Historic Preservation District Initiative

Eight Focus Areas

Working with the City of Rochester, there are eight main areas of focus. Destination Medical Center (DMC) is focusing on two: Financial and Recruitment & Retention.

DMC Focus Areas

BUSINESS
NAVIGATION

FINANCIAL

RECRUITMENT
RETENTION

REGULATORY

PUBLIC REALM

MOBILITY

PROGRAMMING
ACTIVATION

BRANDING & MARKETING

Qualifying Locations

Projects being considered are within the historic district in Downtown Rochester, MN.

Contributing Properties
Non-contributing Properties

Recruitment and Retention

 

One of the eight areas of focus to supporting a healthy and vibrant historic district is centered on strategies for retail, dining and entertainment recruitment and retention. We want to help provide an opportunity for property owners and business owners to get connected. In addition to making these connections we offer site selection assistance, networks to local resources and service providers.

Property Owners
Prospective Tenants

Financial Tools & Programs

Pre-renovation Grant

Provides up to $20,000 per property with a 50% match from non-City funds, covering soft costs like design and engineering. Approval by Rochester City staff is required, with $125,000 available annually.

Economic Development Loan

Offers up to $200,000 per property with a 10-year term at 0% interest, including a $20,000 incentive for non-street level housing projects. Approval by Rochester City staff is required, with $1,000,000 available annually.

Infrastructure Investment

Provides up to $500,000 per property with a 50% match from non-DMC funds, covering permanent physical improvements that qualify as public infrastructure projects. Approval by the DMCC Board and Rochester City Council is required, with funds available until December 31, 2029.

Important Dates

WindowApplication OpensApplication ClosesDMCC Board ApprovalCity Council Approval
2026 Q1 WindowSaturday, October 18, 2025Friday, December 12, 2025Thursday, February 5, 2026Monday, February 18, 2026
2026 Q2 WindowSaturday, December 13, 2025Friday, April 17, 2026Thursday, May 21, 2026Monday, June 1, 2026
2026 Q3 WindowSaturday, April 18, 2026Friday, August 14, 2026Thursday, September 24, 2026Monday, October 5, 2026
2026 Q4 WindowSaturday, August 15, 2026Friday, October 16, 2026Thursday, December 10, 2026Monday, December 21, 2026

Are you interested in pursuing a financial tool?

Intake Form

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