HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/19/2020 DMCC Board of Directors Meeting - Agenda and Meeting PacketDestination Medical Center Corporation
Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, November 19, 2020
9:30 A.M.
DESTINATION MEDICAL CENTER CORPORATION (DMCC)
BOARD MEETING
Thursday, November 19, 2020
9:30 A.M.
Following the March 13, 2020 Declaration of Peacetime Emergency by Governor Walz (as may be
amended), the Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) is holding its regularly scheduled
November 19, 2020 9:30 AM meeting by telephone or other electronic means, according to Minnesota
Statutes, Section 13D.021. DMCC Chair Rybak has concluded that an in-person meeting and the
regular meeting location for the DMCC is not practical or prudent because of the health pandemic
declared under the Emergency Order and according to current guidance from the Minnesota
Department of Health and the CDC. The public may monitor the meeting by calling the phone
number listed below (#2) or on-line through the link below (#3).
In addition, to participate in the public hearing by telephone or videoconference:
1. Sign up at least one hour before the meeting by sending your full name, phone number, and
email address to info@dmc.mn.
2. To join the meeting by telephone, dial 1-888-788-0099; when prompted, enter meeting
ID 840 9968 1097.
3. To join the meeting by videoconference, use the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84099681097
AGENDA
PAGE
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Approval of Agenda 1
IV. Approval of Minutes: August 27, 2020 3
V. Chair’s Report
VI. Consent Agenda
A. Professional Auditing Services
Resolution A: Approving the Appointment of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP,
Subject to Successful Negotiation and Execution of Agreement 7
B. DMCC Budget: Year to Date Update 8
C. Resolution B: Commending Randy Staver 11
2
D. Resolution C: Commending Steve Rymer 12
E. Resolution D: Commending Lisa Clarke 13
VII. Public Hearing
A. Development Plan: Five-Year Update 15
B. Resolution E: Adopting the 2020 Five-Year Update to the Development Plan 17
VIII. Project Updates (City of Rochester, EDA)
A. Heart of the City 73
B. Discovery Square 77
C. Discovery Walk
Resolution F: Approving Design Development for the Discovery Walk
Project and Authorizing Next Phase of the Work 79
D. Transportation 81
E. Other Private Projects
1. Bryk Apartments 83
IX. Mayo Clinic Update (Presenter: Jeff Bolton, Mayo Clinic)
X. EDA Update
A. Waterfront Small Area Plan 85
B. COVID-19 Organizational Response 87
C. DMC Annual Meeting: December 3, 2020
XI. Meeting Schedule
A. Next Regular Meeting: February 3, 2021 at 9:30 A.M.
XII. Adjournment
1303382-4.DOCX
DESTINATION MEDICAL CENTER CORPORATION (DMCC)
BOARD MEETING
Thursday, August 27, 2020
9:30 A.M.
MINUTES
I. Call to Order. Chair R.T. Rybak called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.
II.Roll Call. Chair R.T. Rybak, Mayor Kim Norton, Paul Williams, Jim Campbell, Commissioner Jim
Bier, Pamela Wheelock, Michael Dougherty, and Council President Randy Staver were present.
III. Approval of Agenda. Mayor Norton moved approval of the Agenda. Mr. Dougherty seconded.
Ayes: Mr. Campbell, Mr. Dougherty, Mayor Norton, Council President Staver, Chair Rybak, Ms.
Wheelock, Secretary Williams.
Nays: None.
IV. Approval of Minutes: May 28, 2020. Mr. Willams moved approval of the Minutes. Mayor Norton
seconded.
Ayes: Mr. Campbell, Mr. Dougherty, Mayor Norton, Council President Staver, Chair Rybak, Ms.
Wheelock, Secretary Williams.
Nays: None.
V. Chair’s Report. Chair Rybak summarized the agenda, and gave an overview of the meeting.
VI. Consent Agenda.
A.DMCC Insurance: League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust
(LMCIT) Waiver: Motion: Elect not to waive statutory tort limits
B.2021 Regular Meeting Schedule
Resolution A: Approving the 2021 Regular Meeting Schedule
C.DMCC 2020 Budget: Year to Date Update
Mr. Dougherty moved approval of the Consent Agenda. Mr. Williams seconded.
Ayes: Mr. Campbell, Mr. Dougherty, Mayor Norton, Council President Staver, Chair Rybak, Ms.
Wheelock, Mr. Williams.
Nays: None.
VII. Public Hearing.
A.Proposed Modification of the Development District Regarding the West Transit Corridor
B. Resolution B: Approval of the Proposed Modification of the Development District
Regarding the West Transit Corridor
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Lisa Clark, EDA Executive Director, described the proposed modification of the DMC development
district. Chair Rybak opened the public hearing. No public comments were received prior to or
offered during the hearing. Chair Rybak closed the public hearing. Ms. Wheelock moved approval
of Resolution B. Mr. Williams seconded.
Ayes: Commissioner Bier, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Dougherty, Mayor Norton, Council President Staver,
Chair Rybak, Ms. Wheelock, Mr. Williams.
Nays: None.
VIII. DMCC Form 990; Minnesota Annual Charitable Organization Report.
Resolution C: Approving the 2020 State of Minnesota Charitable Organization Report and 2019
Form 990
The DMCC’s independent auditor, Craig Popenhagen of CliftonLarsonAllen, presented the
DMCC’s 2019 IRS Form 990 and Minnesota State Charitable Organization Report. Mr.
Popenhagen reported that there are no changes to the DMCC’s tax-exempt status, purpose,
programs, or ability to solicit donations. Commissioner Bier moved approval of Resolution C.
Council President Staver seconded.
Ayes: Commissioner Bier, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Dougherty, Mayor Norton, Council President Staver,
Chair Rybak, Ms. Wheelock, Mr. Williams.
Nays: None.
IX. Development Plan: Five-Year Update.
Resolution D: Authorizing Submission of a Modification to the Development Plan to the City of
Rochester (Five-Year Update)
Ms. Clarke introduced the five-year update to the DMC Development Plan and invited Patrick
Seeb, EDA Economic Development and Placemaking Director, and plan update project manager
Catherine Malmberg to join her in providing the update.
Mr. Seeb reported on 2015-2019 progress against DMC’s twenty-year goals, and the sources and
uses of DMC funding between 2015-2019. Mayor Norton asked if the investments in “planning and
implementation” included marketing and other business development and recruitment activities.
Mr. Seeb replied that it did; Mayor Norton replied that it would be helpful for these activities to be
presented in their own category. Mayor Norton also asked that EDA and City staff continue to
collaborate to determine the best measures of tax growth. Chair Rybak suggested that it would
be helpful to understand how much of the City’s tax base is generated by properties within the
DMC development district. Mr. Campbell stated that the City’s early investment in DMC is
beginning to demonstrate results, particularly in the form of increasing annual commitments of
State DMC aid.
Mr. Seeb presented the portion of the update dedicated to 2020-2024, noting that economic
advisory firm HR&A Advisors has been retained to assist in the COVID-19 economic impact
analysis. Mr. Seeb next described the DMC funding that is likely be available from 2020-2024,
which may total $200 million. A policy framework reflecting Board and City Council priorities would
help staff recommend investments. If the Resolution is approved by the Board, the draft plan
update will be presented for consideration by the Rochester City Council before returning to the
DMCC for final approval. Mr. Campbell requested that Mayo Clinic present an update to the DMCC
soon.
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Ms. Wheelock moved approval of Resolution D. Commissioner Bier seconded.
Ayes: Commissioner Bier, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Dougherty, Mayor Norton, Council President Staver,
Chair Rybak, Ms. Wheelock, Mr. Williams.
Nays: None.
X. 2021 DMCC Funding Request.
A. Capital Improvement Plan
B.2021 EDA & City Staff Workplan and Budget
C. 2021 DMCC Budget
D. Working Capital Loan
Resolution E: Approving the 2021 DMCC Funding Request and Authorizing Transmittal
Chair Rybak described the components of the DMCC Funding Request and thanked Council
President Staver, Mr. Campbell, and Commissioner Bier for advising staff throughout the funding
request development process.
Mr. Seeb outlined the DMC Capital Improvement Program (CIP) principles and the major projects
financed by the $37.5 million 2021 DMC CIP public space, transit, and infrastructure
improvements. Aaron Parrish, City Deputy Administrator, highlighted select DMC CIP projects,
including a bridge at Sixth Street S.E. and continued investment in a riverfront strategy.
Council President Staver also described the sidewalk improvement project funded in the DMC CIP
and suggested that the DMCC should allocate future funding to continued sidewalk improvements.
Ms. Wheelock stated that the Board should better understand the respective funding and
maintenance responsibilities of the DMCC and local units of government. Mayor Norton noted that
the City Council believes this project is important and expects it will be financed with DMC funds.
Chair Rybak asked how the City would have addressed sidewalk improvements without DMC;
Council President Staver noted that the City has directed funding to DMC priorities that otherwise
would have been used for sidewalk improvements. Mr. Staver remarked that property tax
assessments would be a traditional source of project financing, but that current economic
conditions make such assessments impractical. Chair Rybak noted that DMC funding effectively
reduced the tax burden on affected small businesses, and Ms. Wheelock suggested that the Board
approve the DMC CIP but be cautious in order to ensure that the Board is not setting precedent in
offsetting assessments, since public infrastructure liabilities are great.
