When: Wednesday, April 24, 2024 | 9:30 a.m. Where: Mayo Civic Center – 30 Civic Center Drive SE What: The 2024 Real Estate Developer and Investment Summit presented by Destination Medical Center and ULI Minnesota! Join us on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at the Mayo Civic Center for an exciting day of networking and learning about the scale and scope of opportunities in Rochester, MN.
At this event, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with real estate developers and investment professionals from around the region. Whether you’re an experienced investor or just starting out, this summit is designed to provide valuable insights and opportunities specific to the Rochester, MN market.
We would like to welcome intern Neohemiah TwoBears to the team. Neohemiah is from Columbia Heights, MN, and is pursuing a double major in Data Science and Nordic Studies with a concentration in economics.
1. Why did you choose Luther College? Luther College stood out to me as the perfect environment to continue my academic journey and pursue my passion for music. Growing up, I had the opportunity to participate in a music camp called Dorian at Luther College, where my passion for music grew stronger and I developed a strong connection to it. As I approached my college decision, I knew that I wanted to continue playing music while pursuing my academic interests. Luther College’s renowned music program and vibrant musical community provided the ideal setting for me to explore further and cultivate my musical talents while pursuing a rigorous academic curriculum.
2. Why did you choose an internship at DMC? I chose an internship at the Destination Medical Center (DMC) because of its innovative approach to sustainability and urban development. The opportunity to apply my data science skills to meaningful projects that contribute to the sustainability goals of a growing urban center like Rochester, MN, was incredibly appealing. Additionally, I was excited about the opportunity to help improve the city and make a positive impact by participating in projects that focus on sustainability and community development.
3. What are your duties at DMC? As an intern at the DMC, my main responsibilities include gathering data, conducting research, and preparing reports. This involves collecting and analyzing various data types such as energy usage, population trends, and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, I assist in acquiring data for specific initiatives like GreenStep Cities, housing and population statistics, and workforce data.
4. What is a unique fact about yourself? One unique fact about myself is that I have traveled to Norway twice to learn about architecture. I studied at the University of Oslo where I had the opportunity to delve deep into architecture, learning about different design principles and sustainable approaches. This experience broadened my understanding of architecture and deepened my appreciation for the intersection of culture, environment, and design in shaping urban landscapes.
5. What are your plans for after graduation? After graduation, I am interested in exploring opportunities that allow me to apply my skills in data science to address real-world challenges, whether through further education, research, or professional work.
Meet Hernan Manzanet, DMC intern. Hernan joins the team from Luther College by way of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, majoring in Data Science. His plan after graduation is to find a job as a business analyst, ride motorcycle, and spend time with friends and family.
1. Why did you choose Luther College? I chose Luther College because it was the best option for me in which I would have a good soccer experience and academic career.
2.Why did you choose an internship at DMC? I liked the plan of the DMC to put Rochester on the map and all the positive things they are doing for the city of Rochester. I always wanted my job to have a positive impact on society, so when I thought about working with data and being part of a project that will have a positive impact on a community, the internship at the DMC was the perfect fit for me.
3. What are your duties at DMC? Collect and organize data to answer questions and develop projects that will help advance the DMC plan. Also, use GIS to visualize data and create story maps with that data.
4. What is a unique fact about yourself? A unique fact about myself is that I love motorcycles.
Since the adoption of the DMC Development Plan on April 23, 2015, a number of projects have been approved by the DMCC and the City.
Discovery Walk
Discovery Walk is a four-block linear parkway along 2nd Avenue SW. It is planned to connect Annenberg Plaza to Soldiers Field Memorial Park and function as an extension of the Heart of the City public realm project. Discovery Walk is designed to feel like a park and to promote health, wellness, and innovation. It will also serve as a catalyst for future private development in Discovery Square. Construction advanced significantly in 2023, including the pedestrian ramp located in the 300 block, pedestrian lighting art, and the snow melt system. Completion is anticipated in spring 2024.
