Month: March 2018

Future looks bright for Historic Chateau Theatre in Downtown Rochester

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Historic Chateau Theatre

The historic Chateau Theatre in downtown Rochester may breathe new life – soon. The Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Board, at its March 22 meeting, authorized up to $1 million in 2018 capital improvement funds to enhance the beloved theatre by providing necessary building repairs, ensuring code compliance, and initiating renovations.

“This solution will allow activation of the Chateau in the short-term, while long-term planning among public and private partners to create a true destination in Heart of the City continues,” says Lisa Clarke, Destination Medical Center (DMC) Economic Development Agency’s Executive Director.

Five Questions with Dr. Lori Carrell, Chancellor of the University of Minnesota Rochester

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Chancellor Lori Carrell

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) has been an increasingly influential presence in downtown Rochester since it first opened its doors in 2006. The institution is dedicated to inspiring and empowering its students to solve healthcare challenges of the 21st century by engaging them in a one-of-a-kind, hands-on learning experience.

Just south of Destination Medical Center’s (DMC) Discovery Square sub-district, UMR will serve as the cornerstone of DMC’s Education & Recreation sub-district focused on the innovation, creativity, and education that sets Rochester apart from other cities of its size.

UMR welcomed its second chancellor, Dr. Lori Carrell, in February 2018 after the university’s inaugural chancellor Dr. Stephen Lehmkuhle retired at the close of the 2017 school year. As progress at UMR keeps pace with the rest of downtown, Dr. Carrell’s leadership will be integral to the future of the institution and the forward-thinking minds it produces.

Bright Ideas for Spring

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Kevin Bright

With spring officially underway, warmer days are on the horizon! With those temperature changes come some additional options on the horizon: walk or bike to work, create a home garden, or attend some local events going on in Rochester moving forward.

Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency and City of Rochester’s Energy and Sustainability Director Kevin Bright offers seven “Bright Ideas” to help you save energy as we head into spring and summer. Hopefully, you are able to find one or more of these ideas that may be applicable to your commute, home, or day-to-day activities.

Media Release: DMC proves economic development model is working

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Destination Medical Center proves the Economic Development Model is working as board members applaud efforts

Rochester, Minn. (March 22, 2018) – The impact of Destination Medical Center (DMC) is being felt throughout the southeast Minnesota region, and DMC Corporation (DMCC) board members recognized considerable progress toward several private developments and previewed some proposed projects that continue to showcase Rochester as a prime market for investors, developers and entrepreneurs.

Help Rochester International Airport improve the air travel experience

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Airports are more than just a center through which people travel. They play a vital role in social and economic development, and, in a health-focused community like Rochester, a quality travel experience is vital for patients, visitors, and community members.

With up to 13 flights daily, Rochester International Airport (RST) is home to three of the “Big Four” airlines: American, Delta, and United. The regional hub has seen a 27% passenger growth over the past year, serving more than 290,000 passengers. A $12-million-dollar airport renovation to provide new, improved services and amenities for travelers is almost complete.

Go the Easy Mile: Take a ride on the autonomous vehicle

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Autonomous vehicles are at the forefront of the transportation and mobility conversations, including in Rochester, where this technology has been considered by many as a potential addition to public transportation as part of the Destination Medical Center and City of Rochester’s planning efforts.

The Easy Mile 12-passenger autonomous vehicle is coming to downtown Rochester on Thursday, March 22 for a public demonstration at Peace Plaza. The public is invited to take a test ride between 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Five Questions with John Boss, co-founder of Spark DJ

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Spark DJ co-founders John Boss (left) and James Jones

Ranked as one of the Top Ten Cities for Entrepreneurs by Livability in 2018, Rochester is not a stranger to innovation. Spark DJ is a Rochester-based music streaming service co-founded by John Boss and James Jones. The duo utilizes artificial intelligence to power their Spark DJ mobile application and deliver personalized music directly to smartphones nationwide, offering users a musical experience tailored specifically to their preferences. Spark DJ was recently selected as one of only ten startups to participate in the 2018 Techstars Music Class.

DMC recently connected with co-founder John Boss to find out more about the business and why Rochester is a great place to launch a startup of your own.

MN Cup startup competition offers a chance to receive money, mentorship, and more

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Funding has long been considered the fuel that propels a startup from the idea phase to becoming an income-generating enterprise. But for participants in the MN Cup startup competition, the mentorship and business advice can be just as valuable.

As the largest statewide startup competition in the country, MN Cup supports emerging entrepreneurs from across the state through events, educational programming, and it’s widely-recognized annual competition, now in its 14th year. The Cup is a program of the Holmes Center at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. Last year, more than 1,300 teams and individuals applied to the competition in hopes of tapping into the tools, resources, and support the organization provides to help launch and accelerate these new ventures.

Construction begins on 2nd Street Alatus project

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Across the Destination Medical Center (DMC) District, a variety of development projects are underway, lending to an endlessly changing Rochester skyline. Now, with financing and approvals in place, construction of a new apartment community is underway at the intersection of 2nd Street SW and 14th Avenue SW in the St. Marys Place sub-district.

Alatus LLC, a Minneapolis-based company, will develop the $125 million mixed-use building on 2.77 acres across from Mayo Clinic’s St. Marys Hospital campus where The Brentwood (formerly The Blondell) and Ray-Mar Motel once stood.

The yet-to-be-named 13-story tower, with its 310 apartments and 37 townhomes, will be home to nearly 350 families in the historic Folwell neighborhood. The ground level of the building will include vibrant, pedestrian-friendly spaces including restaurants and retail, with office space and additional retail planned for the second floor. Amenities include a rooftop pool and indoor sauna, outdoor kitchen and grilling stations, fire pits, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a year-round dog spa. The site will also add additional parking to the sub-district.