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.
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.
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 2nd 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.
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.
4:00-6:00 pm – A Vibrant Downtown Our partners will host learning stations where attendees can hear more about the technology and innovation being used to make downtown Rochester vibrant. During this time, attendees can also grab a bite from the Duck Truck and Infuzn Foods.
6:00-6:30 pm – Program A recap of the past year and a glimpse into what is to come for downtown Rochester will be provided by the DMC EDA executive director, City of Rochester Mayor, DMC EDA Board Chair, and DMCC Board Chair.
6:30-7:00 pm – Music & Connection End the evening by connecting with community members and listening to live music by the local band, True North.
*Please Note: Free, outdoor event, open-house style; Restrooms with washing stations provided on site.
If you’re enjoying your time at the end of the evening, we recommend you continue your evening at a nearby restaurant.
The DMC Annual Meeting is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is preferred.
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.
