Planning for the future by creating a connected city
What is Discovery Walk?
Discovery Walk is a four-block linear parkway in downtown Rochester, MN along 2nd Avenue SW that will serve pedestrians as well as vehicle traffic. This multipurpose public space and streetscape is the first of its kind in Rochester. The vision for this project is to create a high amenity landscaped road and utility reconstruction project in the middle of downtown that prioritizes pedestrian experience while also maintaining flexibility for bike and vehicular access, civic events, and supports future development.
Vyriad’s co-founders, Drs. Kah-Whye Peng and Stephen Russell
Mayo Clinic is an economic engine for its hometown of Rochester, Minnesota. The health care research leader is the city’s largest employer and the largest driver of visitors to the region, with an estimated 1.2 million patients and their families traveling annually to the region to receive care. But Mayo Clinic’s economic reach extends beyond these direct impacts, sparking the development of businesses in multiple industries.
Mayo Clinic has spun out a number of health-related businesses. More than 170 startups have used intellectual property developed at Mayo Clinic, and more than 2,000 technologies are available for licensing, according to Mayo Clinic Ventures, the organization that manages this commercialization.
The Rochester City Council has approved plans to move forward with design development, engineering work and construction bidding for Destination Medical Center’s (DMC) Discovery Walk, a five-block linear parkway along 2nd Avenue SW in downtown Rochester that will serve pedestrians as well as vehicle access. The design process is led by Coen+Partners.
Approves Next Phase of Life Science and Technology Campus
The Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Board today approved $7.3 million in public infrastructure funding for Mortenson Development Inc’s construction of Discovery Square Two in the DMC Discovery Square subdistrict.
The $45 million project will be a five-story,124,000 square foot, LEED-certified medical office and lab building with outdoor space, connectivity to One Discovery Square, tenant and public programming and potential 5G connectivity. The building will support approximately 500 long-term jobs while its construction will create approximately 800 short-term jobs.
Artist’s rendering of the proposed Two Discovery Square (left) with One Discovery Square (right).
Mortenson has submitted plans with the City of Rochester for a new development – Two Discovery Square – adjacent to its One Discovery Square life science building in downtown Rochester, MN. This news comes as global tenants continue to be announced in One Discovery Square, including most recently, Philips and Boston Scientific.
The proposed five-story, 124,000 square foot building furthers Mortenson’s bioscience, research and collaboration vision within the Destination Medical Center (DMC) Discovery Square subdistrict.
“One Discovery Square, highlighted by a number of recently communicated tenant announcements, has been a terrific success,” said Brent Webb, Mortenson Development Manager. “For that reason, we remain bullish on the future of the Discovery Square subdistrict. The Site Development Plan we submitted is evidence of that optimism and confidence, and it will be a positive step toward advancing the project once approved.”
“One Discovery Square is a great example of the DMC plan playing out in a very successful way – as a catalyst and economic generator to attract new businesses and jobs,” said Lisa Clarke, DMC Economic Development Agency executive director. “This success compels new developments in the Discovery Square subdistrict. We look forward to these discussions as Discovery Square continues to grow.”
Mortenson will share its vision for Two Discovery Square with the DMC Corporation board of directors at its September 26 meeting.
By permission of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All rights reserved.
A generous $32 million gift from the New York-based Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation will enable Mayo Clinic to expand its research mission with the construction of a four-story, 64,000-square-foot research building in Rochester.
Planning for the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Building is underway, with groundbreaking expected in 2020 and occupancy in 2022. The building will be located just north of Mayo Clinic’s Opus Building, which is on the corner of Fourth Street Southwest and Fourth Avenue Southwest in Rochester.
“We cannot overstate our gratitude to the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation,” says Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., Mayo Clinic’s president and CEO. “Research is critical to infusing new knowledge into patient care. It paves the way to solve serious or complex medical challenges for our patients at Mayo as well as patients around the world. This remarkable gift will allow us to meet a critical need for research space on our Rochester campus.”
The gift was directed to Mayo Clinic by Michael M. Kellen, foundation president, and Marina Kellen French, vice president. Their parents, Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen, now deceased, received care at Mayo Clinic for decades, and that trust and care have continued into the next three generations. Stephen M. Kellen was president and CEO of Arnhold and S. Bleichroeder Inc., an international investment firm based in New York, now known as First Eagle Investment Management LLC.
“Our family’s history with Mayo Clinic spans more than four decades, and the physicians and staff at Mayo have become like family to us,” says Marina Kellen French. “We are thrilled to be able to support Mayo and be part of advancing medical research that will help patients for decades to come.”
The Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation has been a significant contributor to Mayo Clinic over many years, funding various initiatives and projects in support of Mayo Clinic’s highest priorities. The foundation also has supported the Dr. Richard F. Emslander Professorship at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in recognition of the care that Richard Emslander, M.D., provided to the family over many years.