Heart of the City Phase One
The first phase of the project was renovating the east elements of Peace Plaza and surrounding areas. It was unveiled in 2023. The public realm project features universal design elements, sustainability, integrated art and improved infrastructure, and a catenary lighting system. This project has stimulated new and expanded commercial and retail businesses in the area and won the 2023 Award of Excellence in Urban Design from the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Riverfront Reimagined
Following the City-initiated Downtown Waterfront S.E. Small Area Plan study for a 60+ acre area located southeast of the downtown core on the Zumbro River, the City continues to lead the development of this future mixed-use neighborhood. In July 2022, the City adopted the Riverfront Small Area Plan as a preferred plan to guide the transformation of the redevelopment area as a “front door” to the river and gateway into downtown. In August of 2022, the City was awarded a federal RAISE grant in the amount of $19.9 million for the Sixth Street Bridge crossing the Zumbro River. In 2023, the project advanced with site preparation, flood wall work with the Army Corps of Engineers, further design, and interim site activation.
Bryk on Broadway
The Bryk on Broadway, located at 401 Broadway Ave N., opened in 2023 as a mixed-use, mixed-income apartment building with rents at varying levels. Of the 180 workforce housing apartments, 54 units are income-restricted to those at or below 50% of the area median income, 18 units to those at or below 60% of the area median income, and 108 units to those at or below 80% of the area median income.
Soldiers Field Memorial Park
Soldiers Field Memorial Park contains 150 acres of memorials and active recreation space, including 4,000 feet of riverfront. The northern portion lies within the DMC Development District and is featured in the Development Plan as an anchor of the Education and Recreation Subdistrict.
This project also maximizes connections to other key features of the DMC Development District: Discovery Walk will connect the Heart of the City to Soldiers Field and the Sixth Street Bridge will link Soldiers Field to the downtown waterfront area.
The public realm improvements within the district feature an aquatics center, with lap pool, bathhouse, wading pool, and outdoor seating, new basketball courts, a trail through the northeast corner of the park, a nature play area, community shelter, public restrooms, and new public parking. Importantly, this project combines federal, State, City, and DMC funding sources to reinvigorate this public asset. Project improvements are well underway and construction is expected to conclude in 2024.
Mobility
Progress continued on the approximately three-mile bus rapid transit project known as “LINK.” This project has applied for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Small Starts funding process. In 2022, the City and Mayo Clinic entered a twenty-year operating agreement in which Mayo Clinic will cover the annual local match for operating costs and all riders may use the system without paying fares. In 2023, design work was nearly completed, and state and federal environmental reviews concluded. With the significant progress in project planning and qualifying expenditures, the City certified, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) approved, $9,081,280.13 in City and County transit contributions for 2022, qualifying for the State’s disbursement of $7,500,00 as the annual maximum of state transit aid.
A critical component of the Link experience is the future development of the West Transit Village at the western terminus at Second Street SW. The vision for the West Transit Village extends far beyond parking, with the potential uses of mixed-income housing, retail, and childcare.
At Destination Medical Center (DMC), we are thrilled and inspired by the news that Mayo Clinic has announced a $5 billion dollar commitment to expanding its Rochester campus as part of the Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester initiative. This is a historic moment for Mayo Clinic, the city of Rochester, Olmsted County, the state of Minnesota, and DMC. Mayo Clinic’s newest commitment to the city demonstrates the success and impact of the 20-year economic development initiative first authorized by a bipartisan group of Minnesota legislators and the Governor in 2013.
Not only is this the largest investment in Mayo’s 160-year history, but it is also the largest public or private investment in Minnesota’s history!
DMC was created to position Rochester as a global destination for health and wellness, and to support Mayo Clinic’s vision of transforming health care for the benefit of patients and society. Through DMC, we are leveraging public and private investments to create a vibrant, welcoming, and livable city that attracts talent, innovation, and visitors from around the world and solidifies Rochester as America’s City for Health. Mayor Norton, in her remarks at the announcement, credited the DMC initiative as helping to “set the stage for this transformational project, in Rochester.”
