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.

Four work sessions—three in-person and one virtual—are planned.

• 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.

Media Contacts
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 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.

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.

At the November 10, 2022 meeting, the Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Board of Directors commended the process the City of Rochester and Rochester City Park Board have undertaken in working toward an equitable, sustainable, inclusive final design. The Rochester Parks Board adopted the Short-Term Soldiers Field Master Plan at their October 4, 2022 meeting.

There are several key features within the 2022 Soldiers Field Master Plan that align with the DMC Development Plan

• Continues to define Soldiers Field Memorial Park as an anchor and signature public space of the Education and Recreation Sub-district.
• Equitably designed spaces that are created with the specific needs of users.
• Provides a welcoming and inclusive park for a growing and diverse community.
• Incorporating sustainable design practices.

“We have a great opportunity with this project, the Riverfront, and key infrastructure, most notably Discovery Walk to differentiate us from our competitors,” said board member R.T. Rybak. “I strongly support putting funds into this project and making sure the City and Destination Medical Center are in alignment on how this incredible redesigned asset connects to Discovery Walk and the Riverfront.”

An update on the Main Street Economic Revitalization grant program was also provided to the board. To date, funding has been awarded to 36 different projects for a total award of $2.01 million with an average award of $56,000. 42% of the awardees are Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (BIPOC), woman-owned/led, and or/veteran-owned businesses.

The board also received an update on DMC’s equitable economic development strategies. DMC EDA staff members Kevin Bright and Wafa Elkhalifa were joined by Chao Mwatela, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director Chao for the City of Rochester, and Dee Sabol, Executive Director of the Diversity Council to highlight this collaborative effort by the Rochester community toward ensuring that everyone in Rochester is included in the economic prosperity associated with the DMC initiative.

“This is what sets DMC apart from many other economic development initiatives; the buy-in from the DMC team and our partners,” said board member Brooke Carlson. “This is a collective community responsibility. It takes engagement and partnership across so many different sectors and representatives and leaders in our community as well as those living and breathing and experiencing the inequities in our community to come together. Thank you for setting the gold standard for how we do our work at the City and DMC through this co-design process and being the catalyst for how this work can be done across the state and across the country.”

The next DMCC Board meeting is set for Thursday, February 2, 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 Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Board of Directors conditionally approved $10 million for improvements at Soldiers Field Memorial Park. This request will help to fund proposed uses north of the golf course, which falls within the DMC District. Soldiers Field Golf Course is outside the district.

“We look forward to partnering with the community to make their vision for Soldiers Field become a reality,” said DMC Board Chair Pamela Wheelock. “It is a critical piece of community infrastructure and a great asset to downtown Rochester.”

The improvements will be based on the Soldiers Field Master plan update that is currently being reviewed by the Rochester City Council.

Additionally, the board approved funding for the continued support of LINK Bus Rapid Transit, the construction of the final two blocks of Discovery Walk, and funding the advancement of the Riverfront Small Area Plan that was approved by the Rochester City Council in July of 2022.

The board also received an update on DMC’s strategies to develop new community housing in the downtown core with the support of the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing, a collaborative community program to create and preserve affordable and workforce-priced housing in the Rochester area. One of the successful strategies has been the introduction of new housing developers to the Rochester market.

“It has been a long road getting everyone to the table,” said DMC Board Secretary Paul Williams. “This is exciting to see. We want to have a community where there is competition to build affordable housing.”

Additionally, the DMCC board approved the DMC Economic Development Agency’s (EDA) 2023 workplan and budgets. Strategic direction from the board as well as DMC goals, guiding principles and priorities helped shape the request. It will be presented in October to Rochester City Council for approval.

See the full video below:

The next DMCC Board meeting is set for Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 9:30 a.m.

 

September 8, 2022 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – Destination Medical Center (DMC) Economic Development Agency is pleased to announce the first recipients of grants from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Main Street Economic Revitalization Program.

“There is an excellent partnership between DEED, DMC, and the City of Rochester, and thanks to that close collaboration these grants are focused on supporting local businesses hit hardest by the pandemic,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “These grants will help revitalize areas with the greatest economic development and redevelopment needs that have arisen since the pandemic began.”

To date, 30 businesses within the DMC District have been recommended for funding totaling over $1.6 million. These funds will help to leverage over $48 million in private investment into Rochester’s downtown.