Ms. Clarke described the EDA operating budget and work plan. In 2021, Mayo Clinic will sustain
its current level of EDA funding, and the EDA recommends that its funding from the DMCC be
reduced by fifteen percent.
Mr. Parrish outlined the proposed budget for the City of Rochester DMC project management
team. Ms. Lamb described the proposed DMCC operating budget, which includes a decrease in
the legal services budget and budget increases for auditing services and Board meeting room
rentals. Ms. Lamb also describe the DMCC and EDA working capital loans.
Mr. Campbell moved approval of Resolution E. Commissioner Bier seconded.
Ayes: Commissioner Bier, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Dougherty, Mayor Norton, Council President Staver,
Chair Rybak, Ms. Wheelock, Mr. Williams.
Nays: None.
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XI. Project Updates (City of Rochester, EDA).
A. Transportation.
Resolution F: Approving the Downtown Rapid Transit Small Starts Funding Application
Mr. Seeb reported that the Board is being asked to approve the application for federal
grant funding of the first phase of the DMC transit circulator, which was approved by the
City Council prior to this meeting. The DMC CIP includes funding for the grant’s required
local match. Mr. Parrish outlined the project timeline and next steps. Commissioner Bier
noted that Olmsted County leaders continue to meet with the City and EDA to advance
discussions of the anticipated southeast transit village.
Commissioner Bier moved approval of Resolution F. Council President Staver seconded.
Ayes: Commissioner Bier, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Dougherty, Mayor Norton, Council President
Staver, Chair Rybak, Ms. Wheelock, Mr. Williams.
Nays: None.
B. Heart of the City. Ms. Clarke reported that Heart of the City construction is ahead of
schedule, in part due to the Board’s direction to accelerate projects during this economic
downturn. Mr. Seeb noted that the DMC development plan envisioned a street-level
connection between Mayo Clinic’s Gonda Building and the Mayo Civic Center; EDA and
City staff are in early discussions with property owners.
C. Discovery Square. Ms. Clarke stated that Discovery Square 2 will break ground in 2020
and that Discovery Walk funding was included in the 2021 DMC CIP. One Discovery
Square is significantly leased and discussions are underway with potential Discovery
Square 2 tenants.
XII. EDA Update. Ms. Clarke described the EDA’s ongoing strategies to mitigate the negative
economic impacts of COVID-19, including grants, business communications, webinars, business
consultations, and participating in the Rochester Ready initiative. Commissioner Bier and Council
President Staver described the County’s and City’s respective uses of federal CARES Act funding
and COVID-19 response efforts.
XIII. Meeting Schedule.
A.Next Regular Meeting: November 19, 2020 at 9:30 A.M.
XIV. Adjournment. Commissioner Bier moved to adjourn the meeting. Council President Staver
seconded.
Ayes: Commissioner Bier, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Dougherty, Mayor Norton, Council President Staver,
Chair Rybak, Ms. Wheelock, Mr. Williams.
Nays: None.
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A.
DESTINATION MEDICAL CENTER CORPORATION
RESOLUTION NO. ___-2020
Approving the Appointment of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, Subject to Successful Negotiation
and Execution of Agreement
BACKGROUND RECITALS
1. The Destination Medical Center Corporation (“DMCC”) and Destination Medical
Center Economic Development Agency (“EDA”) desire to seek professional auditing services
for a three year engagement, covering the audit years of 2020, 2021, and 2022.
2. A Request for Proposals was issued on September 23, 2020, was posted on the
websites of the DMCC, EDA, and the City of Rochester (the “City”) and was mailed to
interested parties. The due date for responses was October 14, 2020.
3. Proposals were received and reviewed from the following firms:
CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Baker Tilly US, LLP
4. An evaluation group, comprised of representatives of the DMCC, EDA, and City,
met to review the proposals and unanimously recommended for approval the firm of
CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, subject to successful negotiation and completion of an agreement.
5. The EDA concurred with the recommendation of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP at its
meeting of November 5, 2020.
RESOLUTION
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Destination Medical Center
Corporation Board of Directors that it approves the selection of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, for a
three-year engagement, subject to successful negotiation and execution of an agreement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chair or Treasurer of the DMCC is authorized
to negotiate and execute an agreement and engagement letter according to the terms of the RFP
and the response to the RFP received from CliftonLarsonAllen LLP.
1301010-3.DOCX
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TO: Jim Bier, Treasurer
Kathleen Lamb, Attorney
FR: Dale Martinson, Assistant Treasurer
Date: November 10, 2020
RE: October 2020 DMCC Budget Summary
The attached unaudited financial summary of activity through October of 2020 reflects total
year‐to‐date DMCC operating expenditures of $1,798,218 of the $2.873 million approved 2020
budget. The remaining amount unspent represents 37% of the total budget with only 16.7% of
the year remaining. There is an additional payment request about to be submitted by the DMC
EDA for October activity. Those costs will be paid by DMCC in November.
The second page of this summary provides a listing of DMCC authorized projects managed by
the City of Rochester. Approximately $13.3 million has been spent on these projects through
October of this year. Total life‐to‐date expenditures on these projects is just over $53.2 million.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
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Destination Medical Center Corporation
Financial Budget Summary
October 2020 (unaudited)
2020 Approved Curent Month October 2020 Amount Percent
Approved Budget October 2020 Year To Date Remaining Remaining
General Administrative Expenses 41,000 25 8,373 32,627 80%
Professional Services 225,500 20,878 114,808 110,692 49%
Insurance and Bonds 20,000 16,033 26,907 (6,907) ‐35%
Contributions (Keep It Local Grants ‐ Pandemic Response)51,078
‐ ‐ ‐
Subtotal DMCC 286,500 36,936 201,165 136,413 48%
Third Party Costs ‐ DMC EDA **
Payroll, Staff, Administration & Benefits‐EDA 965,481 55,326 571,749 393,732 41%
Operating Expenses 69,695 6,204 120,080 (50,385) ‐72%
Operational Costs ‐ Contracted 3,479 21,932 (21,932) #DIV/0!
Economic Development Outreach & Support 807,200 33,670 361,685 445,515 55%
Professional Services 677,770 21,753 521,607 156,163 23%
Miscellaneous Expenses 50,000 ‐ ‐ 50,000 100%
Subtotal EDA 2,570,146 120,432 1,597,054 973,092 38%
Total DMCC 2020 2,856,646 157,368 1,798,218 1,058,428 37%
2019 Budget Carryover ‐ Encumbered Funds for EDA Contracts 16,800‐ ‐ 16,800 100%
Totals for 2020 Including Encumbrance 2,873,446 157,368 1,798,218 1,075,228 37%
NOTE: As of the date of this report (11/9/2020) payment request was about to be submitted DMCC Working Capital Note 1,000
by the DMC EDA for October activity.EDA Working Capital Note 75,000
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DMCC Projects - Managed by the City of Rochester
As of 10/30/2020
Project YTD
Expenditures Project Budget Life To Date
Expenditures
8611C- - Sn/S12AvSW/NW<2StSW>2StNW 55,996 2,850,000 579,017
8612C- - WZmbrRvrSn/SRlfLin<CookPk>CCDr 950,000 46,592
8613C- - ChateauTheatrePre-OccupancyM&O 65,084 4,826,802 436,439
8614C- - DMCTransit&InfrastrctrPgrmMgmt 9,872 3,260,524 1,826,262
8617C- - Broadway @ Center Parking Ramp 10,500,000 10,500,000
8618C- - SharedParkngStudy&PrgmDevlpmnt 35,298 2,061,854 1,874,219
8620C- - City Loop Plan 1,209,938 968,732
8621C- - Transit Circulator Study 2,241,532 1,780,877
8623C- - DMCC Street Use Study 3,117,708 2,885,882
8624C- - ChateauTheatreBldgImprov/Purch 167,556 8,404,650
8625C- - Heart of the City 7,142,523 11,648,940 9,477,284
8626C- - Sn/SUpsize1Av&3AvSE<4StS>1StN 2,812,082 8,500,000 8,344,382
8326 C - Reconst4thStSW<1stAve>6thAveSW 2,250,000
8628C- - Downtown Circulator Project 229 269,941
8632C- - Downtown Changes COVID-19 41,537 41,537
8702C- - RPTSolarPwrdBusFleetGrntApp 51,333
8703C- - FTA TOD Pilot PrgmGrntApplctn 26,058
8704C- - FTA Low-NoEmissions PrgGrntApl 1,140
8705C- - TransitCrcltr-FTAGrntBus&Faclt 19,258
8706C- - DMCTransitCirculatorTODPlnStdy 672,041 829,414
8707C- - Rapid Transit Projects 936,231 936,231
8708C- - Transit Villages 1&2 29,321 29,321
8709C- - Arrive Rochester Implementatn 17,200 17,200
8804C- - TH 52 LID Bld GrantApplication 22,145
8901C- - TH 14/52 InterchangeBldGrntApp 36,331
8902C- - FestivalAreaStdy&ConceptDesign 84,133
8903C- - DedctdBikeLns-3rd/4thAve&CtrSt 1,167,550 1,400,497
8904C- - Discovery Walk 105,700 105,700
Grand Total 13,258,222 51,167,298 53,244,576
* Notes: Broadway @ Center Parking Ramp Maximum DMCC Local Share Credit = $10,500,000
4th Street Reconstruction DMCC Support set at $2,250,000
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B.
