For nearly a century, the Ford Motor Company’s Twin Cities Assembly Plant sat along the Mississippi River in St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood. From 1925 to 2011, the sprawling factory produced everything from Model Ts to Ranger pickup trucks, anchoring a thriving workforce and shaping the community around it. After the plant closed and the last vehicle rolled off the line, many wondered what would come next for the 122-acre site perched high above the river.
Today, that land has taken on a new life as Highland Bridge — a modern, mixed-use neighborhood built around sustainability, smart infrastructure, and access to nature. Named after the bridge that once connected the plant to the city, Highland Bridge is now one of Minnesota’s most ambitious redevelopment projects. And this summer, two Artisan homes invite you inside to experience the future of the site firsthand.
"One of the cool features of living in Highland Bridge in St. Paul is that there’s all kinds of new walking trails, of course you have the bike trails along Mississippi River Boulevard, but there’s also a new man-made lake that is a part of the development," said Chad Hason of Sunstainable 9 Design + Build.
From clean Scandinavian lines to modern Tudor charm, these homes bring fresh architectural style to a neighborhood grounded in nature, community, and inspiring design.
Tucked along the river and framed by parks and trails, this all-electric home by Sustainable 9 is designed to stand the test of time — in both form and function. Inspired by Nordic minimalism, it pairs natural materials and warm finishes with high-performance systems and thoughtful details.
Inside, light flows through expansive triple-pane windows, highlighting custom walnut cabinetry, durable porcelain countertops, and soft elm hardwood floors. A striking mono-string staircase makes a sculptural statement in the open living area, while upstairs, the owner’s suite includes a private rooftop deck and a flexible work/lounge space designed around daily life.
Downstairs, the lower level is a true retreat: a sauna, fitness room, wellness bar (complete with a juice fridge!), and guest suite all come together to support a healthy lifestyle at home. Behind the scenes, geothermal heating and cooling, hemp insulation, 20 rooftop solar panels, and a Tesla Powerwall backup system help the homeowners live comfortably and efficiently — with the added peace of mind that the home is ready to evolve with their future needs, thanks to an integrated elevator and accessible design features.
Just steps away, this custom-built home by Detail Homes takes a fresh approach to the classic Tudor. Designed by David Charlez Designs, it balances old-world charm with clean lines, natural light, and easy livability — all on a sunny corner lot in the heart of Highland Bridge.
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The main level is open and functional, with a spacious kitchen, walk-in pantry, dining area, and inviting living room — plus the always-essential mudroom and powder room.
Upstairs, the owner’s suite features a Juliet balcony, walk-in closet, and ensuite bath, joined by two more ensuite bedrooms and a laundry room. The finished lower level offers space to unwind with a cozy family room and fireplace, exercise area, and guest suite — plus something that’s surprisingly hard to find in St. Paul: an attached tuck-under garage.
Outside, a covered front porch and screened rear porch with vaulted ceilings and a fireplace make it easy to enjoy the neighborhood’s green space and river views from every angle.
The story of Highland Bridge is about more than development — it’s about transformation. After the Ford plant’s closure, the City of St. Paul and community leaders worked to create a vision that would honor the site’s industrial past while preparing for the future.
"There’s going to be a tremendous amount of walkability, but more importantly lots of recreation options for people living in this area," Hanson added.
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With more than 50 acres of green space, miles of trails, and easy river access, Highland Bridge is setting a new standard for city living. It’s walkable, connected, and built with sustainability at its core — all just minutes from Highland Park’s shops and restaurants. These two Artisan homes are offering a glimpse into the future of home design in St. Paul.
See both homes in person during the Artisan Home Tour. It’s your chance to explore beautiful, thoughtfully crafted spaces and get inspired by what’s possible in this next-generation neighborhood.
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