Destination Medical Center Corporation Approves Funding for Three Downtown Historic District Projects

(Rochester, Minn.) December 5, 2024 – At their quarterly meeting, the Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Board of Directors approved funding for three projects as part of the Downtown Historic District preservation program. The three projects are proposing a variety of investments including building preservation & safety, building system upgrades, and adaptive reuse. “Honoring our city’s history while fostering new opportunities is key to Rochester’s continued growth and vibrancy,” said DMCC Vice Chair Kim Norton. “The adaptive reuse of a vacant second-story space into housing exemplifies how historic preservation can address modern needs, creating livable spaces while maintaining the character of our downtown. These projects are investments in our community’s past and future, and we are excited to see them come to life.” For more information about the DMC Downtown Property Preservation program, visit this link. Also on the board’s agenda was approval for an amendment to the 2025 DMC Capital Improvement Plan to support the Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester initiative. This additional investment of $1.6 million is designed to take advantage of a time sensitive opportunity as construction of the proposed North Parking Ramp begins in early 2025. Mayo Clinic will be installing infrastructure in the area and the city believes this to be an optimal time to make additional municipal improvements, such as modernizing and upsizing sanitary and storm sewer lines and the installation of a cycle track element which will connect with future legs of the track as further street upgrades occur. “This amendment to the Capital Improvement Plan reflects our commitment to strategic investments that position Rochester for long-term success,” said DMCC Board Chair Pam Wheelock. “By aligning municipal improvements with Mayo Clinic’s infrastructure work, we maximize resources and enhance connectivity with projects like the cycle track. These efforts not only support the Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester initiative but also ensure the building blocks of this community are laid for today and for the future.” The board also took action to recognize outgoing board member Brooke Carlson. Carlson served on the DMCC board for four years as a City of Rochester representative. During her tenure, she championed City and DMCC efforts to secure more than $100,000,000 in federal grants, as well as supporting programs and projects to advance economic equity and community co-design. “It has been an incredible honor to serve on the DMCC Board and contribute to the transformative work happening in Rochester,” said board member Brooke Carlson. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together to enhance our community, create opportunities, and lay a strong foundation for a thriving future.” The next DMCC Board meeting is set for Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 9:30. a.m. ### 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.