Month: January 2020

From Renovation to Operation – Hotel Indigo now open in downtown Rochester

After undergoing an extensive renovation and a name change, what once was the Holiday Inn in downtown Rochester, Minnesota is now welcoming guests as the new Hotel Indigo.

The project, led by EKN Development Group, began in 2018 after the Destination Medical Center Corporation Board approved public infrastructure funding for the project. The renovation includes updates to its 178 rooms, exterior, ballroom, pool, fitness room, and conference spaces.

“This is another milestone that shows DMC is moving forward,” said Lisa Clarke, DMC Economic Development Agency executive director. “It’s progressing, the momentum is building and it’s really exciting for us to see these projects open. There’s a little something for everyone in a building like this.”

Open houses provide opportunity for community to share ideas along proposed rapid transit route

The City of Rochester and Destination Medical Center (DMC) are completing a comprehensive assessment and analysis of economic development opportunity, transit-supportive land use possibilities, public realm improvement options and infrastructure that will enhance access and ridership on a planned Rochester rapid transit system. The work will be used in the City and DMC’s collaborative planning with Olmsted County and Mayo Clinic as it relates to the development of the east and west transit villages that serve as the foundation for the system.

The proposed Rochester rapid transit corridor runs along 2nd Street SW and South Broadway Avenue. This new investment has the potential to add mobility options for residents, employees and businesses, guide future growth and development in a smart way, and enhance well-being.

To kick off this effort, two open houses will be held on Tuesday, February 4, 2020:

Five Questions with Wayne Gannaway, History Center of Olmsted County Executive Director

Wayne Gannaway joined the History Center of Olmsted County as its executive director in June 2019. The history center shares the stories of Olmsted County’s people and places to encourage residents and visitors to explore how those stories connect to their own experience and those of their community. The organization is currently working on a re-branding to engage with a broader segment of the community, with a special emphasis on bringing history downtown, through pop-up exhibits, digital platforms and special tours and programs.

A Message from Lisa Clarke

 Realizing progress and planning for what’s next

One of the rewards for being involved in Rochester’s growth is that I get to see something new – change happening every single day – in real time.

The physical changes to downtown Rochester with new buildings and spaces and renovations are already transforming our community in positive ways, but the true power of Destination Medical Center (DMC) lies in what’s happening around and between these physical structures- the collective work of many.

The Berkman mixed-use apartment building in Rochester nears completion

Rochester media and community partners recently toured The Berkman, a 14-story mixed-use apartment building being developed by Alatus, LLC, a Minneapolis-based real estate development group. The DMC-supported project in the Saint Marys sub-district was approved in 2016 and broke ground in May of 2018.

DMC EDA executive director Lisa Clarke speaks to media and community partners touring The Berkman.

“This is a momentous occasion for DMC and for Rochester,” said Lisa Clarke, DMC Economic Development Agency executive director. “We’re going to add 350 units to this particular area at Saint Marys and that means a lot more people are going to shop in this area. They have access to trails, they have access to public transportation, and they can walk downtown. This is the live-work environment envisioned for downtown Rochester.”