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Northern Pacific Railway Company Como Shops Historic District
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Bandana Square: steam locomotive and water tower enhancing the railroad theme
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| Location: | Energy Park Dr. and Bandana Blvd. Saint Paul, Minnesota |
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| Built: | 1885 |
| Governing body: | Private |
| NRHP Reference#: | 83000937 [1] |
| Added to NRHP: | March 31, 1983 |
Bandana Square is now an office center but was originally designed to be an enclosed shopping center in Energy Park (an industrial street) in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The site is in the National Register of Historic Places.
It included a Best Western hotel and conference center, along with several unique restaurants such as the successful Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant that is now located in Minneapolis. The Dino's Greek fast-food chain, formerly known as Dino's Gyros, also had its first year-round restaurant at Bandana Square (previously, the company had only set up stands at the Minnesota State Fair and other events).
The complex opened in 1984 after several early twentieth century railroad buildings (the Northern Pacific Railway's Como Locomotive Shops) were converted into what was to be a large festival marketplace. Richard Faricy FAIA, the architect, would later recount that it was a remarkable project from the start. The financing and cooperation came from everyone—the railroads, the government, and even private grants.
However, the venture was unsuccessful and the facility was transformed into office space.
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The Minnesota Children's Museum moved from Bandana Square to downtown Saint Paul in 1995, taking with it many visitors.
The Twin City Model Railroad Museum is still located in the complex, and is the only non-office related tenant remaining.
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