Through 2022, approximately $200 million of public investment through DMC has helped attract nearly $1.5 billion of private investment from Mayo Clinic and other investors. Estimated job growth related to these initiatives total nearly 8,000 thus far. New public spaces supported with DMC funding include Discovery Walk, Heart of the City, and forthcoming Soldiers Field and riverfront redevelopment projects.
DMC successes through its first decade have helped create the conditions and opportunities that support Mayo Clinic’s new multi-billion-dollar commitment. Mayo Clinic’s Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester initiative will expand its clinical, research, and education facilities in Rochester, enhancing the patient experience in addition to its ability to deliver world-class care and innovation to patients while advancing its mission of inspiring hope and contributing to health and well-being. According to Mayo CEO, Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., the Unbound project will blur “…the lines across hospital, clinic, and digital care to help our teams anticipate our patients’ needs, accelerate more cures and greater connection to our patients.”
Mayo Clinic’s new commitment will also bring significant benefits to Rochester and the region, including:
Creating thousands of new jobs and generating new tax revenue for the state and local governments.
Attracting more visitors and businesses to Rochester, boosting the local economy and tourism industry.
Enhancing the quality of life and well-being of Rochester residents and Mayo Clinic patients and visitors, by providing more amenities, services, and opportunities for recreation, culture, and entertainment.
Strengthening Rochester’s reputation as America’s City for Health, and a model for sustainable and inclusive urban development.
As we celebrate this milestone, I want to thank Mayo Clinic for its leadership and partnership, and for its unwavering commitment to Rochester and Minnesota. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was explicit in acknowledging Mayo’s decision to invest in Rochester…” it’s not lost on myself, our administration or the people of Minnesota — you choose to make that investment in Rochester, Minnesota. You made a conscious effort as you looked elsewhere, where you could go, you said ‘No, this is the best place.”
I also want to thank the DMC Corporation Board, the City of Rochester, Olmsted County, and the State of Minnesota, and all our stakeholders and community members for their support and collaboration.
Together, we are enabling DMC to deliver on the vision and aspiration behind its inception and together, we will continue to make it a success.
Thank you for being part of this journey, and for your passion and enthusiasm for DMC and Mayo Clinic. I look forward to working with you as we embark on this new chapter of growth and transformation.
Patrick Seeb
Executive Director
Destination Medical Center
city, our state, and our region, as we witness the world’s premier destination for health and wellness grow and thrive. “This is a transformative investment in the future of health care,” said executive director Patrick Seeb. “It solidifies Rochester as America’s City for Health, a destination for health and innovation.”
Mayo Clinic’s continued commitment to Rochester is also a reflection of the vision and collaboration that Destination Medical Center has nurtured and advanced since its inception in 2013. DMC, born of a bipartisan effort in the Minnesota legislature to strengthen Rochester as America’s City for Health with Mayo Clinic at its heart, has been instrumental in creating an environment that helped Mayo Clinic confidently commit to substantial expansion of its core campus. This unprecedented investment by Mayo Clinic coupled with additional significant public and private investment in downtown Rochester, is accelerating the Destination Medical Center initiative originally envisioned.
Over the past 10 years, we have seen this in many ways, including:
DMC’s ongoing stewardship of $585 million of public infrastructure funds, the largest in Minnesota history, to support improvements, public amenities, and placemaking projects in Rochester. The scope of improvements encompassed transportation, utilities, parking, parks, trails, public art, and more. These enhancements not only benefit Mayo Clinic, but the entire community and region.
DMC has facilitated the development of Discovery Square, a 16-block innovation district that connects Mayo with entrepreneurs, researchers, and educators. It is also home to One and Two Discovery Square which have a combined 290,000 square feet of cutting-edge life science amenities with such tenants as Phillips, Rion, and Mayo Clinic Advanced Diagnostics Laboratory.