DESTINATION MEDICAL CENTER CORPORATION
RESOLUTION NO. ___-2020
Commending Randy Staver and Expressing Gratitude for His Service
to the Destination Medical Center Corporation
BACKGROUND RECITALS
WHEREAS, in March, 2020, Randy Staver began his service on the Destination Medical
Center Corporation Board of Directors (the “Board”); and
WHEREAS, Mr. Staver has been actively engaged in the establishment of Destination
Medical Center as an active partner representing the City of Rochester (the “City”), first as
Council member for the Fifth Ward, and since 2013 as President of the City Council; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Staver offered a unique perspective to the Board, by virtue of his
tenure on the Rochester City Council, his background in information technology, media support
services and management engineering, and his current and past memberships on multiple City
boards and commissions, not to mention his participation in so many other civic, educational,
cultural, and athletic organizations; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Staver’s focus and the strategic emphasis he offered in the critical areas
of budget, City infrastructure, and governance was extremely helpful to the Board; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Staver has been instrumental in the deliberations and refinement of the
Development Plan for the Destination Medical Center initiative and in framing the Board’s
priorities in these areas: Discovery Square, Heart of the City, and transportation initiatives; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Staver’s commitment to the citizens of Rochester and the surrounding
communities has been steadfast and well-reflected in his service on the Board, and his
stewardship of the Board’s mission and purpose has been unwavering.
RESOLUTION
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Destination Medical Center
Corporation Board of Directors that it commends Randy Staver for his service to the Board, to
the community, and to the State of Minnesota.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board expresses its gratitude to Mr. Staver for
his devotion of time and energy to the Board, for his leadership in establishing priorities for the
Board, for his engagement on issues and willingness to share expertise, and for his resolute
determination to make Rochester, Minnesota, America’s City for Health.
1303381-4.DOCX
11
C.
DESTINATION MEDICAL CENTER CORPORATION
RESOLUTION NO. ___-2020
Commending Steve Rymer and Expressing Gratitude for His Service
to the Destination Medical Center Corporation
BACKGROUND RECITALS
WHEREAS, the Destination Medical Center Corporation (“DMCC”) was established by
law in 2013 to exercise oversight, adopt plans and approve projects as part of an initiative by the
State of Minnesota to make Mayo Clinic, and the City of Rochester, Minnesota (the “City”) a
destination medical center (“Destination Medical Center”); and
WHEREAS, since its inception, the DMCC has worked closely with the City to
accomplish the goals of the law; and
WHEREAS, in 2017, Steve Rymer was appointed by the City to serve as City
Administrator; and
WHEREAS, one of Mr. Rymer’s many responsibilities has been focused on advancing
the work of Destination Medical Center and the relationship of the City and the DMCC; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Rymer offered a unique perspective to the DMCC, by virtue of his
background in public administration and local government for the cities of New Brighton,
Minnesota and Morgan Hill, California; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Rymer’s focus and the strategic emphasis he offered in critical areas
such as transit, infrastructure, housing, and City priorities was extremely helpful to the
Destination Medical Center Corporation Board of Directors (the “Board”); and
WHEREAS, Mr. Rymer’s commitment to the citizens of Rochester has been steadfast
and well-reflected in his service to the Board.
RESOLUTION
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Destination Medical Center
Corporation Board of Directors that it commends Steve Rymer for his service to the Board, to
the community and to the State of Minnesota.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board expresses its gratitude to Mr. Rymer for
his devotion of time and energy to the Board, for his leadership in establishing priorities for the
Board, for his engagement on issues and willingness to share expertise, and for his resolute
determination to make Rochester, Minnesota, America’s City for Health.
1303380-2.2.DOCX
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D.
DESTINATION MEDICAL CENTER CORPORATION
RESOLUTION NO. ___-2020
Commending Lisa Clarke and Expressing Gratitude for Her Service
to the Destination Medical Center Corporation
BACKGROUND RECITALS
WHEREAS, in 2013, the Minnesota Legislature passed legislation establishing the
destination medical center initiative (the “Destination Medical Center”) to foster development
and investment in Rochester, Minnesota (the “City”), home to the Mayo Clinic; and
WHEREAS, on May 23, 2013, Governor Mark Dayton signed Chapter 143, 2013
Minnesota Laws into effect (the “Act”); and
WHEREAS, the Act established an ambitious public-private partnership, intended to
create a comprehensive strategic plan that would, over the life of the initiative, stimulate over $5
billion in private investment that would be supported by $585 million in public funds, create
35,000-45,000 new jobs, generate $7.5-$8.5 billion in net new tax revenue, and achieve the
highest quality patient visitor and resident experience; and
WHEREAS, beginning in 2010, well before the passage of the legislation, Lisa Clarke
had been involved in all facets of the planning, research, and development of the proposal that
would culminate in the passage of the Act in 2013; and
WHEREAS, the Act established the Destination Medical Center Economic Development
Authority (the “EDA”) to assist in the implementation of the Destination Medical Center; and
WHEREAS, since the EDA’s inception in 2013, Ms. Clarke has served as the Executive
Director; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Clarke bought a varied background and specific expertise to her work
at the EDA, by virtue of her years in communication and community relations at Mayo Clinic,
her professional involvement in numerous organizations, including the Rochester Chamber of
Commerce, the Rochester Area Foundation, Collider Coworking, Rochester Arts and Cultural
Trust, the Minnesota Women’s Economic Roundtable, Rochester Area Economic Development,
Inc., and many more; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Clarke’s vision, determination, and energy, combined with her
creativity and resourcefulness, contributed to the overwhelming achievements of the Destination
Medical Center thus far and has positioned it for continued success; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Clarke is known as a tireless champion of the Destination Medical
Center initiative, and her commitment to the citizens of Rochester and the surrounding
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2
communities has been steadfast and well-reflected in her service to the Destination Medical
Center Corporation (the “Board”).
RESOLUTION
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Destination Medical Center
Corporation Board of Directors that it commends Lisa Clarke for her service to the Board, to the
community, and to the State of Minnesota.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board expresses its gratitude to Ms. Clarke for
her devotion of time and energy to the Board, for her leadership in establishing priorities for the
Board, for her engagement on issues and willingness to share expertise, and for her resolute
determination to make Rochester, Minnesota, America’s City for Health.
1304489-4.DOCX
14
Development Plan Five Year Update
To: DMC Corporation Board of Directors
From: DMC Economic Development Agency
Date: November 13, 2020
Request of the DMC Corporation board of directors:
Endorse the DMC Development plan update approved by the Rochester City Council and recommend by
the DMC EDA Board of Directors.
Background:
The process to update the DMC Development Plan began in July 2019, with the following direction from
DMCC board of directors:
• Don’t reinvent the wheel
• Build off 2015 DMC Development plan and subsequent plans
• Synthesize current plans into digestible implementation schedule
• Reset expectations based on COVID-19 impact
• Establish a framework for future decisions
Catherine Malmberg, an affiliate member of the Minnesota Design Center, was retained to lead the
update process under the direction of DMC EDA staff. Input was received from regional economic
development and planning partners. In addition to the 2015 DMC Development Plan, all subsequent
and related plans were reviewed, such as the Integrated Transportation Studies, Heart of the City
design, Graham Park masterplan, DMC Design Guidelines, and City Comprehensive Plan.
Three firms were retained to assist with data collection and analysis:
-AECOM: measure progress against the targets established for Phase I
-Urban 3: analyze the tax capacity growth in the DMC during Phase I and illustrate the relative
advantage of dense urban development on cost of government services
-HR&A: develop economic impact scenarios for Rochester due to COVID 19.
On August 27, 2020, the DMC Corp. board of directors submitted the DMC EDA-recommended plan
update to the Rochester City Council, beginning a 60-day public comment period. During that period,
DMC EDA staff coordinated several virtual community engagement events, reviewed the draft update
with City and County staff, and continued adjusting our economic development forecasts in light of the
COVID-19 pandemic with the assistance of professional economic advisory firms. These events have
included several public webinars as well as discussions with the board of directors of Rochester Area
Economic Development Inc (RAEDI), the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, and Experience
Rochester (the City’s convention and visitor’s bureau). The engagement and additional insights provided
during that 60-day review period has been highly valuable. DMC EDA staff refined the draft plan update
to reflect this stakeholder input, the most substantive of which includes refinements to our 2020-2024
development projections given the development of pandemic-related economic recovery scenarios.
15
On October 19, 2020 the Rochester City Council approved the refined DMC plan update. Additionally,
the City Council incorporated the COVID-19 impact analysis findings developed by DMC EDA and HR&A
staff into the plan update. DMC EDA staff concur with this addition and recommend that the DMC EDA
board of directors endorse the refined plan update and recommend that the DMC Corp. adopt the plan
update as presented by the DMC EDA.
Approvals, milestones, and decision points:
July 2019:
Review of
planning
documents
and group
interviews with
stakeholders
September
2019:
2020 CIP
Approval
May 2020:
DMCC board
discussion of
plan process
and timing
August 2020:
Presentation
of updated
Development
Plan; send to
City Council
November
2020:
Acceptance of
Development
Plan Update by
DMCC and City
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E.
