(Rochester, Minn.) May 5, 2023 – Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency and the City of Rochester are thrilled to announce the graduation of the first cohort of Community Co-design Facilitators. At a ceremony at City Hall on May 4, seven Rochester residents were recognized for their time and effort toward the advancement of the co-design process.
Shay Baumbach, Claudia Tabini, Lida Casper, Derrick Fritz, Julie Ruzek, Khadija Ali, and Fatuma Ahmed
“How are we, as a community, going to compete in the future? How can we be more resilient? We will be able to do those things because of co-design,” said Cindy Steinhauser, deputy city administrator. “Community co-design is not just a DMC initiative or a City of Rochester initiative. This is an initiative for government, non-profits, and the private sector as well.”
The seven co-design facilitator graduates are Fatuma Ahmed, Khadija Ali, Shay Baumbach, Lida Casper, Derrick Fritz, Julie Ruzek, and Claudia Tabini.
“I am very excited to be recognized as a co-design facilitator. I look forward to helping include diverse voices in future projects and initiatives,” said newly graduated facilitator Khadija Ali. “I have always been on the co-designer side, but now I will be able to recruit people and facilitate these sessions.”
A second cohort will be launched in the summer of 2023 and a third cohort will be held in late 2023 or early 2024.
The evening also saw the unveiling of a webpage dedicated to co-design in the Rochester area. On the page is information on upcoming leadership and facilitator trainings, as well as access to the Co-Design toolkit and case studies from several successful co-designs. The page can be found at www.rochestercodesign.com. You can learn more about Community Co-design by downloading the Community Co-design Toolkit.
The Downtown Rochester Task Force is inviting the community to provide feedback on a proposed action plan related to the long-term impacts of the pandemic on downtown Rochester. The development of the action plan, prioritizing short-term recommendations, is a result of community working sessions held earlier this year.
Community members are encouraged to participate in a second round of public working sessions to provide feedback on recommendations included in the action plan. Once feedback is collected, a final plan will be shared with the community in May 2023.
Patrick Seeb, executive director of Destination Medical Center, shares, “We have been intentional to build the action plan together with downtown stakeholders. We are grateful for their input and guidance along this process. The feedback has been instrumental in building the recommendations for the action plan that we will work from moving forward.”
In response to the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on downtown Rochester, a task force was assembled to build a community-based action plan to address immediate and short-term recommendations to be taken by organizations and businesses that support downtown Rochester.
In February, the Downtown Rochester Task Force invited the community and downtown businesses to participate in public work sessions to share specific challenges they are experiencing related to downtown. Attendees shared concerns and ideas for moving forward during the facilitated discussions.
In March, the Task Force shared initial findings from the working sessions. Feedback was grouped into four major themes. A public survey was conducted to gather responses to the themes. The four major themes are:
– Promotion, Activation, and Programming
– Access to Downtown
– Barriers to Doing Business
– Growing Downtown
The Downtown Rochester Task Force is using an accelerated model in creating an action plan to allow participants to identify concerns and work on solutions quickly. The goal is to present an action plan by May 2023 to guide the Downtown Rochester Task Force moving forward. More information about the Downtown Rochester Task Force can be found on the Destination Medical Center website.
The Downtown Rochester Task Force includes members from the City of Rochester, Destination Medical Center, Experience Rochester, Mayo Clinic, Rochester Area Economic Development Agency, Inc., Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, and Rochester Downtown Alliance.
Meet DMC intern Tam Ta. Tam joins the DMC team from Hanoi, Vietnam. She is a student at Luther College majoring in Data Science with a focus on Economics and a background in Visual Communications. Her plan after graduation is to work in the field of urban design and smart & green city planning. We are happy to have her on the team.
Why did you choose Luther College? I am from the capital city so I have always been interested in studying in a small beautiful town to not have to deal with a lot of distractions. I am also attracted to Luther because of its sustainability commitment to go carbon neutral, being at a green-driven campus is important since it aligns with my values. Luther’s class size and close connection to professors are a plus for me since I can easily reach out to my instructors.
Why did you choose an internship at DMC? Growing up in a developing urban area where urban sprawls and transportation are major issues in the city, I have always been interested in how the city functions with regard to its economics, environment, and residences. I have the chance to learn more about sustainability projects, what they entail and how I can bring my own perspective and contributions to better the city.