“The City of Rochester would like to thank DEED and DMC for their partnership in this important grant program. Our local businesses play such a vital role in the vibrancy and character of our community. I have heard from many businesses how impactful the COVID-19 pandemic has been and I hope that these grant dollars will help with both recovery and their ability to thrive in the future,” shared Mayor Kim Norton.

A community-based team comprised of downtown stakeholders was assembled to review applications and provide feedback on each grant application based on the following criteria:

• Revitalization of properties or organizations operating within or contiguous to the DMC district harmed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Elevating opportunities for BIPOC, veteran, disabled business and property owners, and disadvantaged business entities.
• Creating and retaining permanent jobs.
• Enabling businesses to strengthen and diversify their products and services.

DMC Executive Director Patrick Seeb said, “We are grateful to our team of staff and community co-designers for their assistance in bringing this project to fruition. We wanted to make this process as fair and equitable as possible and to help those organizations in greatest need.”

This community-based team provided their recommendations to the DMC EDA Board for review and approval. Each entity agreed on the following recommendations:

• 100 1st Ave. Commercial Condo Association: $2,250
  Repaving the parking lot with asphalt.
• 1AF, LP – $1,700
  Replace lobby flooring.
• BGD5 Development, LLC – $52,900
  Demolition of existing blighted structure, with intent of removing for future planning and development
• BGD5 Mall DBA: Galleria at University Square – $23,797
  Broadway and Peace Plaza facing: Exterior entrance repair & repaint, exterior lighting replacement, exterior door replacement.
• Capital Ventures, LLC – $200,000
  Restoration of the building for new restaurant concept
• Chabad of Southern Minnesota – $59,900
  Renovation of hospitality house operator suite into patient/guest quarters.
• City Walk, LLC – $200,000
  Development and construction of 142 unit apartment building with 142 parking stalls
• Everyday 365 Clothing, LLC – $4,500
  Renovations to outside of storefront, shelving space to be built into walls, new paint job, new signage, door for back room, new flooring, signage/lighting inside of store.
• Guerin Studio, LLC – $22,500
  Remodel storefront
• Healing Touch Spa, LLC – $35,000
  Construct two couples massage rooms and a meditation room and a dispensary for staff.
• Interiors by J. Curry, LLC – $1,220
  Purchase and installation of a new sign
• Ironton, LLC: $85,800
  Building out the main floor to accommodate office space.
• James Krom Natural Images – $1,750
  Replace flooring
• Kahler Inn and Suites: $15,000
  Improvements to the façade of the east facing wall of the building.
• Knight’s Chamber: $9,600
  Remodeling the front entry of the business, as well as adding a dressing room, lighting and repainting.
• La Michoacana Purepecha 3, LLC – $52,500
  Remodeling of the entire site, with dry storage, employee break room, kitchen preparation, sinks, hand-wash stations, and new flooring
• The Landing MN – $200,000
  Property is being renovated to house a commercial kitchen, day room, restrooms, showers, and laundry as well as offices for leadership, staff, and volunteer medical providers.
• Marrow Restaurant – $133,919
  Demolition, site preparation, build-out of restaurant and installation of equipment – including engineering, pre-design and design work
• Masjed Abubakr A-Seddeig, Inc. – $100,000
  Renovating two floors of the building with classroom space to support new job training programs. An elevator will also be installed to support access to the classrooms.
• Neighborly Group – $58,700
  Remodel of Neighborly Creative and Neighborly Gifts stores
• Nordic Shop: $23,400
  Expanding their footprint to an adjacent vacant storefront to accommodate growth of in-store and web-based sales.
• Rochester Art Center – $5,100
  Exterior window bird collision mitigation
• Rowan International Grocery Store, LLC – $15,000
  Installation of a walk-in cooler and remodeling of the building
• Skiathos, LLC – $8,000
  Repairing and restriping the parking lot of the Queen City Center Strip Mall
• Thesis Beer Project: $9000
  Construction of a new 30-40 seat patio on 2^nd Street
• TRCH Plaza, LLP: $11,000
  New roof on the building.
• True Queens Boutique: $4,500
  New downtown business will use funds to assist with purchasing signage, flooring, furniture, lighting, tables, and shelves.
• The Well: $200,000
  Renovation of the former Dooley’s Pub site into a new family restaurant.
• Well Living Lab, Inc – $10,000
  Energy efficiency and technology upgrades
• Zumbro Lutheran Church – $6,000
  Purchase and installation of an exterior digital sign

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 for the $3 million grant was awarded on October 14, 2021, 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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Learn, Transform, and Innovate at DMC’s Annual Meeting

Join us in celebrating Rochester’s continued growth and transformation at the DMC Annual meeting on Thursday, September 15th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on 1st Avenue SE between Center Street and 1st Street SE. This location will showcase a future public realm project connecting the Heart of the City with the Mayo Civic Center and the Downtown Waterfront sub-district, as well as proximity to future development sites.

