban submarkets.
Operators should note the successful use of coalition-backed grants to manage high-cost renovations in a challenging lending environment. Those evaluating similar properties should audit their capital structures to identify potential alignment with local non-profit or development-focused financial partners.
The takeaway
Successful urban redevelopment often relies on braiding traditional commercial lending with targeted community-wealth grants. Keep the Spring 2027 window for the outdoor green space launch on your radar if you operate in the West Seventh Street corridor.
Further reading
For more on local market shifts, visit the Saint Paul Openings & Closings section.
More information
View program details on the GroundBreak Coalition information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.
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