What are your duties at DMC? One of the projects I am working on now is tracking investment for buildings in Rochester, understanding and keeping track of this information so as to inform future decisions on investment.
What is a unique fact about yourself? In my free time, I enjoy watching videos from the Youtube channel “OBF”, which talks about the design of various countries and how they are different and efficient in comparison to others. I find this very informative and entertaining at the same time since it captures the intersection of my interests which are sustainability, design, and economics.
Rochester, Minn. – Following work sessions in March, the Downtown Rochester Task Force is announcing four major themes heard from the downtown community in response to the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on downtown Rochester.
The Downtown Rochester Task Force invited the community and downtown businesses to participate in one of four work sessions to share specific challenges they are experiencing related to downtown. Attendees shared concerns and ideas for moving forward during the facilitated discussions to inform the building of a community-based action plan.
Today, the Task Force is sharing initial findings from the working sessions. Feedback was grouped into four major themes:
Promotion, Activation, and Programming
Access to Downtown
Barriers to Doing Business
Growing Downtown
Patrick Seeb, executive director of Destination Medical Center, shares, “The Task Force felt it was important to share the initial findings with the community before moving into the next phase of work. Each piece of information was analyzed and synthesized carefully. The themes identified will help our community prioritize the next steps in the process.”
Community members are asked to review the initial findings report and provide feedback via a short survey. In April, working sessions will be organized around the four themes to identify immediate and short-term action recommendations. These working sessions will again be open to the public
“The model we are using to create the action plan is different from others. Our seven organizations are working collectively with the community to build a recovery plan,” says Seeb. “The challenges that the pandemic caused downtowns can be complex and takes more than one organization to solve.”
The Downtown Rochester Task Force is using an accelerated model in creating an action plan, which will allow participants to identify concerns and work on solutions quickly. The goal is to present an action plan by mid-May 2023 to guide the Downtown Rochester Task Force moving forward.
The Downtown Rochester Task Force includes members from the City of Rochester, Destination Medical Center, Experience Rochester, Mayo Clinic, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, Rochester Area Economic Development Agency, Inc., and Rochester Downtown Alliance.
(Rochester, Minn.) March 23, 2023 – The Destination Medical Center Corporation Executive Committee approved a report documenting nearly $200 million of new private investment in Rochester and the DMC district. This brings the cumulative total to nearly $1.5 billion in private investment since the beginning of the DMC initiative.
The 2022 figures include $172.6 million in Mayo Clinic investment, its largest-ever annual investment. This is a strong signal of Mayo Clinic’s commitment to further cement Rochester, Olmsted County and the state of Minnesota as a global destination medical center. The expansion of the Proton Beam Therapy Program and continued construction of the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Building were two of the significant projects ongoing in 2022.
“The impact of this investment goes beyond the cost of the buildings,” said Doug Holtan, chair of Mayo Clinic’s Facilities and Support Services. “It leads directly to approximately $446 million in economic impact for the Rochester area economy with 99% of the work not done by Mayo Clinic staff is performed by Rochester Area Builders members.”
In addition, $26.5 million was invested by other private organizations. The 2022 report recognized continued investment in Bryk on Broadway, a workforce housing project offering units priced at 50%, 60%, and 80% of the gross Area Median Income. The DMC district saw a variety of projects from other private organizations contributing to improvements in Rochester’s downtown. This includes businesses new to Rochester like Interiors by J.Curry and Spyhouse Coffee, as well as existing businesses improving or moving into new spaces like Mezza 9 and Neighborly Group. These and others totaled in excess of $26.5 million.
The 2022 private investment, along with the cumulative investment since 2013, will release $30 million in state public infrastructure funding later this year.
“I am really pleased to see the numbers from 2021 and 2022. Rochester is so fortunate compared to other communities,” said DMCC Vice Chair Kim Norton. “I am pleased to see the trend upward, and that even during the pandemic, we continued with a strong economy.”
Also at today’s board meeting, the executive committee approved a temporary change to the Bryk on Broadway developer assistance agreement to allow tenants with incomes up to 110% of the area median income to lease apartments in the complex, while at the same time, maintaining the same lease rates. This change will be for 54 of the 108 units that are set for individuals making 80% AMI. This temporary action will stay in effect through October 1 to allow time for the federal adjustment to more accurately reflect current incomes in our area. The action was also considered and passed by the Rochester City Council, acting as the city’s economic development authority, on Monday, March 20.