DESTINATION MEDICAL CENTER CORPORATION
RESOLUTION NO. __- 2020
Adopting the 2020 Five-Year Update to the Development Plan
(Modification Number 3 to the Development Plan)
BACKGROUND RECITALS
1. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 469.43, the Destination Medical Center
Corporation (“DMCC”), working with the City of Rochester (the “City”) and the Destination
Medical Center Economic Development Agency (the “EDA”), adopted a development plan on
April 23, 2015, as amended (the “Development Plan”).
2. The statute requires that the DMCC update the Development Plan not less than
every five years. A modification or update must be adopted by the DMCC upon notice and after
the public hearing and findings required for the original adoption of the Development Plan,
including approval by the City.
3. The EDA presented a draft of the proposed five year update to the Development
Plan (the “Five-Year Update”) to the DMCC on August 27, 2020. By Resolution 102-2020, the
DMCC submitted the proposed Five-Year Update, the third proposed modification to the
Development Plan, to the City for action.
4. The City of Rochester Common Council held a meeting on October 19, 2020 to
receive public input and to consider the Five-Year Update. The City Council amended and
approved the Five-Year Update in a Resolution passed and adopted on October 19, 2020. A copy
of the City Council Resolution is attached hereto as Exhibit A.
5. On September 16, 2020, the DMCC made copies of the Five-Year Update
available to the public at the DMCC’s, City’s, and EDA’s offices during normal business hours,
and on the DMCC’s and City’s websites. On November 3, 2020, the DMCC published notice of
a public hearing scheduled for November 19, 2020 in the Rochester Post-Bulletin, the official
newspaper of the City and subsequently posted the notice on the DMCC, City, and EDA websites.
The DMCC received written comments through November 12, 2020.
6. With the benefit of months of review, multiple public meetings, written
comments, public testimony, comments from City, and public officials, the DMCC makes the
following findings of fact and resolution.
17
2
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. The Five-Year Update, in conjunction with the Development Plan, provides a
framework for implementing the mission of the DMCC. The DMCC mission statement is as
follows:
“With Mayo Clinic at its heart, the Destination Medical Center (DMC) initiative
will be the catalyst to position Rochester, Minnesota as the world’s premier
destination center for health and wellness; attracting people, investment, and jobs
to America’s City for Health and supporting the economic growth of Minnesota
and its biosciences sector.”
2. The Five-Year Update comports with the goals and objectives adopted by the
DMCC, in Resolution 02- 2013, as detailed in Section 1.1.2 of the Development Plan.
3. The Five-Year Update, in conjunction with the Development Plan, provides an
outline for the development of the City as a destination medical center, and the Five-Year Update
is sufficiently complete, including the identification of planned and anticipated projects, to
indicate its relationship to definite state and local objectives.
4. The proposed development affords maximum opportunity, consistent with the
needs of the City, Olmsted County, and the State, for the development of the City by private
enterprise as a destination medical center.
5. The proposed development conforms to the general plan for the development of
the City and is consistent with the City Comprehensive Plan. For purposes of this Finding Five,
“proposed development” means the conceptual general framework for development outlined in
the Five-Year Update and approved by the City in its resolution adopted on October 19, 2020.
6. The Five-Year Update, in conjunction with the Development Plan, includes:
a. Strategic planning consistent with a destination medical center in the core
areas of commercial research and technology, learning environment, hospitality and
convention, sports and recreation, livable communities, including mixed-use urban
development and neighborhood residential development, retail/dining/entertainment, and
health and wellness;
b. Estimates of short- and long-range fiscal and economic impacts;
c. A framework to identify and prioritize short- and long-term public
investment and public infrastructure project development and to facilitate private
investment and development, including the criteria and process for evaluating and
underwriting development proposals;
d. Land use planning;
e. Transportation and transit planning;
18
3
f. Operational planning required to support the medical center development
district; and
g. Ongoing market research plans.
7. In the Resolution passed and adopted on October 19, 2020, the City amended and
approved the Five-Year Update to the Development Plan.
8. In a Resolution passed and adopted on November 5, 2020, the EDA Board of
Directors endorsed the Five-Year Update to the Development Plan, as approved by the City, and
recommended it to the DMCC for approval.
9. On November 19, 2020 at 9:30 a.m., the DMCC held a meeting and public
hearing to receive public input and to consider the Five-Year Update. The DMCC published
notice of the hearing at least ten days in advance in the Rochester Post-Bulletin. The DMCC
also received written comments through November 12, 2020.
RESOLUTION
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Destination Medical Center
Corporation Board of Directors that the Five-Year Update, the third modification to the
Development Plan, dated and revised as of November 19, 2020, attached as Exhibit B and on file
with the DMCC is hereby adopted, in conjunction with the Development Plan, as a conceptual
framework to guide implementation of the Destination Medical Center initiative under
Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.40 to 469.47 and the mission of the DMCC.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the DMCC Chair and Vice Chair are authorized to
take such other actions as are necessary and appropriate to effectuate the adoption of the Five-
Year Update to the Development Plan.
1303749-4.DOCX
19
20
RESOLUTION
Five-Year UpdatetotheDestination MedicalCenter Development Plan.
WHEREAS, on March 23, 2015, the Common Council of the City of Rochester adopted
Resolution No. 133-15 approving the Destination Medical Center (DMC) Development Plan;
and,
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, section 469.43, subd. 4 requires that the Destination
Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) update the Development Plan not less than every five
years; and,
WHEREAS, on August 27, 2020, the DMCC formally submitted theFive-Year Update to the
Development Plan (Forward: Creating Rochester’sTomorrow) to the City of Rochester for
its review and action within 60 days; and,
WHEREAS, the DMC Economic Development Agency (EDA) has coordinated ongoing
community engagement activities; received additional feedback and input from community
members, City and County staff, stakeholders, and professional advisory firms; and
corrected minor grammatical and editing errors found in the Five-Year Update to the
Development Plan; and,
WHEREAS, the DMC EDA has advised the City that themost substantive of these additions
include scenario-based forecasts ofthe economic impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic
and updated built program projections for 2020-2024; and,
WHEREAS, the DMC EDA has incorporated these additions into the submission provided
by the DMCC and recommends that the Common Council ofthe City ofRochester adopt
this updated version; and,
WHEREAS, the City has reviewed the Five-Year Update to the Development Plan as
updated by the DMC EDA;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City ofRochester
that the City approves the Five-Year Update to the Development Plan, including the
additions provided by the DMC EDA.
EXHIBIT A
21
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA, THIS __________ DAY OF _______________, 2020.
PRESIDENT OF SAID COMMON COUNCIL
ATTEST: __________________________
CITY CLERK
APPROVED THIS _____ DAY OF ______________________, 2020.
MAYOR OF SAID CITY
Seal of the City of
Rochester, Minnesota)
22
DRAFT 1DESTINATION MEDICAL CENTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN | 2020 UPDATE
CREATING ROCHESTER'S FUTURE
DRAFT
23
2 DRAFT DRAFT 3
3 Introductory Letter
4 Executive Summary
CONTEXT
8 What is DMC?
12 DMC Goals
14 Guiding Principles
16 Geo and Demographic context
18 Healthcare Context
20 DMC Area Sub-districts
22 COVID-19 Impact Analysis
PROGRESS
28 Goal 1: Strategic Plan
32 Goal 2: Investments
40 Goal 3: Jobs
46 Goal 4: Tax Revenue
52 Goal 5: Experience
LOOKING FORWARD
DMC Structure
59 Governance
60 Responsibilities
62 Policy Framework
Transformative Private
Development
65 Context and Background
67 Phase 1 Progress (2015-2019)
68 Sustainability and Equity
Considerations
70 Major projects for Phase 2
71 COVID-19 Consideration
and Potential Impacts
Mobility
73 Context and Background
74 Phase 1 Progress (2015-2019)
78 Major Projects for Phase 2
79 Sustainability and Equity
Considerations
79 COVID-19 Consideration
and Potential Impacts
Public Realm
81 Context and Background
82 Phase 1 Progress (2015-2019)
83 Sustainability and Equity
Considerations
84 Major Projects for Phase 2
85 COVID-19 Consideration
and Potential Impacts
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Streets and Sewers
87 Context and Background
88 Phase 1 Progress (2015-2019)
89 Sustainability and Equity
Considerations
90 Major Projects for Phase 2
90 COVID-19 Consideration
and Potential Impacts
APPENDIX
92 All referenced
documents will be made
available at DMC.mn
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
94 DMC 5 Year Report
Acknowledgments
Cover photo and several photos within this document
provided by William Forsman Photography
DEAR COLLEAGUES:Over the past five years, DMC
has been setting the table for
Rochester’s future through
planning, investment and infrastructure.
Moving into our sixth year, we continue
to build toward the vision defined in our
2015 Development Plan – a guide for each
phase of development across six integrated
sub-districts. But as we begin the
Development Plan’s next five-year phase,
we are reassessing and refining our plans
to account for the new challenges posed by
the COVID-19 pandemic.
As this report is finalized, the pandemic
is still running its course. You will read a
summary in this update of the research
we commissioned to help us better
understand the pandemic’s implications
and the considerations we are addressing
to create safe connections between people
and places. Our intent is to emerge as
a city that is more resilient and better
equipped for tomorrow, a city that as the
premier global destination for health and
wellness can safely and confidently attract
people, investment and jobs.
Despite the pandemic’s challenges, the
DMC model is working. Today’s progress
is testimony to the power of collaboration.