The DMC Annual Meeting is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is preferred.

“The solution to housing in Rochester is in this room and in this community.”

These words by DMC Executive Director Patrick Seeb kicked off the 2022 Rochester Housing Summit on Thursday, May 12th at the Mayo Civic Center. The Rochester Housing Summit provided a deep dive into understanding Rochester’s housing needs. There was also a spotlight focused on the opportunities, potential development sites, and the financial tools available to bring more housing to the community.

The summit included experts from the City of Rochester, Olmsted County, Destination Medical Center, and the Coalition for Rochester Area Housing. Wes Johnson, Senior Underwriter for the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund and Anne Ketz, Director of Real Estate Development and Asset Management for Urban Homeworks were also on hand to discuss the financial tools and innovative housing approaches that are available across the state.

One of the keynote presenters was Johnny Opara, President, and CEO of JO Companies, LLC, a Black-owned, mission-driven real estate development company that specializes in developing affordable multifamily housing, workforce housing, and selling residential and commercial real estate. When asked about the key ingredients in creating equitable housing, Opara said, “Engage the community, be fair, listen first and foremost. I think you have a really strong chance for projects to move forward.”

“I would like to thank all of our sponsors, our partners and panelists, that helped put together this amazing day,” said DMC Director of Housing and Sustainability Kevin Bright. We are very appreciative. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

You can watch the 2022 Rochester Housing Summit on DMC’s YouTube channel. Click on this link for access to the materials presented at the summit.

Gold Sponsors
     

 

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Common Bond

Aeon

Noble Development

May 19, 2022 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – The City of Rochester and Destination Medical Center (DMC) Economic Development Agency are pleased to announce the launch of the $3 million Main Street Grant program. Funding for the grant was awarded on October 14, 2021, from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Main Street Economic Revitalization Program.

“Destination Medical Center has established itself as one of the leading economic development partnerships in the country,” said Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Steve Grove. “These new investments in Main Street revitalization will create jobs and growth in Rochester – particularly in corridors hit hardest by the pandemic.”

The Main Street Grant program intends to provide no-cost 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.

Any person or organization planning to invest in eligible capital projects in the DMC district may apply. Businesses and organizations that represent Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), veteran, disabled, Black, Indigenous, or people of color whose projects will build wealth, create jobs, and stabilize communities in the district are strongly encouraged to apply.

“We are pleased to be launching the Main Street Grant program and we are grateful for the efforts of our community partners in shaping the application process,” said DMC Director of Business Development Chris Schad. “The Main Street Grant program reflects our shared vision of equitable access to financial tools for property owners and small businesses.”

DMC worked with six community co-designers to help guide the design process of the Main Street Grant program. Co-designers are connectors to underrepresented community members with different perspectives – cultural, religious, mobility, mental health, and socio-economic. The community co-designers engaged with their communities to discuss how the application and approval process could be more accessible to under-represented communities.

“Co-design was a conscious and intentional effort to make an application process with the people it intends to serve,” said Kevin Bright, DMC’s Director of Housing and Sustainability. “From its use, we learned many challenges the community faces in accessing grant opportunities and we believe provided a set of tools, resources, connections, and support to allow as many as possible to ease their access to these funds. We want to thank our co-designers whose commitment to the project and the community, we think created a much more equitable outcome”.

In addition to the $3 million grant award in October, MN DEED announced a second round of funding on Tuesday, May 17, of which DMC was awarded an additional $988,000. This second round of funding will expand the Main Street Economic Revitalization initiative to provide grants to businesses outside of the DMC district to support economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“The City of Rochester and our partners in economic development, particularly DEED, DMC and RAEDI, understand the importance of having healthy, viable neighborhood commercial corridors”, said Deputy City Administrator Cindy Steinhauser. “This funding from the DEED Main Street Economic Revitalization program will provide funding to support equitable, economic recovery for these neighborhoods devastated by the impacts of COVID-19. We want to thank the State of Minnesota and DEED for creating opportunities for cities and for their confidence in investing in Rochester’s recovery.”

The details for the second Main Street Grant program will be announced in the coming months.