“Medical research has always been a strong interest of our family,” says Michael M. Kellen. “We are pleased that this gift will address a high-priority need at Mayo while honoring our parents’ legacy in a visible and meaningful way.”
The Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Building will add to the Discovery Square sub-district in downtown Rochester. Discovery Square is the research, innovation and development hub of the $5.6 billion Destination Medical Center (DMC) initiative.
“The new Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Building will bring more Mayo Clinic expertise to DMC’s Discovery Square and complements the unique entrepreneurial environment of the subdistrict,” adds Lisa Clarke, executive director, DMC Economic Development Agency.
Decisions regarding specific use and occupancy of the new building will be made as part of the planning process this year.
2019 will be a milestone year in the Destination Medical Center (DMC) district. From innovation to renovation, the growth happening in downtown Rochester is impressive. There are nine developments opening this year in the DMC district.
Among them are several DMC-supported projects, including:
In addition, Residence at Discovery Square apartments and the Ronald McDonald House expansion will debut.
Plus, a community treasure will experience a rebirth. Chateau Theatre, a Rochester institution, will re-open so residents and visitors to Rochester can experience new entertainment offerings in the Heart of the City. The Destination Medical Center Corporate (DMCC) Board and the Rochester City Council committed $1.1 million for this renovation.
This growth is energizing, bringing new living choices, hospitality and increased opportunities for startup businesses, and it’s just the beginning. With the increased density from new housing options in downtown Rochester, DMC will be collaborating with community partners to develop a retail, dining and entertainment strategy to ensure a robust and vibrant downtown for all to enjoy.
DMC is committed to a long-term transportation solution for downtown. This year, the DMCC Board and the Rochester City Council will move forward with selecting mobility hub locations and a circulator route to ensure fast, convenient and reliable transportation to and through downtown and assist in parking availability for residents, employees, students, patients and visitors in the future.
This is exciting, and we are less than five years into the implementation of the DMC development plan. We have learned a lot and look forward to what the next five years will bring.
We appreciate the support of the community and the many partners who have contributed time and talent in support of DMC’s vision. Thank you.
After celebrating two years in business, Pasquale’s has embodied the neighborhood pizzeria feel in downtown Rochester, ranking as the number one best restaurant on TripAdvisor and the number one best pizza on TripAdvisor and Yelp.
As a food entrepreneur located in the Destination Medical Center (DMC) Discovery Square subdistrict, restaurant owner Pasquale Presa aims to maintain a position at the forefront of the local culture.
Presa was trained at the Culinary Institute of America in New York and came to Rochester in 2011. Community has always been of high value to him. The number one aim of his New York-style pizzeria is to provide great service and delivering a quality product. But the experience people have in the restaurant, that feeling of home is of equal importance to Presa.
“We have a tradition. We exemplify how we were brought up and how we are a part of family and part of a community,” says Presa. “To me, it’s very important to be so involved, to embrace change and step out of our comfort zone.”
With new developments, including a mix of luxury apartment homes, commercial space, and direct access to recreational trails, Pasquale’s exemplifies the “live, work, and play” environment of Discovery Square.
Presa said he’s honored and thankful to be located in Discovery Square. He continues to do his part to stay educated and involved in DMC developments. He and his investment partners hope to grow with the neighborhood. His restaurant is across the street from the new apartments Urban on First, expected to open this summer, and one block south from the One Discovery Square Life Science Center, with a planned spring opening.
Destination Medical Center’s first-ever pitch competition, the Assistive Tech Challenge, took place on Saturday, November 3, 2018 as part of the Assistive Technology Expo at the Rochester Community and Technical College Heintz Center.
Presented by Destination Medical Center’s Discovery Square in collaboration with The Arc Minnesota Southeast Region and the disABILITY Mayo Clinic Employee Resource Group, the Assistive Tech Challenge aims to alleviate barriers to employment, better enable social communication, and improve access to public infrastructure for those living with disabilities.
The Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Board of Directors applauded the significant accomplishments in the Destination Medical Center (DMC) district in 2018 at its final board meeting of the year on November 13. These accomplishments include eight approved private projects at various stages of development with several to complete construction and renovations and open in 2019, including the Hilton Hotel, One Discovery Square, Hotel Indigo, and Urban on First.
The DMCC Board reaffirmed its commitment to Heart of the City and support of $1.1 million in renovations to the historic Chateau Theatre, with construction to begin this December. A summer 2019 re-opening of the theatre is projected.
What is Discovery Walk? 
The Rochester City Council has approved plans to move forward with design development, engineering work and construction bidding for Destination Medical Center’s (DMC) Discovery Walk, a five-block linear parkway along 2nd Avenue SW in downtown Rochester that will serve pedestrians as well as vehicle access. The design process is led by 
The Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Board today approved $7.3 million in public infrastructure funding for 
This is exciting, and we are less than five years into the implementation of the DMC development plan. We have learned a lot and look forward to what the next five years will bring.
After celebrating two years in business, Pasquale’s has embodied the neighborhood 