I want to acknowledge the guidance and
contributions of many, including DMCC
and DMC EDA board members, our
partners at the City of Rochester, Olmsted
County and the State of Minnesota, as
well as our civic leaders and community
partners, and of course, DMC EDA
team members. We appreciate the many
members of our community who have
expressed interest and have taken part in
our planning sessions, lending their voices
to discussions regarding the creative use of
community spaces and shaping our plans.
Our focus remains steadfast as we
continue to realize our vison. The health
and welfare of our community remains
foremost. We want a Rochester that retains
authenticity while offering extraordinary
opportunities for residents and businesses
to thrive. We are dedicated to creating a
welcoming city shared with patients and
visitors, a city that works for all, and one
we are exceedingly proud to call home.
As you read through the update, keep
in mind that it provides a snapshot of
today, divided over five Phase One project
areas. Each area documents stages of
development, project completion and
economic impact to our city, county and
state. It also addresses areas where our
original plans have changed course.
Thank you to all whose encouragement,
questions and, yes, challenges have
made and continue to make DMC better
and stronger. Together we are moving
forward to create Rochester’s safe,
vibrant and innovative tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Lisa Clarke
Executive Director
DMC EDA
DRAFTDRAFT
24
4 DRAFT DRAFT 5
Why is there a 5-year
update?
The DMC Development Plan
was created as a 20-year vision and
framework to guide the development
of the heart of downtown Rochester.
Over that time period it was anticipated
that market conditions would change
and evolve, as would the needs of the
community and Rochester. Thus the
strategy of an update every 5 years was
also established as part of the DMC
statute. This first update aims to capture:
+What happened in the first 5
years of DMC?
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
+What does DMC have planned
for the next 5 years?
+What additional considerations
may impact the 2nd phase of
DMC (2020-2024)?
What happened in the
first 5 years of DMC?
New Jobs
Rochester added approximately 7,700
positions over the past five years, with
growth concentrated in healthcare
and additional jobs added in retail,
hospitality, research and office segments.
More than 80 percent of the new jobs
paid more than Rochester’s Area Median
Income of approximately $75,000.
More local women and minority owned
businesses are needed to fulfill the DMC
vision and the project is on track to meet
its 2035 jobs goal.
New Investment
Private investment during Phase 1
exceeded goal and totaled $963 million,
which leveraged $98 million of public
investment, including TIF funds. In all
sectors except hotels, actual buildouts
exceeded planned square footage.
Projections indicate strong Phase 2
public funding while the impact of
COVID-19 will influence how private
investment occurs in 2020-2024.
New Tax Revenue
Phase 1 programs and investments
delivered a tax revenue impact equal to
roughly 12 percent of the goal, ahead of
projections. New job creation has been
the main driver of increased tax revenue.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
on future tax revenue projections is
being analyzed. DMC is working with
the city and other collaborators to update
the relevant economic models and
projections.
Plans and Prototypes
To create the DMC Development
Plan, DMC EDA recruited a group
of the nation’s leading development
and planning consultants to work in
collaboration with the City of Rochester,
Olmsted County, Mayo Clinic and
community stakeholders. More detailed
planning exercises with numerous
organizations have also occurred,
focused particularly on public realm
planning, mobility options, housing
needs and downtown energy district
planning.
Transforming Experiences
The DMC team forged new partnerships
with a range of community stakeholders
to advance DMC’s core goal of delivering
the highest quality patient, visitor and
community member experience now and
in the future. The “When in Rochester”
app and a new RDA Ambassadors
program grew out of ongoing efforts
to ease stress for visiting patients and
their companions and improve their stay
experience from arrival through shift
from clinical care to free time and end-
of-day activities.
What does DMC have
planned for the next 5
years?
Mobility
Extensive planning and prototyping
developed during Phase 1 will start
becoming more visible in Phase 2. Major
mobility initiatives include updated
pedestrian and bike amenities, links to
existing trails, a high-frequency electric
bus rapid transit route and a pilot use of
autonomous vehicle technology.
Public Realm
Some signature elements of the public
realm vision for DMC will complete
construction during Phase 2, including
Heart of the City and Discovery Walk.
Planning for the Downtown Waterfront
public realm space will begin with initial
construction completed by the end of
Phase 2. Design and construction of key
other public realm components will be
coordinated with complementary transit
initiatives.
Streets and Sewers
A number of projects that moved
through the design process in Phase 1
will proceed to construction in Phase 2.
The priorities are infrastructure projects
that encourage additional downtown
development, including the replacement
of surface parking lots with development
that will increase downtown’s vibrancy,
support jobs, retail or housing and
increase tax revenue. Water, sewer,
and stormwater projects continue in
varying stages of repair or replacement
to support new development in the DMC
District.
Transformative Private
Development
Building on the success of One Discovery
Square, a multi-tenant, life science
and technology innovation building
in the Discovery Square sub-district, a
groundbreaking on a second building
occurred in late 2020, with a targeted
opening in 2022. The Discovery Square
sub-district is the economic engine for
DMC. The bio-med-tech innovation
fueled by Mayo Clinic’s proximity drives
entrepreneurial growth and remains a
core focus for DMC. At the same time,
more housing options and supporting
vibrant local retail will also be a critical
focus for DMC.
Community Experience
Collaborating to create a downtown
experience that is welcoming and
enticing to residents is a core goal
of DMC. Sustainability and equity
considerations are also central to the
future investment strategies of the
DMC. The initial targets for MWBE/
DBE participation in construction have
been raised and data-driven evaluation
of projects and investments will guide
decision making.
COVID-19 Impacts
This update is being issued in the midst
of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
DMC EDA worked with an economic
advisory firm to analyze the potential
economic impacts of this significant
event. Further details of this analysis can
be found on pp. 22-25 of this document.
Phase 1 Actual
2015-2019
Phase 2 Proposed
2020-2024
Mobility $21.5M (22%)$60-75 million (30-37.5%)
Public Realm $9.8M (10%)$35-50 million (17.5-25%)
Streets / Sewers $17.3M (18%)$35-50 million (17.5-25%)
Private Development $28.9M (29%)$20-45 (10-22.5%)
Operations $20.7M (21%)$15-20 million (7.5-10%)
Total $98.5M $200 million +/-
DRAFTDRAFT
Public Investment in the DMC District
25
6 DRAFT DRAFT 7
Context
This first section gives an overview of the
founding principles of DMC and an update on the
current demographics of Rochester, including
the outlook for the healthcare industry as of the
end of 2019. The concluding pages of this section
speak to the COVID-19 context. DRAFTDRAFT
DMC’s Prototyping Festival in 2016 crowdsourced public
realm planning ideas and concepts from the community.
26
DRAFT 98 DRAFT
Context
WHAT IS DESTINATION MEDICAL CENTER?
D estination Medical Center (DMC) is a unique, public-
private partnership and economic development initiative
that began in 2013. The $5.6 billion plan is the largest in
Minnesota’s history. The partnership combines Mayo Clinic
private development with that of other developers and investors,
in addition to public infrastructure investment from the city of
Rochester, Olmsted County, and the State of Minnesota.
By leveraging these investments, DMC promotes Rochester,
and more broadly, the County and State. An emphasis is placed
on positioning Rochester as home to a world-renowned medical
center that offers a premier health and wellness experience for
patients and their caregivers, as well as for Rochester’s residents,
employees, and visitors.
Public infrastructure investments and private development, and
Mayo Clinic's reputation for excellence are leveraged to create
further economic opportunities for Rochester that are not directly
tied to Mayo Clinic. In Phase 1, developers, corporations, small
businesses, restaurant groups and hospitality partners contributed
not only to Rochester’s economic growth but also to that of the
region and Minnesota.
The initial DMC Development Plan adopted in 2015 outlines
a vision for DMC and provides a roadmap for implementation
over the course of 20 years. The plan is divided into four five-year
phases. Every five years, DMC is responsible for presenting a
progress update. Updates are to include an evaluation of progress
in addition to plan changes. Also included in the update are
current market conditions and other factors to be considered as
DMC moves into its next five-year phase.
Plan modifications are to be presented to the Destination
Medical Center Corporation Board (DMCC) during the 20-year
implementation period (2015-2035) for its review and vote. The
plan is also reviewed and voted on by the Rochester City Council.
DRAFTDRAFT
27
10 DRAFT DRAFT 11
Pursuant to the DMC Act, DMC Funds may be used to support Public Infrastructure Projects to:
1. Acquire real property and other assets associated with the real property;
2. Demolish, repair, or rehabilitate buildings;
3. Remediate land and buildings as required to prepare the property for acquisition or development;
4. Install, construct, or reconstruct elements of public infrastructure required to support the overall development of
the Development District including, but not limited to, streets, roadways, utilities systems and related facilities, utility
relocations and replacements, network and communication systems, streetscape improvements, drainage systems,
sewer and water systems, subgrade structures and associated improvements, landscaping, façade construction and
restoration, way finding and signage, and other components of community infrastructure;
5. Acquire, construct or reconstruct, and equip parking facilities and other facilities to encourage intermodal
transportation and public transit;
6. Install, construct or reconstruct, furnish, and equip parks, cultural, and recreational facilities, facilities to promote
tourism and hospitality, conferencing and conventions, and broadcast and related multimedia infrastructure;
7. Make related site improvements including, without limitation, excavation, earth retention, soil stabilization and
correction, and site improvements to support the Development District;
8. Prepare land for private development and to sell or lease land;
9. Provide costs of relocation benefits to occupants of acquired properties; and
10. Construct and equip all or a portion of one or more suitable structures on land owned by the city for sale or lease to
private development.
