City to distribute bricks
from Armour Gates

City to distribute bricks from Armour Gates
By Jake Spitzack | Staff Writer | February 2026

Approximately 1,000 bricks from the Armour Gates were preserved during demolition of the historic structures late last year and some residents may be able to get their hands on them soon. City staff are finalizing plans for distributing the bricks to interested residents and are also forming a task force to gather ideas for creating a community memorial or monument incorporating some of the bricks.

Preliminary discussions say community members will be able to complete a form to claim up to two bricks. If bricks are still available following the initial wave of distribution, set for either February or March, residents may be able to submit another request for more bricks. The bricks will likely be given free with requests for donations, or the city will add brass plates to them and charge a fee. Approximately 20 bricks with a brass plate and decorative box may be used by the city to welcome new businesses to South St. Paul. Bricks from the closing of the stockyards in 2008 were used in a similar manner and were well received.

The task force is expected to make recommendations for the memorial or monument in April, with construction beginning soon after. City staff are reviewing state grant opportunities to assist with design and construction.