The Heights project on Saint Paul's Greater East Side has been recognized with the 2026 Minnesota Brownfields ReScape Environmental Impact Award (Large Project). Braun Intertec is proud to have led the environmental assessment and remediation efforts that are helping transform 112 acres of contaminated land into one of the most significant redevelopment projects in the city's history.

Planning a brownfield redevelopment or managing a contaminated site? Contact us to start the conversation.

What Was the Environmental Challenge?

The former Hillcrest Golf Course was developed in the 1920s and operated for nearly a century. During that time, standard golf course maintenance practices left behind significant soil contamination. Mercury-based fungicides, commonly used from the 1950s through the late 1990s, created widespread mercury contamination across the site's greens, fairways, and tee boxes. Additional contaminants included polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), arsenic, and petroleum from stored fuels and maintenance operations.

Before redevelopment could begin, the site required thorough environmental investigation and remediation to ensure safety for future residents, workers, and visitors.

How Did Braun Intertec Help?

Our team partnered with the Saint Paul Port Authority to secure multiple assessment grants and investigate the presence of contamination in soils, water, and soil vapor across the 112-acre site. We used innovative sampling strategies to evaluate large decision units of soil in a cost-effective manner, combining environmental soil borings with geotechnical testing to maximize data coverage. 

Site remediation required the segregation, management, and off-site disposal of approximately 120,000 tons of impacted material. Throughout the process, continuous air monitoring confirmed that mercury was not detected in the air, reinforcing our commitment to protecting the surrounding community during cleanup.

We also coordinated with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to ensure full regulatory compliance, ultimately securing "No Further Action" approvals for soil remediation.

Looking for a partner who can guide your project from assessment through remediation? Learn more about our brownfield redevelopment services.

What Are the Benefits of This Project?

• Over 400 full-time construction jobs created to date, with more expected as the project continues
• Property value transformation from $10 million before redevelopment to an estimated $250 million after Phase 1, with projections reaching $750 million upon full completion
• The largest modern-day investment in Saint Paul's Greater East Side neighborhood
• Strong community engagement that shaped the redevelopment plan and connected it to the history and strength of the surrounding area
• A proven model for large-scale brownfield redevelopment that balances environmental protection, economic growth, and community need

Who Were the Project Partners?

This project was a true collaboration. Our partners included the Saint Paul Port Authority, Stoel Rives LLP, Stinson LLP, WSB, Loucks, Sherman Associates, Habitat for Humanity, Ever-Green Energy, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities, Carl Bolander & Sons, Ramsey County, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Ready to Explore How We Can Help Your Next Project?

Whether you are managing a brownfield site, planning a community redevelopment, or navigating environmental regulations, our team brings the science, strategy, and experience to move your project forward.

Contact us to start the conversation.