(Rochester, MN) May 23, 2019 – The Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Board has approved design for DMC’s Heart of the City and public realm development, which includes the east side of Peace Plaza, First Avenue and adjacent alleys in downtown Rochester.
The Heart of the City design addresses seven key goals, including: safety, accessibility and universal design, public space, flexibility, sustainability, art integration and infrastructure.
The DMCC Board also authorized development of construction documents, with the expectation of construction commencing in the spring of 2020.
DMC and the City of Rochester have contracted with Minneapolis-based Coen + Partners for the design work which will help catalyze private investment and development in the DMC district.
“This critical work in Heart of the City and Rochester’s downtown core is setting a new standard for public space design and engagement,” said Lisa Clarke, Executive Director, DMC Economic Development Agency. “Residents, visitors and patients will experience a welcoming, safe, accessible and much greener Peace Plaza and surrounding area.”
Heart of the City is just one of many milestones in the DMC district. There are 10 project openings expected by years-end and more projects in the pipeline for 2020. These milestones were applauded by the DMCC Board.
The DMCC Board also acknowledged the collaboration among the DMC EDA, Olmsted County, City of Rochester and the Rochester Area Foundation for their work in addressing affordable and workforce housing in Rochester.
“We really want to be a partner and look at affordable housing as a continuum. It takes a village to build a village,” said R.T. Rybak, DMCC Board Chair.
There will be continued discussion on affordable housing at the September 26 DMCC Board meeting.