Located in the heart of Saint Paul, MN, Unit 308 at 281 5th Street East is a compact yet characterful industrial loft that embraces its raw architectural roots. The unit features polished concrete floors throughout, exposed concrete columns, and open ductwork and piping along the ceiling, all of which contribute to its distinctive urban loft aesthetic. The main living area is an open, flexible space defined by crisp white walls that contrast with the industrial structural elements. A built-in kitchen lines one wall, outfitted with light maple cabinetry, dark countertops, a double-basin sink, and space for appliances including a refrigerator and range. Overhead pendant lighting adds warmth to the functional kitchen area. A split-level layout adds architectural interest, with a staircase and black metal railing connecting two distinct floor levels within the unit. The upper level benefits from natural light filtering in through windows, offering views to the exterior. The bathroom is clean and efficiently designed, featuring a toilet, sink, and grab bars, with a caged wall sconce providing ambient lighting. A dedicated closet provides convenient storage. A long hallway connects the various areas of the unit, enhanced by a natural wood door element that adds warmth against the otherwise industrial palette. The overall ambiance is minimalist, urban, and full of character.
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Monthly Rent
$1,000 - $1,100
Plus Fees
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Bedrooms
Studio bd
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Bathrooms
1 ba
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Square Feet
570 sq ft
Highlights
- Premier Transit Location
- Property Manager on Site
Pricing & Floor Plans
Fees and Policies
Details
Property Information
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Built in 1905
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70 units/6 stories
Matterport 3D Tours
About Crane Ordway Apartments
Crane Ordway offers affordable living in the heart of Saint Paul, with convenient access to transit, downtown amenities, and neighborhood essentials. With a focus on comfort and connection, it’s a place where residents can feel at home while staying close to everything the city has to offer.
Crane Ordway Apartments is an apartment community located in Ramsey County and the 55101 ZIP Code. This area is served by the St. Paul Public School District attendance zone.
Contact
Community Amenities
Fitness Center
Laundry Facilities
Clubhouse
Conference Rooms
- Laundry Facilities
- Property Manager on Site
- Clubhouse
- Multi Use Room
- Conference Rooms
- Fitness Center
Apartment Features
Air Conditioning
High Speed Internet Access
Smoke Free
Heating
- High Speed Internet Access
- Air Conditioning
- Heating
- Smoke Free
- Storage Space
- Wheelchair Accessible (Rooms)
Despite a similar name, St. Paul’s Lowertown is different from downtown in both location and character. While most residents know Downtown St. Paul as the entertainment hub of the city, Lowertown — its neighbor to the east — is developing a unique identity all its own.
Art galleries, restaurants, and local businesses are setting up shop in the warehouses and factories that put St. Paul on the map in the 20th century. Mears Park and the greenway along the Mississippi River provide much-need recreation space in this growing city. Residents of Lowertown enjoy a booming nightlife scene, as well as short commute times thanks to the interstates around the area.
Learn more about living in LowertownCompare neighborhood and city base rent averages by bedroom.
| Lowertown | Saint Paul, MN | |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,286 | $1,140 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,547 | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,131 | $1,651 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,758 | $2,195 |
- Laundry Facilities
- Property Manager on Site
- Clubhouse
- Multi Use Room
- Conference Rooms
- Fitness Center
- High Speed Internet Access
- Air Conditioning
- Heating
- Smoke Free
- Storage Space
- Wheelchair Accessible (Rooms)
| Monday | 10am - 5pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 10am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 5pm |
| Friday | 10am - 5pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Colleges & Universities | Distance | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Colleges & Universities | Distance | ||
| Walk: | 19 min | 1.0 mi | |
| Drive: | 4 min | 1.7 mi | |
| Drive: | 7 min | 4.0 mi | |
| Drive: | 11 min | 5.1 mi |
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by GreatSchools.org © 2026. All rights reserved.
Transportation options available in Saint Paul include Union Depot Station, located 0.2 mile from Crane Ordway Apartments. Crane Ordway Apartments is near Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain, located 9.7 miles or 16 minutes away.
| Transit / Subway | Distance | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit / Subway | Distance | ||
| Walk: | 3 min | 0.2 mi | |
| Walk: | 5 min | 0.3 mi | |
| Walk: | 10 min | 0.5 mi | |
| Walk: | 14 min | 0.8 mi | |
| Walk: | 15 min | 0.8 mi |
| Commuter Rail | Distance | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Commuter Rail | Distance | ||
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Walk: | 4 min | 0.2 mi |
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Drive: | 20 min | 10.8 mi |
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Drive: | 23 min | 16.8 mi |
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Drive: | 33 min | 24.9 mi |
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Drive: | 34 min | 26.5 mi |
| Airports | Distance | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Airports | Distance | ||
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Minneapolis-St Paul International/Wold-Chamberlain
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Drive: | 16 min | 9.7 mi |
Scores provided by
What do Walkability, Transit, Drivability, and Bikeability mean?
Walkability measures the walking distance to day-to-day needs.
Transit measures access to public transportation.
Drivability measures congestion, parking availability, and access to major roads.
Bikeability measures the suitability for cycling.
How It Works
Traffic
BusyAirport
BusyBusinesses
ActiveScores provided by
HowLoud What is a Sound Score Rating? A Sound Score Rating aggregates noise caused by vehicle traffic, airplane traffic and local sources. How It WorksTime and distance from Crane Ordway Apartments.
| Shopping Centers | Distance | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopping Centers | Distance | ||
| Drive: | 4 min | 1.6 mi | |
| Drive: | 4 min | 1.6 mi | |
| Drive: | 4 min | 1.7 mi |
| Parks and Recreation | Distance | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Parks and Recreation | Distance | ||
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Kellogg Mall Park
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Walk: | 10 min | 0.6 mi |
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Minnesota Children's Museum
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Walk: | 12 min | 0.7 mi |
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Mississippi National River & Recreation Area
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Walk: | 16 min | 0.9 mi |
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Science Museum of Minnesota
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Drive: | 3 min | 1.5 mi |
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Irvine Park
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Drive: | 3 min | 1.6 mi |
| Hospitals | Distance | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitals | Distance | ||
| Walk: | 14 min | 0.8 mi | |
| Walk: | 16 min | 0.9 mi | |
| Walk: | 17 min | 0.9 mi |
| Military Bases | Distance | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Military Bases | Distance | ||
| Drive: | 15 min | 8.4 mi |
Crane Ordway Apartments Photos
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Crane Ordway Apartments
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Studio - 570SF
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Crane Ordway Apartments
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Studio - 570SF - Kitchen
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Studio - 570SF - Living Room
Models
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Studio - 500SF
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Studio - 570SF
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While Crane Ordway Apartments does not provide in‑unit laundry, on‑site laundry facilities are available for shared resident use.
Utilities are not included in rent. Residents should plan to set up and pay for all services separately.
Contact this property for parking details.
Crane Ordway Apartments does not allow pets, though service animals are always welcome in accordance with applicable laws.
A good rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Based on the lowest available rent of $1,000 for a studio, you would need to earn about $40,000 per year to qualify. Want to double-check your budget? Calculate how much rent you can afford with our Rent Affordability Calculator.
Crane Ordway Apartments is offering 1 Month Free for eligible applicants, with rental rates starting at $1,000.
Yes! Crane Ordway Apartments offers 2 Matterport 3D Tours. Explore different floor plans and see unit level details, all without leaving home.
281 5th St E
Saint Paul, MN 55101
Property Manager Responded