(Rochester, Minn.) September 26, 2024 – At the quarterly Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Board of Directors meeting, the board approved funding of close to $85,000 for long-term improvements to a property in the Downtown Historic District under the DMC Downtown Property Preservation Program. This is a program designed to assist property owners and tenants in the Downtown Historic District with up to 50% of eligible project costs.
“Preserving and revitalizing the Downtown Historic District is essential to maintaining Rochester’s unique character and vibrancy,” said DMCC Board Chair Pam Wheelock. “By supporting the character of historic buildings, we not only honor the city’s past but also create opportunities for future economic growth, attracting businesses and visitors alike. Destination Medical Center’s commitment to these efforts ensures that Rochester remains a vibrant, thriving community for generations to come.”
Eligible project categories include:
- Adaptive reuse: conversion of property use, such as office to retail
- Building system upgrades: HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc.
- Building safety and preservation: exterior envelope sealing, accessibility improvements
- Code modernization: improvements made to legacy properties in relation to ADA or other regulatory compliance
For more information about the DMC Downtown Property Preservation program, visit this link.
The board also took action to approve the 2025 Capital Improvement Plan, totaling more than $38 million. The projects in the CIP include a variety of initiatives to achieve DMC Development Plan goals. Some of these projects include:
- Chateau Theatre analysis and planning for future capital needs
- Interim wayfinding activities to ensure employees, residents, visitors, and patients can successfully navigate through areas impacted by upcoming construction disruptions
- Link Rapid Transit construction activities on 2nd Street SW and U.S. Federal Transit Administration required contingency funding
- Sixth Street Bridge, Roadway Safety and Riverfront Improvements project design and planning
“The Capital Improvement Plan we are approving marks a significant step in shaping Rochester’s future,” said board member Williams. “These investments will drive growth, enhance public spaces, and improve infrastructure in ways that benefit residents, businesses, and visitors alike. This plan will fuel the city’s transformation, ensuring long-term economic vitality and a stronger, more connected community.”
Also on the board’s agenda was a request for private development funding from a local developer. The request was for assistance with a 94-unit apartment complex located on 2nd Ave SW, south of One and Two Discovery Square. The project was denied funding based on the following factors: the size of the public subsidy request was over six times the amount that an average project has received from DMC in the past, the design submitted did not meet City of Rochester guidelines for street level activation, nor did it meet DMC goals for affordable housing.
“While we wish to see the successful development of this site along Discovery Walk, we believe that the applicant’s request was not the best use of limited DMC resources,” said DMC Executive Director Patrick Seeb.
Furthermore, the DMCC board approved the DMC Economic Development Agency’s (EDA) 2025 workplan and budget. Strategic direction from the board and DMC goals, guiding principles and priorities helped shape the request. It will be presented in October to the Rochester City Council for approval.
The next DMCC Board meeting is set for Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 9:30. a.m.