“I’m supportive of this proposal and I appreciate the flexibility,” said DMCC Secretary Paul Williams. “Bryk is a new model and it really helps demonstrate a new way of looking at affordable housing.”
The next DMCC Board meeting is set for Thursday, May 25, 2023, 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.
The final Downtown Rochester Task Force work session will be held Tuesday, March 14 from 10 – 11 a.m. This will be in an online format only. Registration is required for this session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on joining the meeting. This session will follow the same format as the in-person work sessions. Register for the work session here.
The Downtown Rochester Task Force invites the community and downtown businesses to participate and share specific challenges they are experiencing related to downtown. Together, attendees will identify both priority concerns and solutions. Once key priorities are identified, an action plan will be created to address each concern.
First Downtown Rochester Work Session at Fagan Studios/Studio 324.
“The pandemic was a disrupter to many aspects of our national, state, and local economies. How and where people work, shop, and participate in activities has changed,” states Kim Norton, mayor of the City of Rochester. “While downtown Rochester has and will change, there are several opportunities in how we can strengthen and become a more resilient downtown. And we must do this work together.”
Patrick Seeb, executive director of Destination Medical Center, shares, “Everyone has a stake in a healthy downtown. Now is the time to be intentional about the steps we take to help accelerate recovery. We will build on existing strengths while focusing on the future.”
The Downtown Rochester Task Force includes members from the City of Rochester, Destination Medical Center, Experience Rochester, Mayo Clinic, Rochester Area Economic Development Agency, Inc., Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, and Rochester Downtown Alliance.
An accelerated model in creating an action plan, which will allow participants to identify concerns and work on solutions quickly. The goal is to present an action plan by May 2023 to guide the Downtown Rochester Task Force moving forward. Register for the work session here.
On February 9th, the Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Board of Directors approved $10 million to aid in funding improvements to Soldiers Field Memorial Park. After months of engagement with local stakeholder groups, a collaborative plan was put forth with a shared vision to benefit the greatest amount the Rochester community.
“The DMCC board not only recognizes the importance of Soldiers Field Memorial Park to the DMC initiative but also the immense significance it has for all of Rochester,” said DMCC board chair Pamela Wheelock. “This park has been a signature public space for decades and these improvements, selected through extensive community engagement, will make sure Soldiers Field continues to be welcoming and inclusive to residents and visitors alike.”
There are several key features that align with the DMC Development plan including using sustainable building practices and focusing on universal design. Some of the park improvements include:
Expanded aquatics area with lap and wading pools, lazy river, and a splash pad.
Inclusive playground and shelter on the east side
Basketball courts and track improvements
Downtown riverwalk
The Rochester City Council will consider this item at their Wednesday, February 22 regular meeting. The cost of the project is estimated at $22.5 million with $10 million coming from DMC funds and the remainder from federal, state, and local resources.
The DMCC Board of Directors also approved support for the next steps in the redevelopment of the downtown waterfront. This culminates a comprehensive community engagement process to reconnect to the Zumbro River, create a signature public space along the river, and open underutilized city-owned properties to future private development.
“Cities throughout the country are rediscovering the importance of connecting with the natural beauty of their riverfronts,” stated DMCC board member Kim Norton. “Rochester has an opportunity to do the same and to do so in a way that provides for both public and private development, as well as reconnecting with its origins.”
The funds will be used for the following:
$350,000 for riverfront design and engineering including:
Working with appropriate State and Federal agencies to discuss necessary modifications to the river channel wall managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Red Owl/Time Theater property analysis
Site design and development preparation
Up to $450,000 for the purchase of the Olmsted County-owned “Mr. Muffler” site.
The next DMCC Board meeting is set for Thursday, May 25, 2023, 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.
Rochester, Minn. – In response to the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on downtown Rochester, a task force is being assembled to identify priority issues to be addressed.
The Downtown Rochester Task Force includes members from the City of Rochester, Destination Medical Center, Diversity Council, Experience Rochester, Mayo Clinic, Rochester Area Economic Development Agency, Inc., Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, and Rochester Downtown Alliance.