DMC has supported the creation of signature public realm projects to enhance the experience and well-being of patients, visitors, and residents. The Heart of the City is a vibrant and welcoming public space that serves as the gateway to downtown Rochester and Mayo Clinic. Improvements to Soldiers Field Memorial Park will provide a relaxing experience for everyone, just a short walk from downtown. Connecting all of this is Discovery Walk, a 4-block linear parkway through Discovery Square that extends the collaborative environment within One and Two Discovery Square to the outdoor space.
DMC will continue to work with Mayo Clinic, the City of Rochester, and Olmsted County to make Rochester an increasingly attractive place to live, work and visit. Among other initiatives, we will be working together on the Link Bus Rapid Transit system and redevelopment of key riverfront areas along with a new Sixth Street bridge.
As these projects unfold, we will continue to approach them through lenses of equity and sustainability. Community co-design will be used in conjunction with Discovery Walk and other DMC initiatives to engage, hear from, and collaborate with our community. Work will continue with our partners in the City of Rochester to achieve sustainability and energy goals. We will leverage what we have learned in DMC’s first decade with respect to engaging businesses and other stakeholders impacted by construction to lessen inconvenience through Business Forward.
Mayo Clinic’s Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester initiative is exciting news for Rochester. At DMC, we are proud to have played a part in enabling Mayo Clinic
to make a substantial new commitment to our community. We look forward to working with Mayo Clinic, the City of Rochester, and Olmsted County to fulfill our shared vision of making Rochester a world-class city that is a destination for health and wellness, and a place where everyone can live, work, and thrive.
At the quarterly Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Board of Directors meeting, a request was made by DMC EDA staff for direction regarding the development of a shared lab environment at Two Discovery Square. This would be a shared laboratory space for life sciences startups for technology, workforce, and economic development with accessible lease rates and terms. The environment has the potential to attract businesses by reducing their risk and barriers to entry in the life sciences field.
“This is one of the more important initiatives we are involved in,” said board member Rybak. “Given the research we have seen, the shared lab concept will be a game changer for the Discovery Square ecosystem. While this is next to Mayo, it’s really about birthing other medical-related enterprises so we create more drivers of employment opportunities in the community.”
The shared lab environment has come to even more importance with the designation of Minnesota as a “med tech” hub by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The initiative, called MedTech 3.0, has the goal of making Minnesota a global center for “smart med-tech.”
If all goes according to plan, the shared lab space could begin operation in late 2024.
The DMCC Board also received a report from Dr. Lori Carrell, chancellor of the University of Minnesota-Rochester. The focus of the update was on the UMR Campus and Climate Action planning process and the future direction of the university. The Campus and Climate Action plan is being created to support UMR’s commitment to excellence sustained through managed enrollment growth by identifying time horizons and criteria for strategic decision points in a phased approach to facilities expansion.
When asked what DMC can do to support the success of University of Minnesota-Rochester, Chancellor Carrell responded, “The reality is you have already been helpful, and we want to be more intentional as we move forward. One way is in the recruitment of new businesses to Rochester. The sooner we can be involved in that process, the sooner we can meet their workforce needs.”
The board also received a report on the requirements for the 2025 DMC Development Plan. According to the DMC legislation, the DMC Development Plan needs to be updated every 5 years. The last time the plan was updated was in 2020. The 2025 plan will represent the halfway point of the DMC initiative.
“This is a perfect moment to review what has been achieved in the last 5 years, as well as an opportunity to take an in-depth look at the near future of the DMC initiative and what that means for our community,” said DMCC Board Chair Wheelock. “Let’s sharpen our thoughts and think strategically about how to keep the broader community informed about our progress.”
Much of the Development Plan update work will occur in mid- to late-2024 with the Plan moving for approval by the DMCC board and Rochester City Council in May of 2025.
The next DMCC Board meeting is set for February 1, 2023 at 9:30. a.m.
The Main Street Economic Revitalization Grant Program’s completion was marked by a visit from Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Matt Varilek on a pleasant day in October. Over two rounds of funding, Destination Medical Center (DMC) allocated nearly $4 million to support over 70 businesses and organizations in Rochester.