WHAT IS PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE?
FIGURE 2.2: PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Figure from 2015 Development Plan Section 2.0 - DMC Capital Investment Plan (Phase 1), pg. 1 Values from 2015 Development Plan Section 2.0 - DMC Capital Investment Plan (Phase 1), pg. 1
SOURCES OF DMC $585M
PUBLIC INVESTMENT
56%
MN GENERAL STATE
INFRASTRUCTURE AID (GSIA)
$327,000,000
12%
MN STATE TRANSIT AID
$69,600,000
22%
CITY OF ROCHESTER AID
$128,000,000
8%
OLMSTED COUNTY TRANSIT AID
$46,400,000
2%
CONSTRUCTION SALES
TAX EXEMPTION
$14,000,000
DRAFTDRAFT
Crews work to replace and realign a sanitary sewer in the Heart of the City sub-district.
28
12 DRAFT DRAFT 13
Create a comprehensive strategic
plan with a compelling vision
that harnesses the energy and
creativity of the entire region.
Leverage public investments to
attract more than $5 billion in
private investments to Rochester.
Create more than 30,000 new
jobs, with workforce development
strategies that support that growth.
Generate approximately
$7.5–$8.0 billion in new net tax
revenue over 35 years.
Achieve the highest quality patient,
visitor, and community member
experience, now and in the future.
Create Comprehensive Strategic Plan
Attract Private Investment
Create Jobs
Generate Additional Net Tax Revenue
Become the Destination for Health & Wellness
1
2
3
4
5
DMC GOALS
DRAFTDRAFT
Thursdays Downtown, a weekly
summer festival organized by
Rochester Downtown Alliance,
offers arts, food, music, and a
vendor market.
29
14 DRAFT DRAFT 15
DMC’s eight Guiding Principles
were created after a series of
initial discussions were held
in 2015 with DMCC board members,
community members, civic leaders and
Destination Medical Center Economic
Development Agency (DMC EDA)
staff. Principles were reviewed as part of
the five-year update process to ensure
continued relevance.
1. Establish a bold and
compelling vision for
Rochester and the
Destination Medical Center
The DMC Initiative plan mapped out
a staged transformation of the epicenter
of Rochester – its downtown core -
from what was perceived to be largely
a medical campus into that of a vibrant
urban center that would become one of
America’s model cities.
The plan outlined a vision for an
integrated downtown unified by six
sub-districts that reflect Mayo Clinic’s
approach to patient care: integrative,
collaborative and holistic. Each district
is anchored by unique places designed
to create experiences to attract and
retain residents, visitors, employees and
investors. The plan strives to balance
not only public and private sector
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
development interests, but also considers
the health and welfare of the community,
region and the thousands of patients
who visit Mayo Clinic annually. It was
envisioned by Rochester citizens and
reflects the principles, ideas, and culture
unique to this community.
2. Sustain Rochester and
Southeast Minnesota as a
destination medical center
and economic engine for
the state
Rochester and Mayo Clinic, the
city’s largest employer, are critical
components of the region’s and state’s
economy. As such, Rochester’s downtown
core needs to maintain an economic
concentration by expanding its business
base in order to enhance economic
diversity. The DMC Development Plan
promotes strategies that are focused on
a broad range of opportunities, giving
special consideration to strategies that
support and leverage Mayo Clinic’s
growth to enhance and expand the
economy of Rochester and Southeast
Minnesota. These strategies promote
local and regional growth of new and
targeted businesses, investment and
entrepreneurship.
3. Implement a
comprehensive strategy to
drive economic development
and investment
The 2015 Development Plan sets DMC’s
implementation framework and serves as
a comprehensive planning document akin
to a strategic business plan that addresses
land use, transportation, infrastructure,
finance, business development, marketing
and operations strategies.
Included in the plan is a financial
framework and rigorous application
process.
Underwriting (evaluation) criteria are
incorporated and require investors and
developers not only to assess the costs
to construct projects, but also to operate
and maintain those projects over the long
term.
The planning framework and
implementation strategies encourage
an active and on going public-private
partnership between DMCC, City, DMC
EDA, Mayo Clinic, developers and other
stakeholders to fund and operate projects.
As such, it relies on strengths and assets
unique to Rochester while borrowing best
practices from other cities.
Finally, the implementation plan
establishes metrics to measure the
progress relative to DMC objectives over
the twenty-year planning period.
4. Align development with
market-driven framework and
strategies
The Development Plan is based on
market-driven strategies that set a
strategic framework for implementation
and are visionary and flexible in response
to changing market conditions. The
plan does not dictate specific projects or
development/redevelopment parcels, as
ultimately, private and public partners
will determine the rate at which the vision
is realized and investment occurs.
5. Create a dynamic and
accessible urban core
The DMC vision promotes inclusivity
in its openness and accessibility to
residents, employees and visitors through
key strategies that include:
+Create an experience authentic to
Rochester;
+Develop a series of memorable urban
experiences that appeal to all of
Rochester’s residents and visitors;
+Establish iconic places and
attractions where people want to be;
+Provide programmatic offerings and
venues that are unique to Rochester;
and enhance the environment and
quality of life, including stormwater,
and transportation/transit and parking
systems.
It recognizes the interrelationship of
uses and builds from these strategies to
position Rochester and DMC as a leader
in sustainable urban environments.
8. Deploy technology and
innovation to promote
a globally competitive
destination
Technology and innovation are core to
the DMC economic strategy. Therefore,
the plan provides for the flexibility
to adapt to increasing demands and
emerging technologies over time. DMC
investments foster the advancement and
growth of Rochester’s medical, research,
innovation, education, entrepreneurial
and general business environment. In
addition to business strategies, ongoing
planning and development efforts
integrate technology strategies into land
use, transportation and infrastructure
plans to support a connected,
collaborative community for businesses,
residents and visitors.
+Establish a compact, walkable, series
of streets and public spaces that are
connected in the heart of downtown;
+Embrace seasonality; and
+Develop strategies that recognize the
unique needs and demands of patients
and their companions that drive
visitation in the City.
6. Develop mobility and
transit solutions to support
growth
The DMC Transportation
Implementation Plan was developed with
a focus on mobility to reduce dependency
on automobiles while creating
connections to the surrounding area
and region. The plan calls for convenient
access to and around downtown by
having more high-frequency transit, an
enhanced network of bike trails, safe
walkable streets, a downtown transit
circulator, and high-frequency shuttles
from remote parking.
7. Create a model for
sustainability
Principles of sustainable planning
and development are found throughout
the Development Plan. The plan strives
to implement sustainable urban design
and building practices to improve
DRAFTDRAFT
30
DRAFT 1716 DRAFT
Context
GEOGRAPHIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC CONTEXT
A s the third largest city in
Minnesota and the Olmsted
County seat, Rochester has a dynamic
and growing economy. The county’s
estimated 2020 population (167,500) and
employment (128,400) are projected to
increase by approximately 36,000 people
and 22,000 jobs over the next 20 years.1
Much of this growth will be driven by
Mayo Clinic. As a globally-renowned
center for high-quality healthcare,
pioneering research and medical
education, Mayo Clinic is the engine of
the local economy, as well as the largest
private employer in Minnesota.
Mayo Clinic policy changes in 2013
enabled researchers and physicians to
form their own start-up companies, a
shift from its previous policy, which
required clinicians to license medical
inventions to existing companies.
This employee entrepreneurship
program led to a boost in Mayo Clinic
employee-founded start-up companies
within DMC. Additionally, Mayo Clinic
partnered with large technology and
healthcare companies such as Google
and Boston Scientific to further improve
patient and clinician experiences
through cutting-edge enhancements and
innovations. These partnerships have
resulted in a burgeoning entrepreneurial
ecosystem, especially among new and
growing industries in the region, such
as medical technology and biosciences.
The emergence of these industries has
begun to diversify the local economy,
a critical step toward long-term
economic success of the region.
The ability to attract and retain a
highly qualified workforce is critical to
the success of DMC.
Therefore, diversification of the
local economy beyond healthcare is
key. Also important are cultural and
entertainment opportunities that
enrich quality of life. The city and
DMC are actively working to enhance
the vibrancy of downtown Rochester
with two of its cultural anchors: the
historic and newly renovated Chateau
Theatre and the expanded Mayo Civic
Center. Infill mixed-use development
is transforming underutilized land
downtown, creating a denser core and
live/work/play environment.
The county’s estimated
2020 population (167,500)
and employment (128,400)
are projected to increase
by approximately 36,000
people and 22,000 jobs
over the next 20 years.
1New Rapid Transit for a Growing, Equitable Rochester - Market analysis, August 2020
DRAFTDRAFT
Colorful traffic barriers
help downtown Rochester
restaurants expand their
outdoor dining area to serve
more customers during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
31
18 DRAFT DRAFT 19
HEALTHCARE CONTEXT
DRAFTDRAFT
T he first of the required five-year
updates to Rochester’s Destination
Medical Center development plan
coincides with a period of unprecedented
turmoil in global health. The COVID-19
pandemic persists across the country
at the time of this update. In a recent
interview with Medical Alley, Gianrico
Farrugia, M.D., Mayo Clinic's president
and CEO, characterized the pandemic as
a “stress test for health care.”
