Invest in Minnesota’s Largest
Economic Development Initiative
Invest in Rochester, Minnesota
Join others who have recognized this unique opportunity. Where innovation is attracting small businesses and helping them grow. Where a talented workforce is transforming businesses into world-class organizations. Where inspiring places are developing a vibrant community for working and living. Where you can be part of something big.
Growing Your Business Here
DMC is initiating significant growth in Rochester. Businesses, large and small, continue to find commercial success, a talented and dedicated workforce, solid returns on investment, and a remarkable quality of life.
The DMC Economic Development Agency works closely with developers and investors to advance private development projects through the DMC approval process. The process, created in consultation with various developers, City of Rochester staff, and other stakeholders, is designed to complement the City’s standard planning and zoning process and efficiently evaluate each project against the goals of the DMC Development plan.
Rochester consistently ranks high in livability, entrepreneurism, affordability and so much more. We’re here to help you grow your existing or expanding business. Contact us today.
Development Guide & Application Downloads
Development Resource Guide
This guide outlines the opportunities, incentives, and processes to assist interested investors and developers in completing private development projects in the DMC Development District.
Download by Section
Welcome
Development Review Process
Financing
Frequently Asked Questions
RFP: Mixed Income Housing Development Project
City of Rochester Opens Request for Proposals for “First of Its Kind” Mixed Income Housing Development Project
Application for funding
Developers interested in pursuing a private development project may apply for public funding. The application allows a developer to highlight their development project’s alignment with the DMC Development Plan.
District Design Guidelines
The DMC Design Guidelines, produced in partnership with the University of Minnesota’s Design Center, ensure that each development project contributes to the Guidelines: Thriving Economy, Healthy City, Sustainable City, and Vibrant Public Realm. By focusing on these goals, the Design Guidelines serve as a cornerstone to building “America’s City for Health.”
More Resources
DMC Development Plan
Discover the vision and framework guiding the DMC initiative, including research, transportation, infrastructure, finance, strategies, economic and fiscal impact reports and other valuable information. The plan is updated every five years.
Five-Year Update to the DMC Development Plan
In 2020, the Destination Medical Center Corporation Board and City of Rochester approved a 5-year update to the DMC Development Plan, which was adopted in 2015 and provides a framework for implementing the mission of the DMCC to transform Rochester, Minnesota as a global destination for health and wellness. The purpose of the 5-year update, which is required by state statute, is to tailor economic development strategies to market conditions, to account for how DMC catalyzed for economic growth from 2015-2019 and to gather community input.
Mayo Clinic 5 Year Plan
This helpful plan details Mayo Clinic’s anticipated growth and land use plans. Every five years, Mayo Clinic produces this detailed plan. The most recent plan was published in December 2021.
Heart of the City Public Space Schematic Design
This document reveals the first phase of capital improvements to the Heart of the City public space. Anchored by Mayo Clinic’s Mayo and Gonda Buildings, numerous hotels, restaurants, shops and boutiques, and the University of Minnesota, this vibrant and well-programmed public space will increase visitor traffic, generate economic activity, appreciate real estate values, and provide a community gathering place for the community and more than 3 million annual visitors.
St. Marys Place Public Space Schematic Design
This document reveals the first phase of capital improvements to Saint Marys Place public space. Saint Marys Place is home to Saint Marys Hospital, Mayo Clinic’s 1,265-bed hospital, and is surrounded by distinct and well-established local neighborhoods, numerous hotels, restaurants, and shops and serves as the gateway to downtown Rochester.
Heart of the City Phase 1 Design Concepts
Heart of the City project schedule, design framework review, and schematic design concepts.
Discovery Walk Public Space Design
This document reveals the first phase of the capital improvements to the Discovery Square public space. Discovery Walk connects Heart of the City to Solider’s Field through the Discovery Square. This space will provide flexible street options, gathering spaces and year around interest for residents and visitors to discover nature, innovation, community and play.
Opportunity Zones
Downtown Rochester includes two designated Opportunity Zones, a new program added to the tax code by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
Integrated Transit Studies Executive Summary
Retail Opportunity Marketing Collateral
Downtown Rochester Residential Consumer Research Project
Featured Development Projects
Discovery Square
The Maven on Broadway
Titan Development & Investments
The Opus Group
The Maven on Broadway
Downtown Waterfront
Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic Area
Titan Development & Investments
Harbor Bay Real Estate Advisors
Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Recent Development Projects
Construction activity abounds throughout the DMC district. Since 2013, more than $960 million in private investment has been committed. Take a closer look at the projects that have been completed.
Completed in November, 2016
501 on First
Sophisticated and ultra-luxurious downtown apartment living with spectacular views. Easy access to walking trails, retail, dining, and entertainment. The building includes a 24-hour fitness center, rooftop patio, and a business and community center amongst many other amenities.
Completed August, 2016
Conley Maass Downs Building Renovation
The historic building, a former woolen mill and factory, has recently been renovated and houses a restaurant, intimate event space, tech companies and a “Maker’s Lab” equipped with a 3-D printer.
Completed in April, 2018
Flats on 4th
A 92-unit building that ties the historic arts neighborhood of Slatterly Park to downtown Rochester. The building includes 19 affordable housing units and room for businesses to set up shop on ground floor. Flats on 4this walking distance to everything downtown.
Our Team Is Here to Help
Patrick Seeb
DMC EDA Executive Director
Patrick Seeb is the DMC Economic Development Agency Executive Director. He is your partner and point of contact for providing resources and answering your questions.