MN DEED Matt Varilek pictured with Main Street Grant recipients, co-designers, navigators, lenders, and DMC EDA staff.
Patrick Seeb, DMC EDA Executive Director, emphasized the importance of downtowns as they embody the essence and identity of a community, whether it’s in Rochester, St. Cloud, Minneapolis-St. Paul, or Mankato. Recognizing this, the State of Minnesota wisely chose to support downtown areas in their recovery.
Destination Medical Center received funding from MN DEED to distribute to current and future organizations in three key business districts in Rochester for capital improvement projects. These business districts include the DMC district, the southeast Crossroads to Bear Creek area, and the Northgate area.
The grant awards ranged from $5,000 to $500,000, with an average award of around $59,000. Thanks to this initiative, over 300 permanent jobs have been created, and 22 vacant storefronts are now occupied.
While these grants were available to all, special efforts were made to reach out to BIPOC-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses in these areas. These efforts resulted in 20 BIPOC-owned businesses receiving grant funding, and 18 woman- and veteran-owned businesses also being awarded funding.
This program has played a vital role in supporting and revitalizing downtown areas, fostering economic growth, and creating opportunities for a diverse range of businesses and organizations.
Surrounded by tents featuring the work of DMC and our partner organizations, the 2023 DMC Annual Meeting inspired attendees by sharing their key initiatives from the past year and what we can look forward to from them in the future.
Speaking to the group of stakeholders and community members were Rochester Mayor Kim Norton, DMC EDA President Dr. Clark Otley, DMC’s Equitable Economic Development Coordinator Wafa Elkhalifa, artist Ayub HajiOmar, and DMC EDA Executive Director Patrick Seeb.
The afternoon was centered around the theme of Connections. Mayor Norton began the program speaking about the physical connection around the DMC initiative. This includes the often overlooked below-ground infrastructure that is the backbone of any city, connecting vital services to homes and businesses downtown. Street and sidewalk improvements create a more accessible community, helping us move around, connecting us to the shopping, dining, housing, entertainment, and cultural anchors of our community.
Investments in public spaces were also brought to light. Mayor Norton added, “Soldiers Field Memorial Park is an amazing community asset that is getting a much-needed update. A plan informed by our community, it will continue to be a place where we make connections to each other and to our past and memories, all while leaving a wonderful asset for future generations.”
She also pointed to the Zumbro River as a natural connection, flowing through downtown and adjacent neighborhoods. With the Riverfront Small Area Plan nearing completion, and its vision for new public amenities, water access, housing, trails, and business opportunities realized, the community will find a new relationship to the Zumbro River.
“Another community asset- the soon-to-be Link Bus Rapid Transit – is a public transportation system that will provide easy access for residents, businesses, and downtown visitors to entertainment, jobs, and services along the 3-mile-long corridor – creating an even more accessible downtown,” stated Norton.
When DMC EDA President Dr. Clark Otley spoke, he expounded upon the multiple ways DMC invests in downtown Rochester. He provided two examples of “distinct but harmonious strategies. The first was DMC’s proactive approach to attracting new life science companies. One and Two Discovery Square were the early seeds that have already come to fruition. Proximate to Mayo Clinic researchers, educators, clinicals, and patients, these buildings are a welcome home to companies interested in tapping into the energy, creativity, and innovation of the top healthcare provider in the country.
“One of the things that Destination Medical Center and Discovery Square has allowed us to do… is be thoughtful, proactive, and purposeful,” said Dr. Otley. “We plan out the future rather than let it happen to us.”
In 2023, DMC will have been in more than 25 markets, hosted 80 influencers, generated more than 100 leads, and had its message in front of tens of thousands of key targets. Next year, the plan is to do more… much more.
Dr. Otley also highlighted the partnership with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development – the Main Street Economic Revitalization Grant program. The program awarded nearly $4 million to businesses and organizations in three corridors around Rochester; organizations that were most affected by the pandemic.
