St. Paul loses Pedro building, gains park

Downtown St. Paul is losing a landmark but gaining a park.

(MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson)

The Pedro family, owners of the former Pedro Luggage on Robert Street, donated their land and building to the city for use as a future park. As part of the agreement, the city plans to include the Pedro family name in the new park.

The company was first started by the Pedro family in 1914. The business moved to its current location in the 1960's. The iconic store with the bright blue sign closed in 2009.

Construction crews Friday began demolishing the building's façade.

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