“The pandemic was a disrupter to many aspects of our national, state, and local economies. How and where people work, shop, and participate in activities has changed,” states Kim Norton, mayor of the City of Rochester. “While downtown Rochester has and will change, there are several opportunities in how we can strengthen and become a more resilient downtown. And we must do this work together.”
The Downtown Rochester Task Force invites the community and downtown businesses to participate in upcoming work sessions to share specific challenges they are experiencing related to downtown. Together, attendees will identify both priority concerns and solutions. Once key priorities are identified, an action plan will be created to address each concern.
Monday, February 27 from 6-7 p.m., Fagan Studio and Studio 324, 324 South Broadway Avenue
Friday, March 3 from 9-10 a.m., Chateau Theatre, 15 1st Street SW
Monday, March 6 from 2-3 p.m., Pasquale’s Neighborhood Pizzeria, 130 5th Street SW
Tuesday, March 14 from 10-11 a.m. (virtual)
Patrick Seeb, executive director of Destination Medical Center, shares, “Everyone has a stake in a healthy downtown. Now is the time to be intentional about the steps we take to help accelerate recovery. We will build on existing strengths while focusing on the future.”
The Downtown Rochester Task Force will use an accelerated model in creating an action plan, which will allow participants to identify concerns and work on solutions quickly. The goal is to present an action plan by May 2023 to guide the Downtown Rochester Task Force moving forward. Register for the work sessions here.
MediaContacts Geno Palazzari, Communications Manager
Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency
Direct: 307-696-9088 | [email protected]
Megan Moeller, Communications and Engagement Coordinator
City of Rochester
Direct: 507-328-2436 | [email protected]
Molly Schmidt, Director of Marketing & Communications
Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc.
Direct: 507-288-0208 | [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DMC Announces Second Phase of Main Street Grant Funding
December 21, 2022 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – Destination Medical Center (DMC) Economic Development Agency is pleased to announce the beginning of the second phase of grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Main Street Economic Revitalization Program. In partnership with Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. (RAEDI), this round of grants will be for two business districts outside of the DMC district – Southeast Crossroads to Bear Creek Park area, and the Northwest Design District & Northgate Area.
The Northwest Design District & Northgate Area comprises an area from 4th Ave NW (east), Highway 52 (west), 2nd St NW (south), and 7th St NW (north).
“The Main Street Economic Revitalization Program funding remains critical to Minnesota’s recovery from COVID-19,” said Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Deputy Commissioner Kevin McKinnon. “These funds – put into the community through local partners like the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency – help create opportunity and energize economic revitalization across Minnesota.”
“These grant dollars are crucial for the businesses affected in these districts in Rochester. We are happy to partner with DMC in administering this grant and serving small businesses who are vital to our economy,” said RAEDI President John Wade.
While downtown Rochester has been severely disrupted by the pandemic, businesses in the surrounding neighborhoods have also experienced significant economic disruption. These neighborhoods tend to be more diverse, include strong BIPOC business ownership, and are highly dependent upon existing commercial establishments in areas that are typically food and service deserts.
Southeast Crossroads to Bear Creek Park area, comprising an area from 3rd Ave SW (east), 17th Ave SE (west), 16th St SE (south), and 9th St SE (north).
DMC EDA and RAEDI seek to strengthen the position of Rochester’s neighborhood-based business centers. Catering to diverse populations, these areas provide unique commercial opportunities to the communities they serve. Walkable and served by transit, these business hubs are key destinations where residents shop, dine, and receive professional services. The typical business building in the two commercial corridors defined in this grant application was built in 1959, highlighting the potential need for capital improvements in these districts.
“The success of the Main Street program in Rochester is a testament to the resiliency of our business community; their desire to thrive and succeed,” said Patrick Seeb, DMC’s executive director. “We will continue to look for other strategic partnerships and opportunities to improve and strengthen Rochester’s economy.”
“I cannot stress enough how important this program has been to Rochester’s continued recovery,” said Rochester Mayor Kim Norton. “And now, through a new partnership, we can share this program with more needed areas in our community”.
The Main Street Grant program kicked off in May 2022. Thus far, the DMC EDA board and the community review team have recommended over $2 million to be distributed to 35 businesses in the downtown core.
All grant awards are subject to final approval from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
About the Main Street Grant Program
The Main Street Grant program provides grants for capital improvement projects that result in improvements to any permanent structure or other asset added to a property that adds to its value. The grant awards can cover up to 30% of the project costs with applicants securing other sources of funding to match any funds granted by this program. Funding comes from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Main Street Economic Revitalization Program.
