Destination Medical Center (DMC), a state-supported economic development initiative in Rochester, MN, home to Mayo Clinic’s global headquarters, will be updating its Development Plan, a tool intended to guide more than $585 million of public infrastructure investment.
The original plan of 2015, and subsequently updated in 2020, has contributed to measurable success in advancing Rochester’s economic success, as measured by job and business growth, public and private capital investment, and a significantly enhanced tax base. Recently Mayo Clinic announced and has begun a $5 billion dollar expansion, known as Bold. Forward. Unbound. In Rochester.
With this success and momentum, DMC is seeking qualified firms or teams of firms to assist in updating the DMC Development plan.
The entire Request for Qualifications (RFQ) may be found here.
Questions were due no later than January 8, 2025. Submitted questions and responses may be found here.
Qualifications are due by 4:00 P.M. Central Time, January 15, 2025.
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Month: December 2024
Rochester, are you ready for Rapid Transit?
Link BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) is bringing convenience and sustainability to downtown Rochester
Rochester is a rapidly growing and developing city. With the ongoing planned investments through state and federal funding, downtown Rochester’s population is projected to grow by 30%, with a 65% increase in jobs by 2040. To meet this demand, the City of Rochester is making a number of investments to ensure downtown’s infrastructure is prepared for the rise in population.
To prepare for future expansion, as well as address current demand, the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) has issued an $84.92 million grant to the City of Rochester to begin work on the Link Bus Rapid Transit system, or Link. Link is a 2.8-mile route along 2nd Street that will span from Cascade Lake to 6th St SE. It will be the first rapid transit system in Minnesota, outside of the Twin Cities.
In a recent press release announcing the FTA grant, Patrick Seeb, Executive Director of Destination Medical Center, remarked: “As Rochester grows and changes, transportation options must evolve too. The Link BRT route was strategically designed to support Rochester’s major downtown redevelopment sites, which will create even greater regional impact. This is an exciting project that will continue to elevate Rochester as a local and global destination.”
Relieving existing congestion for commuters, residents and visitors
As it stands, the 2nd Street SW corridor is one of the most heavily used corridors in the City of Rochester, carrying more than 21,800 vehicles and 13,000 transit riders each day. The 2nd St SW corridor is currently near capacity, which causes significant congestion and delays for both drivers and transit users. Link aims to deliver a better downtown commuting experience by expanding the transportation options, reducing cars and emissions on the road, and decreasing the demand for parking, both now and in the future.
High amenity buses with an emphasis on sustainability
Link buses will be operated by Rochester Public Transit and will be free and accessible to all riders. The fully electric buses include amenities such as level boarding for easy access and bike racks to accommodate multimodal commuting. The seven stations spanning the city will have shelter, heating, bright lighting and real-time signage. Link will prioritize speed and efficiency, with wait times as short as five minutes during peak hours. Service intervals will be every five minutes on weekdays from 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m., and every 10 to 15 minutes at other times. Link will operate from 5 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and 8 a.m. to midnight on weekends.
Rapid transit arriving by 2026
As of this fall, Link design has been finalized and has received federal funding. Construction is anticipated to begin in early spring 2025 and will continue through fall 2026. The opening day for Link is expected to take place in November of 2026. You can follow along with Link’s progress and sign up for email updates via the official webpage: Recent Updates | Link – Coming 2026.
Destination Medical Center Corporation Approves Funding for Three Downtown Historic District Projects
(Rochester, Minn.) December 5, 2024 – At their quarterly meeting, the Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Board of Directors approved funding for three projects as part of the Downtown Historic District preservation program. The three projects are proposing a variety of investments including building preservation & safety, building system upgrades, and adaptive reuse.
“Honoring our city’s history while fostering new opportunities is key to Rochester’s continued growth and vibrancy,” said DMCC Vice Chair Kim Norton. “The adaptive reuse of a vacant second-story space into housing exemplifies how historic preservation can address modern needs, creating livable spaces while maintaining the character of our downtown. These projects are investments in our community’s past and future, and we are excited to see them come to life.”
For more information about the DMC Downtown Property Preservation program, visit this link.
Also on the board’s agenda was approval for an amendment to the 2025 DMC Capital Improvement Plan to support the Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester initiative. This additional investment of $1.6 million is designed to take advantage of a time sensitive opportunity as construction of the proposed North Parking Ramp begins in early 2025. Mayo Clinic will be installing infrastructure in the area and the city believes this to be an optimal time to make additional municipal improvements, such as modernizing and upsizing sanitary and storm sewer lines and the installation of a cycle track element which will connect with future legs of the track as further street upgrades occur.
“This amendment to the Capital Improvement Plan reflects our commitment to strategic investments that position Rochester for long-term success,” said DMCC Board Chair Pam Wheelock. “By aligning municipal improvements with Mayo Clinic’s infrastructure work, we maximize resources and enhance connectivity with projects like the cycle track. These efforts not only support the Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester initiative but also ensure the building blocks of this community are laid for today and for the future.”
The board also took action to recognize outgoing board member Brooke Carlson. Carlson served on the DMCC board for four years as a City of Rochester representative. During her tenure, she championed City and DMCC efforts to secure more than $100,000,000 in federal grants, as well as supporting programs and projects to advance economic equity and community co-design.
“It has been an incredible honor to serve on the DMCC Board and contribute to the transformative work happening in Rochester,” said board member Brooke Carlson. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together to enhance our community, create opportunities, and lay a strong foundation for a thriving future.”
The next DMCC Board meeting is set for Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 9:30. a.m.
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About DMC
Destination Medical Center (DMC) is the largest public-private economic initiative in Minnesota’s history. The 20-year plan to transform Rochester into a global destination for health and wellness will attract developers, investors, startups, and entrepreneurs to live, work and play in America’s City for Health. For more information, visit dmc.mn.