City and suburban streets usually are categorized according

City and suburban streets usually are categorized according to an automotive hierarchy of local collector and arterial streets. St. Paul, Minnesota, where the downtown is built on a grid of streets, is developing a pedestrian hierarchy. All streets are to be designated as destination, connector and background streets, and model street sections and development guidelines will be created for these three types, according to City Planner Lucy Thompson. Destination streets feature premier public places and have the highest level of pedestrian activity. They may include cafes, shops, attractive building facades, plazas, squares and other features. Connector streets are primary walking routes to the destinations. Background streets are lightly used by pedestrians. All three types have different walking requirements. The goal will be to guide development and public improvements to enhance the walking experience and meet pedestrian needs at all levels. The pedestrian hierarchy is part of the city’s “St. Paul on the Mississippi Development Framework.” A key aspect is to encourage 14 urban villages in and around the city downtown. Five are existing neighborhoods — nine are proposed.