Reflecting on a Decade of Impact: DMC’s 10-Year Milestone and DMCC Board Highlights
May 22, 2025, marked a pivotal moment for Destination Medical Center (DMC) as community leaders, stakeholders, and partners gathered to recognize a decade of progress. The day featured a robust agenda, including the quarterly meeting of the Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Board of Directors, a special 10-Year Milestone Luncheon, and the annual DMC Collaborative session.
DMCC Board Meeting: A Landmark Set of Investments
The morning began with the DMCC Board acting on a transformative group of projects that further DMC’s vision for Rochester as America’s City for Health. The Board approved support for a range of strategic initiatives:
- BioLabs in Rochester: With an aim of creating a world-class innovation hub and bringing Rochester into a global network of life science incubators, the Board joined Mayo Clinic, Mortenson, and Boston-based BioLabs in advancing a shared lab model in Rochester.
- Civic Center North: With a plan to build 341 homes on city-owned property, Sherman Associates are helping to advance Rochester’s vision for riverfront improvement. DMC is providing support for public realm improvement to provide greater access to the Zumbro River.
- Loom Apartments: With a commitment to building new affordable housing within walking distance to jobs, transit, parks, and public services, Onward Investors is developing its first project in Rochester. The Board authorized financial support for this 141-unit affordable housing development (50% AMI), with on-site geothermal heating and cooling, biking amenities, and community-oriented commercial space.
- West Transit Village Phase 1: Additional affordable housing, focused on Rochester’s senior population, is being developed by Aeon. The proposed 75 units will be located at the western terminus of the Link Bus Rapid transit line and will be a key part of the transit corridor.
- Downtown Historic District Infrastructure Projects: With an eye on helping local small business and property owners, the Board reviewed and approved a group of targeted and impactful funding requests to preserve and improve downtown historic properties, including HVAC upgrades, roof repairs, and tuck-pointing.
A Decade of Impact: 10-Year Milestone Luncheon
At the heart of the day was a luncheon marking the 10-year anniversary of the Destination Medical Center initiative. Held in the spirit of gratitude and reflection, the event featured powerful remarks from some of DMC’s earliest and most influential champions, including former Mayo Clinic President and CEO Dr. John Noseworthy, former Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
The program also featured a panel conversation moderated by Dr. Clark Otley and included Rochester Mayor Kim Norton, Olmsted County Commission Chair Mark Thein, Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Amy Williams, Minnesota DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek, and DMCC Chair Pam Wheelock. Together, the panelists explored DMC’s evolution over the past decade and its enduring impact on Rochester, the state of Minnesota, and the global landscape of healthcare and innovation.
A number of proof points highlighted DMC’s decade-long progress and measurable success:
- 15% increase in jobs in Rochester, outpacing other midwestern cities—fueling local business growth and talent retention.
- 29% increase in construction jobs, creating skilled, high-paying opportunities that shape the local economy.
- $5 billion investment by Mayo Clinic through Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester, strengthening the city’s global leadership in healthcare and research.
- 391,000 square feet of new research and innovation space—anchoring Discovery Square as a national hub for health innovation.
- 50 companies now call Rochester’s med-tech and bio-tech ecosystem home, reinforcing a dense and dynamic innovation district.
- 22 international delegations have toured Rochester to learn from the DMC model of growth and innovation.
- 100% increase in downtown housing, ensuring more people live where they work, dine, and connect—boosting year-round vibrancy.
- $1.6 billion in new state and local tax revenue, demonstrating a strong return on Minnesota’s historic investment.
- 300% growth in the UMR graduating class, building a local talent pipeline for Rochester’s future economy.
- 15 previously vacant or underutilized city blocks have been redeveloped—physically and economically transforming the urban core.
- Three new or improved public spaces—Discovery Walk, Peace Plaza, and Soldiers Field—enhance connectivity, well-being, and community pride.
These milestones underscore the vision, commitment, and collaboration that have defined the first 10 years of the DMC initiative—and set a powerful trajectory for the decade ahead.
DMC Collaborative Session: Looking Ahead to the Next 10 Years
The day concluded with the annual DMC Collaborative session, where the DMCC and DMC EDA boards, Rochester City Council, and Olmsted County Commissioners engaged in an in-depth review of the first 10 years of the DMC initiative. Highlights included:
- An analysis of DMC’s economic and community development outcomes
- Reflections on lessons learned
- Strategy discussions for sustaining momentum and ensuring inclusive growth in the years to come
As the day came to a close, the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose was evident in every conversation. Reflecting on the journey so far, DMC Executive Director Patrick Seeb offered his gratitude to the many partners who have made the first 10 years of DMC possible:
“The success of Destination Medical Center is a testament to what can happen when a community comes together with a shared vision and the determination to achieve it. From state and local leaders to our private sector partners, community advocates, and residents, we thank you. Together, we’ve built something extraordinary, and the best is yet to come.”
For more information on the DMC Collaborative Session, please click here.