Joined by interactive exhibits from partners, Destination Medical Center held its annual meeting on the 5th Floor of Two Discovery Square, gathering business and community leaders to reflect on progress and discuss future plans for Rochester. Themed “Healthy Community, Healthy City,” the event showcased significant milestones and outlined the exciting path forward.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Executive Director Patrick Seeb opened the meeting by recalling the 2019 Annual Meeting, which took place at the same location. At that time, the celebration marked the opening of One Discovery Square and the vision for Discovery Walk. Four years later, Seeb highlighted how that vision has come to life, transforming the DMC District into a vibrant community hub. “I am filled
with immense pride and optimism when I look around this room and see this cross-section of our community working together to do big, powerful, challenging, creative, innovative things, and doing it together and in collaboration,” Seeb said.
Celebrating Accomplishments
DMCC Board Chair Pamela Wheelock reflected on the past year’s achievements, including the completion of Discovery Walk, improvements at Soldiers Field Memorial Park, and progress on new housing initiatives. She emphasized the collaborative spirit that focused on equitable engagement and development to benefit the entire community. “What we do matters, and we have a lot of work left to do, but our ability to come together and to share ideas and build consensus is a cornerstone of our progress. It’s the foundation of our innovation and creates a sense of community pride in every project that we do,” said Wheelock.
Looking to the Future
Rochester Mayor Kim Norton provided a glimpse into what lies ahead. She discussed Mayo Clinic’s Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester initiative and its transformative impact on the community. Norton also highlighted major projects like the Link Bus Rapid Transit system, the West Transit Village, the new 6th Street Bridge, and efforts to support Rochester’s Historic District. She also touched on sustainability efforts, mentioning the City’s Thermal Energy Network, which advances Rochester’s green and resilient future. “Tonight, as we reflect on this incredible transformation that is happening in our community, I invite you to consider your role in shaping Rochester’s future,” said Norton. “Let’s continue to build a community that we want, that we envision together.
Art Meets Innovation
Artist Sophia Chai, creator of the Punctuated Asymptote installation on Discovery Walk, shared insights into her work. Her installation aligns with the innovative spirit of the DMC initiative, adding a creative dimension to Rochester’s growing public spaces.
In her words, “Comprised of 62 light poles spanning the entire length of Discovery Walk, Punctuated Asymptote serves as punctuated markers that together, draw an asymptotic line against the curve of the land. Each of the 62 lights has a unique length, varying from 4’ to 15’, yet reaching the same elevation from the sea level as the top of the lights draw horizon lines.
Each day the lights will start turning on at sunset, beginning with the southmost light at 6th St SW and turning off at sunrise, starting from 2nd St SW, at 1/2-second intervals. Just as each light has a unique height, each light will turn on and off at a distinct time. The entire turning on/off of the lights will take about half a minute, like the average heartbeat of a person walking, 120 bpm.
Punctuated Asymptote invites viewers to slow down and come to be aware of the gentle sloping of the land, a relic of the geologic history of this area known as the Driftless Region, beckons you to note everyday solar events, and experience the different perspectives and narratives, drawn on this pathway.”
Closing Remarks: Celebrating Progress, Anticipating the Future
Executive Director Patrick Seeb closed the meeting by reminding the attendees of DMC’s roots in building public infrastructure in collaboration with federal, state, local, and private entities. “Let’s do it right. Let’s do it special. Let’s make this a destination for the quality, the innovation, the creativity, the uniqueness, the specialty.”
Thanks to our sponsors
GOLD
Kimley-Horn
Mayo Clinic
Premier Bank Minnesota
RSP
SILVER
Home Federal
University of Minnesota Rochester
BRONZE
Knutson Construction
Kraus-Anderson
SRF Consulting Group
Fredrikson
Weis Builders