St. Paul Developer Plans Floating Condominiums

Imagine living on the Mississippi River - literally. It's an idea that may finally become reality for a St. Paul developer. Dave Nelson has plans to build four barges that will float 190 condominiums all over the country. The development, called "The Marquette" would be 600 feet long, 180 feet wide and 47 feet tall, housing various facilities. "We'll have a medical clinic, a grocery store, two restaurants, pools, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, miniature putting course, (and) a gold-chipping course," Nelson said.The project would cost $91 million, which would be paid by those who want to be involved in the project. Units would cost anywhere from $400,000 to $1.8 million. Nelson said so far he has a handful of interested buyers. Whitney Clark, head of the "Friends of the Mississippi" group that watches over the river, said he finds the idea interesting, assuming it abides by current environmental regulations. We like the idea of communities growing and developing around the river," Clark said. "We want it to be done in a way that protects the public values of the river."