Fortunately, Mayo Clinic was prepared
financially, operationally and strategically
to respond to the test. Thanks to a strong
2019 financial performance and generous
benefactors, Mayo Clinic was able to
tap into its reserves to address some of
the pandemic’s initial financial impacts.
In addition, significant cost reductions
mitigated greater adverse financial
consequences, which, so far, have proven
less severe than initially projected. As
the outpatient practice reopened, patient
visits and procedural and surgical
volumes have steadily risen and are on
track to exceed revised 2020 targets.
Importantly, the COVID-19 pandemic
has brought the importance of supporting
health care to the forefront. It has
identified where the health system soars
and where it fails. During the pandemic,
Mayo Clinic has demonstrated leadership
on a national level, heading up important
efforts to improve and expand testing
capabilities while conducting research for
treatments and vaccines to stop the virus.
+Research: At the onset of the
pandemic, Mayo Clinic immediately
formed a COVID-19 Research Task
Force to coordinate Mayo Clinic
COVID-19-related research activities,
including cataloging all COVID-19
research; vetting, prioritizing and
implementing clinical trials; and
facilitating review and approvals to
ensure efficient and smooth initiation
of studies.
+Expanded Access Program for
Convalescent Plasma: Launched
April 3, the Expanded Access
Program for Convalescent Plasma
is a federally-sponsored national
study of the safety and potential
effectiveness of this investigational
therapy. At its inception, the study’s
goal was to focus on safety and
access for 5,000 patients hospitalized
with COVID-19. Today, patient
enrollment at uscovidplasma.org
has topped 103,000 from 14,000
physicians at more than 2,700 acute
care facilities in every state and
territory of the nation. Enrollment
was discontinued on August 28, 2020
following the FDA’s announcement
on Emergency Use Authorization.
+Testing: Mayo Clinic has completed
more than 1.27 million PCR
molecular tests and 215,000 serology
tests. Its goal is a 24-hour turnaround.
Mayo Clinic Laboratories is part of a
Minnesota testing collaboration that
includes the Minnesota Department
of Health, the University of Minnesota
and other health systems.
+In-person and Virtual Care: The
pandemic provided opportunities to
transform Mayo Clinic's practice to
quickly deliver in-person care safely
as well as spur virtual visits to ensure
continuity of patient care.
The pandemic has accelerated Mayo
Clinic's path toward a model of care
that is more digital, consumer-friendly
and responsive — elements set forth
in its strategic plan to cure, connect
and transform health care by the year
2030. The vision is bold and ambitious,
building on Mayo Clinic's ability to
revolutionize medicine to meet the
changing needs of patients.
2030 STRATEGIC PLAN
Mayo Clinic is pursuing three
overarching strategies to leverage
its existing strengths and build new
capabilities. These strategies are
summarized below:
CURE
Mayo Clinic will remain the global
authority for patients seeking the best
solutions for serious or complex health
challenges. Mayo will differentiate
itself through the discovery, delivery
and diffusion of the next generation
of diagnoses, treatments and cures.
This includes new medical therapies,
surgeries and procedures, delivered
through physical, digital and virtual
methods.
Identifying solutions and ultimately
preventing disease will provide hope
and healing to people. This means that
Mayo will:
+Invest in its core activities to focus
on these challenges
+Deliver care in unique ways
+Focus on solutions
CONNECT
Mayo Clinic will leverage data and
technology to advance medicine and
better align a fragmented health care
marketplace. This means that Mayo will:
+Create digital care delivery capabilities
with a human touch
+Integrate its virtual and in-person
care to create a system that is more
accessible, scalable and sustainable
while focusing on consumer needs
+This capability will touch every
aspect of the organization,
transforming practice, research,
education and administration
through new digital connectivity,
allowing Mayo Clinic to create and
act upon powerful new insights.
TRANSFORM
Platform business models have
transformed many industries. Platforms
focused on health care offer the ability
to scale knowledge, human and physical
capacity and services in ways not
currently possible to transform health
care:
+Through platforms, leverage data and
technology to redefine health care
delivery and create a Mayo Clinic
that brings together global providers,
producers and consumers with the
sole purpose of making health care
better
The Mayo Clinic Platform will
orchestrate knowledge and services,
while generating revenue to sustain core
capabilities and reinvest in its nonprofit
mission.
Through the implementation of its
2030 Strategic Plan, Mayo Clinic will
remain a global leader in a category
of one, uniquely capable of curing
serious or complex medical conditions
through its innovative and personalized
approaches to medicine and through its
emerging platform.
Mayo Clinic
32
20 DRAFT DRAFT 21
Downtown Waterfront
The downtown waterfront
transforms the perception
of Rochester as a medical
campus to that of an
entertaining and vibrant
destination city. The
strategy creates a town
square utilizing the asset
of the river and waterfront
to create a year-round
destination for residents
and visitors alike. By
creating this type of
space, the plan enhances
the viability of the Mayo
Civic Center as a regional
convention center and
amplifies the feasibility
of spurring mixed-use
development in and around
the downtown area.
Central Station
Central Station was initially envisioned as a cornerstone of
the plan for future regional growth in Rochester with the
creation of a new regional transit hub connecting Rochester
with the surrounding region – including the Twin Cities.
However, further refinement of the mobility program
through the work of the Integrated Transit Studies (ITS, 2018)
resulted in the concept of two mobility hubs located at the
Northwest and Southeast edges of downtown, rather than a
single centralized location.
Presently, the Central Station sub-district is witnessing
considerable investment in housing, hotel, and
entertainment. With this market-based transformation
underway, revisioning of this sub-district is now a goal for
Phase 2 (2020-2024) of the DMC plan.
Saint Marys Place
Located along 2nd Street, Saint Marys
Place establishes a civic square and
monumental gateway at one of the
primary entry points to Rochester.
The mobility plan incorporates
a circulator that connects Saint
Marys campus to downtown. It
also embraces its relationship to
surrounding neighborhoods by
creating a town square that connects
Kutzky Park to Saint Marys Park and
the historic Pill Hill neighborhood.
UMR and Recreation
This sub-district integrates an urban college campus and
recreational uses into the district, thereby creating another
catalyst for the growth of downtown retail, entertainment
and residential space. It was anticipated that UMR would
have its first building built in this area before the end of
the first phase of the DMC implementation process. While
UMR has expanded its presence in downtown Rochester,
both through land acquisition and its leased space in One
Discovery Square, its first newly constructed building is
currently in pre-development.
DMC AREA
SUB-DISTRICTS
Discovery Square
As the new address for
the future of bio-medical
research and technology
innovation, Discovery Square
is a keystone to the DMC
economic development
strategy. The sub-district
borrows from Mayo Clinic’s
integrated care model to
create an integrated district
founded on the principles
of translational medicine.
Mayo Clinic, private partners
and institutions are brought
together in the sub-district
to foster communication and
the sharing of ideas.
Heart of the City
At the heart of downtown
is a sub-district that forms
the true center of the city.
It is where Mayo Clinic,
commercial, hospitality,
retail and residential meet.
The Heart of the City is
connected by a central
public space, which extends
and enhances Peace Plaza
to create active experiences
and engaging gateways to
the other sub-districts.
Transit Village and Station Areas
As a result of the extensive mobility
planning that occurred in Phase 1,
the DMC district was modified to
include a west transit village and
the corridor along 2nd Street that
connects to the Saint Marys sub-
district. More details can be found
in the appendix.
2017 DMCBoundary Change
Addition to Saint Marys Place district
DMC is centered around six neighborhood sub-districts. Together, these
sub-districts are activating downtown Rochester as a global medical
destination. Each space is designed for innovation and collaboration.
DRAFTDRAFT
Br
o
a
d
w
a
y
2nd Street
Gonda
Building
Soldiers
Field
Civic Center
Saint Marys
N
52
14
33
Source: COVID Tracking Project
DRAFT 2322 DRAFT
Context
COVID-19 IMPACT ANALYSIS
31%42%
Visitor spending
in the US
Hotel occupancy
compared to
66.5% this time
last year
Cumulative
Covid-19 Cases
Nationally
(Feb. - Sept. 2020)
THE U.S. IS FACING A DUAL CRISIS — AN
UNPRECEDENTED GLOBAL HEALTH EMERGENCY,
COUPLED WITH THE STEEPEST JOB LOSS ON RECORD.
Source: Statista, *through the first week of August
Source: BLS, Current Employment Statistics Data
Monthly
Employment Total
USA in Thousands
(2000 - 2020)
Nationwide % Change
from Previous Year
Flight Frequency of
Global Airlines
-8%
0%
-48%
-69%-64%
-55%
-48%
Travel bans have led to
dramatic decreases in air
travel and international
visitors to the U.S.
MINNESOTA IMPACTS
ROCHESTER IMPACTS
Change in Employment Jan. – July 2020
Rochester MSA Change in Employment Jan. – July, 2020
Rochester MSA
Total Employment
As of July 2020, Minnesotans lost jobs in nearly ever sector, bringing
the statewide unemployment rate to 7.9% compared to 3.2% in 2019.
Health services — the leading employment sector — and hospitality have been hit the hardest in the
Rochester MSA. The city's unemployment rate rose to 5.9% in July, up from 3% in 2019.