For more information on the Main Street Grant program and to apply, visit dmc.mn/ms.
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About Destination Medical Center
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. Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency is a private non-profit established to provide experience and expertise in developing and marketing on behalf of Destination Medical Center Corporation. For more information, visit dmc.mn.
About Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc.
Incorporated in 1985, Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. (RAEDI) is a public/private partnership for economic development that serves Olmsted, Dodge, Wabasha, and Fillmore Counties. Our mission is lead and support economic, community, and workforce development initiatives that retain, grow and diversify the greater Rochester area economy. Some of the services provided include financial packaging, business planning, site/location support, and business/community advocacy. For more information, visit www.raedi.com.
About Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade, and community development. For more details about the agency and its services, visit the DEED website.
December 14, 2022 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency is announcing the appointment of two new board members. Roberta (Bobbie) Dressen, president and CEO of the Medical Alley Association, and Dennis Dahlen, CFO of Mayo Clinic, will begin their 3-year terms on January 1, 2023. They will be replacing Harry Hoffman and Jerry Bell, who will be stepping down at the end of this year.
“We are delighted to welcome Bobbie Dressen and Dennis Dahlen to the DMC EDA board,” said Dr. Clark Otley, president of DMC EDA. “With their incredible accomplishments and breadth of experience, Bobbie and Dennis will be excellent contributors to the success of the Destination Medical Center initiative.”
Roberta Dressen
Roberta (Bobbie) Dressen has been with the Medical Alley Association since 2021. Prior to that, she held leadership roles with Allina Health Systems, UnitedHealth Group, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic. Ms. Dressen holds an M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas.
“As the DMC continues to make huge strides in positioning our region as the epicenter of health innovation and care, it’s an honor to be named to the board to help support our shared objectives,” said Dressen. “In addition to my role at Medical Alley, I feel my background in representing various sectors within health care will contribute to building a global destination for the industry and bring more prosperity to the state.”
Dennis E. Dahlen
Dennis Dahlen serves as chief financial officer of Mayo Clinic. Before joining Mayo Clinic in 2017, Mr. Dahlen held the same position at Banner Health, an integrated healthcare delivery system in Phoenix, after serving in several other executive positions with Banner since 1999. Mr. Dahlen earned an M.B.A. in finance from Minnesota State University, Moorhead.
“It is an honor to join the DMC EDA at a time when Mayo Clinic is investing in transforming health care,” says Dahlen. “When I came to Mayo in 2017, I was struck by the teamwork and collaboration at Mayo but also the collaboration and thoughtful approach being taken by DMC to secure Rochester, Minnesota as a premier destination for health and wellness now and in the future. We are collectively committing to delivering an unmatched experience for patients, visitors, and residents and that commitment will continue to enhance Rochester’s position as a destination medical center.”
Dressen and Dahlen will be joining current DMC EDA board members Traci Downs, chair of Collider Foundation; Tom Fisher, Director, Minnesota Design Center & Dayton-Hudson Chair in Urban Design, University of Minnesota; Joselyn Raymundo, Founder/President, Rochester Home Infusion; Patrick Seeb, Executive Director, DMC EDA; Mary Jo Williamson, Chief Administrative Officer, Mayo Clinic Collaborative Services; and DMC EDA President Dr. Clark Otley, Chief Medical Officer, Mayo Clinic Platform; Medical Director, Department of Business Development; Consultant, Department of Dermatology, Division of Dermatologic Surgery; Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science; and President, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
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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. Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency is a private non-profit established to provide experience and expertise in developing and marketing on behalf of Destination Medical Center Corporation. For more information, visit dmc.mn.
About Medical Alley Association
Medical Alley is The Global Epicenter of Health Innovation and Care®, where healthcare leaders call home. In Medical Alley, you will find the world’s leading health technology innovation cluster, the highest ranked hospital, and the globally recognized Destination Medical Center. Medical Alley is also home to the nation’s largest private health insurer and more than 1,000 healthcare companies, employing more than 500,000 Minnesotans and millions more worldwide.
About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing.
Rochester, Minn. – In response to the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on downtown Rochester, a task force is being assembled to identify priority issues to be addressed.
