With the repeal of Prohibition, criminals turnaway from bootlegging and toward robbery and kidnapping. Brewer William HammJr. Gangsters John Dillinger and Alvin Karpis are seen on city streets. Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, on the West Side, is founded to minister to the Mexican community. In the aftermath of World War II, the baby boom boosts St. Paulgrowth, but the downtown area faces stagnation and slow deterioration.
Urban renewal changes the face of the city.
Interstate 94severs traditional neighborhoods, including the Rondo neighborhood, separating the state Capitol complex from downtown St. Paul. Two years later, he is defeated in his bid for re-election. A period of urban renewal, marked by such projects as Town Squareand the restoration of the Old Federal Courts Building as Landmark Center,begins with the election of George Latimer as mayor. St. Paul draws worldwide attention as Super Bowl visitors join nearly 2.5 million area residents to view the Winter Carnival Ice Palace on Harriet Island. The Minnesota Wild will begin play in a new arena in St. Paul in 2000.