Through the life of the program:
71 businesses received funds
43 were retail and dining establishments
28% were BIPOC-led enterprises
The average grant amount awarded was $60,000
It is important to note that the grant recipients had to match at least 70% of the total cost of their projects.
Following Dr. Otley’s comments, Wafa Elkhalifa, DMC’s Equitable Economic Development Coordinator took the stage to speak about the importance of social connections in the Rochester community.
“By prioritizing social connection, we were able to design a public space with heated sidewalks to remove barriers for community members with mobility challenges. With Intentional social connection, we were able to encourage construction companies to participate in the “Inclusive Workforce Employer Designation”. Through Utilizing social connection, we were able to uncover the real barriers that our BIPOC communities face in their pathways to home ownership.”
She spoke of the difficulty of infusing diversity, equity, and inclusion into community engagement; that desegregating a community to create a true sense of belonging that understands and respects everyone can be challenging for any organization.
“To answer the question, what does an ideal community look like? It is a community where social connection is intentional, prioritized, utilized, and celebrated. There are more of you when you are connected to others, so through unleashing your fullest potential we can lead and transform an “I” Community to a “We” community.”
Ayub HajiOmar addressed the crowd next. HajiOmar was one of two artists chosen to have their work placed in Discovery Walk, a 4-block long, linear parkway along 2nd Ave SW that will serve pedestrians as well as maintain vehicle access. His poetry will be featured on the face of benches spread throughout the parkway. An example of one of the benches was on display prior to the program beginning for attendees to experience.
Quoting Henri Matisse, “creativity takes courage”, HajiOmar related his family’s roots in Somalia, also known as the Nation of Poets. “Our culture revolves around poetry. We have ordinary conversations in poetry. In the old days, you couldn’t be a lawyer in Somalia unless you were a poet. The courtroom became a theater of sorts. Lawyers used linguistics and harmonious expressions to prove their client’s innocence.”
Despite years of war, famine, and instability, Somalia is experiencing a resurgence of resilience, inspiration, and success. “This spirit of resilience, inspiration, and success has shaped my work on this project as it is also heavily present right here in Rochester, at the Mayo Clinic & through the Destination Medical Center. I believe this is what makes for such a robust economy.”
DMC EDA Executive Director Patrick Seeb wrapped up the evening’s remarks with a subtle poke at our weather here in southeastern Minnesota. “When I travel the country or internationally promoting Rochester, we oftentimes make light of our weather here,” joked Seeb. “But I want to conclude by saying if you don’t choose to come to Rochester for the weather, come for the climate; a climate of innovation, a climate of collaboration, a climate of cooperation.”
Looking to learn more from our partners and strategic initiatives? Click the link(s) below the name of the initiative you are interested in to access resources associated with each.
At Destination Medical Center (DMC), we are thrilled and inspired by the 
city, our state, and our region, as we witness the world’s premier destination for health and wellness grow and thrive. “This is a transformative investment in the future of health care,” said executive director Patrick Seeb. “It solidifies Rochester as America’s City for Health, a destination for health and innovation.”
overlooked below-ground infrastructure that is the backbone of any city, connecting vital services to homes and businesses downtown. Street and sidewalk improvements create a more accessible community, helping us move around, connecting us to the shopping, dining, housing, entertainment, and cultural anchors of our community.
When DMC EDA President Dr. Clark Otley spoke, he expounded upon the multiple ways DMC invests in downtown Rochester. He provided two examples of “distinct but harmonious strategies. The first was DMC’s proactive approach to 
DMC EDA Executive Director Patrick Seeb wrapped up the evening’s remarks with a subtle poke at our weather here in southeastern Minnesota. “When I travel the country or internationally promoting Rochester, we oftentimes make light of our weather here,” joked Seeb. “But I want to conclude by saying if you don’t choose to come to Rochester for the weather, come for the climate; a climate of innovation, a climate of collaboration, a climate of cooperation.”
