Ordway CEO shares his perspective
as arts leader and downtown resident

Arts organizations called vital to downtown resurgence

By Tim Spitzack | Editor | June 2026

The Ordway Center for Performing Arts got some shine at the recent St. Paul Downtown Alliance annual meeting, which served as a pep rally of sorts for the announcement of $1 billion being invested in downtown revitalization by private and public organizations. The Ordway and other arts institutions were recognized for their vital role in spurring economic activity and adding vitality to the downtown district. This summer alone, the Ordway is bringing three Broadway shows – “Spamalot,” “Six” and “Dirty Dancing” – that are expected to attract some 100,000 visitors, contributing to the Ordway’s $40 million annual economic impact. Ordway president Christopher Harrington was at the meeting and watched with delight as St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her playfully backstepped on stage and feigned making the famous “Dirty Dancing” leap into the arms of emcee Jason DeRusha.

In a recent interview, Harrington shared his thoughts on changes taking place in the city. His perspective comes from being both an arts leader and a downtown resident. He moved to St. Paul in late 2021 from his native Detroit during a time when arts organizations and downtowns across the country – and globe – were reeling from the loss of people in seats and on the streets. He said the Alliance meeting reaffirmed his belief that the city is moving in the right direction and brighter days are ahead.

“I have never been more encouraged by the level of energy, excitement and momentum that’s building,” he said of the vibe he experienced at that meeting. “I’m a proud board member of the Downtown St. Paul Alliance and I’ve been hearing about some of these plans for years, and now to see them all come together is really, really encouraging.”

He was quick to point out that the Ordway is just one of many downtown arts institutions that are helping feed the economic engine.

“There’s an inherent spirit of collaboration that’s been very rewarding,” he said.

“All of our success is interdependent. I’m all-in and am bullish on St. Paul because I see the boundless potential of who we could become. This is truly a special place – the wealth of arts and culture organizations, the restaurants, the way that people show up for community during tough times.”

While momentum exists, so do challenges. Based on feedback from recent focus groups, he said Ordway patrons mention safety, parking and lack of supporting venues as top concerns.

“There’s always that question around ‘is downtown safe,’ and I would say that yes, downtown is safe and we have a great St. Paul police department and our ambassadors with the Downtown Alliance play their role,” he said. “The only way that our community will be safe is that if people continue to come and show up and support our community…. Let’s continue to support the businesses and institutions that contribute to the vitality and vibrancy.”

Parking, he said, always has been and always will be an issue for any thriving downtown. To alleviate that stress for their patrons, the Ordway provides information on available parking options, encourages people to show up early, and sends a Know-Before-You-Go email about what else is happening downtown on the night of the show.

The lack of options for dining or drinks before or after a show are also concerns of Ordway patrons, he said, but he views this as both a challenge and an opportunity for downtown restaurants and bars to gain more patrons by extending their hours.

Getting people back into seats at the Ordway has been a slow and steady climb.

“While Twin Cities arts organizations are one of the Twin Cities’ greatest assets, arts organizations are still navigating many challenges now,” he said. “Audience expectations are shifting and a generational shift is happening. There’s all this research saying we’re also contending with the sofa as well…. One person can spend two-and-a-half hours scrolling endlessly on their phone, and that’s the average length of an opera or production. The options we have now are different. We’re competing not only for discretionary dollars, but for attention.”

The silver lining, however, is that many patrons say they want more time away from their screens and are hungry for human interaction.

“That’s been great to see,” he said. “The arts are a passport to escapism and a vehicle to make sense of what’s happening in the world.”

When Harrington moved to St. Paul, his choices for housing were endless, yet he knew where he wanted to be – right in downtown.

“I’m in St. Paul and I choose to live, work and play here because I want to, not because I have to, and there’s a big difference,” he said. “I’m within walking distance to some of the best offerings in the world. My wife and I try to support at least one thing a month that’s not related to the Ordway. It’s been a really great fit for me and my wife, and it’s an honor to be part of this community.”