Source: Minnesota Department of Labor
Source: Minnesota Department of Labor
Mayo Clinic is central to Rochester's
economy as a driver of downtown vitality,
accounting for nearly 40 percent of jobs
and bringing 2 million visitors annually,
two-thirds of total Rochester visitation.
DRAFTDRAFT
COVID-19 Impact Analysis and graphics provided by HR&A Advisors COVID-19 Impact Analysis and graphics provided by HR&A Advisors34
DRAFT 2524 DRAFT
Following a significant drop in economic activity in June 2020, HR&A projects
a gradual recovery in the Rochester economy over the next 2+ years.
+Output reflects annual production
value of Rochester industries,
including sales and compensation.
+Projections include:
• Direct impacts: loss in visitor and
employee spending
• Indirect impacts: loss in business-
to-business purchases
• Induced impacts: loss in spending
of labor income
+Spending losses include Rochester
residents who are working from home
and furloughs. These individuals are
still spending money, but this spending
is significantly reduced.
PRELIMINARY FINDINGS
COVID-19 Impact Analysis and graphics provided by HR&A Advisors COVID-19 Impact Analysis and graphics provided by HR&A Advisors
METHODOLOGY
The effect of changes in employment and economic activity were
modeled across low, moderate, and severe impact scenarios
The primary drivers of Rochester’s economy are its
employment and visitors, which are interrelated.
PATH FORWARD: NEED TO REMAIN NIMBLE
+The full impact of the COVID-19
global pandemic is not fully
understood as case rates continue
to rise nationally and vaccines/
therapeutics are still in the
experimental phase.
+Pre-COVID-19, Rochester had
a stable and growing economy.
Development of various real estate
asset classes was largely aligned with
demand.
+HR&A anticipates Rochester will
have excess capacity in downtown
commercial office space due to
changes in employment and growth in
remote work.
+Downtown retail and restaurants,
which are primarily dependent
on employees and visitors, will be
disproportionately affected when
compared to counterparts with a
broader customer base.
+Hotels have experienced a precipitous
drop in occupancy rates, though the
COVID-19 will significantly diminish the near-term need for new retail, hotel, research, and office
space in downtown, though residential development may be supported in the coming years.
rebound in Rochester appears to be
better than the state and national
markets. However, with Rochester’s
hotel pipeline in 2020-2021, the
market will likely continue to
experience occupancy rates below
historical averages.
+Housing demand appears to
be remaining relatively strong
throughout the region, including in
Rochester’s urban core. Growth in
downtown residential will help to
support the core’s retail businesses.
*Citywide estimate based on four zipcode geography of 55901, 55902, 55904, 55906
Context
Spending by Mayo Clinic
employees and providers
supports the local economy.
Model outputs allow extrapolating the impacts of
COVID-19 into findings contextualized for DMC.
Unlike natural disasters, this pandemic hit every city in the country. However, not
all are developing recovery strategies.
Despite significant losses, Rochester has fared better than other cities.
Rochester is starting its recovery from a place of strength.
Rochester had a robust and growing economy, the healthcare industry and Mayo
Clinic provide stability during weak economies, and the city has the tools from the
DMC to support growth.
Future economic development strategies should:
• Support existing local businesses
• Prioritize public infrastructure
• Reuse excess real estate capacity creatively
• Diversify the economy
• Support development proactively
DRAFT DRAFT
35
26 DRAFT DRAFT 27
This section of the 2020 update is framed
around the five major goals established
for the DMC Initiative. The outcomes from
Phase 1 of the DMC Development Plan
(2015-2019) are compared against the
projections in the original plan.
ProgressDRAFTDRAFT
Construction of the Hyatt
House, an extended stay
hotel in DMC’s Central
Station sub-district.
36
28 DRAFT DRAFT 29
GOAL 1:
Create a comprehensive
strategic plan with a
compelling vision that
harnesses the energy
and creativity of the
entire region.
What is the goal?
To achieve a shared vision and guide future investments and are stronger and
more effective if they harness the energy and creativity of everyone whose lives
are impacted by aspects of the plan. A comprehensive strategic development
plan should include market research, master plans for land use, infrastructure,
transportation, finance, marketing and communications, economic and fiscal
impacts and implementation tools. Essentially, a strategy that addresses all facets
of building and sustaining the destination.
Why does it matter?
To transform vision into real change requires extensive planning that is re-
calibrated as required through the years. By harnessing the energy and creativity
of the entire region, the plan maintains an essential connection to the very people
who are going to be directly impacted, immersing them in the shared vision and
inviting them to have a stake in shaping its evolution.
The DMC Initiative set forth a vision to transform the epicenter of Rochester
from what was perceived to be largely a downtown medical campus, into a vibrant
urban center and one of America’s model cities.
Phase 1 results (2015 - 2019)
To create the 2015 DMC Development Plan (i.e. the comprehensive strategic
plan for the 20-year DMC Initiative), the DMC EDA recruited a group of the
nation’s leading development and planning consultants to work in collaboration
with the City of Rochester, Olmsted County, Rochester-Olmsted Council of
Governments (ROCOG) and Mayo Clinic. They also engaged with community
stakeholders.
The Plan laid out a strategic direction for an integrated downtown, unified
by six sub-districts, each anchored by unique places designed to create equally
unique experiences to attract and retain residents, visitors, employees and
investors to the community.
Subsequent to the adoption of the DMC Development Plan in April 2015, and
as a direct result of the DMC Plan’s framework, numerous and more detailed
planning exercises with numerous organizations have occurred. A summary of
relationships between these planning initiatives is depicted in the diagram on the
following page.
DRAFTDRAFT
37
30 DRAFT DRAFT 31
DMC GUIDING DOCUMENTS
DMC Development Plan
2020 DMC Development
Plan Update
Regional +
City Strategies
Area Plans
Updated
Market Studies
What was learned?
+Plans are iterative and evolving; they need to be flexible
enough to move with the market.
+Building relationships between various stakeholders is a key
component in the development of strategic plans.
+Pilots are a good tool to test new community collaboration
models, particularly in the design of public spaces.
What's next?
In Phase 2 (2020-2024) several new planning initiatives will be
underway that will impact the DMC Districts. DMC is working
closely with the City of Rochester on several planning efforts
that impact the downtown core. These plans are focused on
public realm planning, mobility options, housing needs, and
downtown district energy planning.
• Downtown Waterfront Small Area Plan:
Planning efforts focus on designing public realm
opportunities for the areas south of the downtown
area, particularly along the riverfront. https://
downtownwaterfrontsesmallareaplan.com/
• City Pedestrian and Bike Master Plan: Aligning
multiple bike and pedestrian plans and creating a single
updated vision for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure
across the City.
• Downtown District Energy Planning: Assessing and
determining how downtown government buildings as
well as adjacent private buildings could be heated and
cooled.
• Soldier’s Field Master Plan: An update to the
master plan that will connect Discovery Walk to
the Zumbro River.
• Central Station Sub-district Re-visioning:
Developing a concept for public realm in the Central
Station sub-district. The Rapid Transit Project
requires this sub-district be re-imagined as it will no
longer serve as the transit hub for downtown.
• UMR/Recreation Sub-district Re-visioning:
Developing a new vision for the UMR/Recreation
sub-district while the Discovery Square sub-district
continues to take shape.
• Rapid Transit Corridor Planning: Outlining
the West Transit Village vision for development
and transit services, public realm, operations,
economic development opportunities, in addition
to street design strategy for the downtown Rapid
Transit project.
+Olmsted County
• Graham Park Master Planning Update: Updating
the County’s current master plan for possible future
transit opportunities.
• Affordable Housing Study and Policy
Development: In progress
+Mayo Clinic
• Five-year Facility Plan: Updating five-year plans
focused on upgrading existing buildings and new
construction projects. The plan outlines future
Medical District Zone projects supportive of Mayo
Clinic’s downtown operations.
DRAFTDRAFT+
DestinationMedicalCenterDistrictDesign
Rochester
Guidelines
AD
O
P
T
E
D
JU
N
E
5
,
2
0
1
7
DESTINATION MEDICAL CENTER:
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY OPTIONS
CENTER FOR ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
EVER-GREEN ENERGY
DECEMBER 2015
September 24, 2018
RSP Architectsel doradoKimley-HornLatent DesignFluidity
HEART OF THE CITYPHASE 1: 1ST AVE & THEATRE SQUARE
DISCOVER NATURE / DISCOVER INNOVATION / DISCOVER COMMUNITY / DISCOVER PLAY
DRAFT 2.0 September 2018
Public Realm Design ConceptsSaint Marys Place
Minnesota design center
March 11, 2020
Market Analysis
Rochester TOD Planning Study
DRAFT
Image Source: Google Maps
New Rapid Transit for a Growing, Equitable Rochester
MARKET ANALYSIS
June 2020
Comprehensive Housing
Needs Analysis for
Olmsted County, Minnesota
(WORKING DRAFT COPY)
Prepared for: Olmsted County
Rochester, MN July 2020
7575 Golden Valley Road Suite 385 Golden Valley, MN 55427 612.338.0012 www.maxfieldresearch.com
Plus more
(see appendix)
Plus more
(see appendix)
38
32 DRAFT DRAFT 33
GOAL 2:
Leverage public
investments of
$585 million to
attract more than
$5 billion in private
investments to
Rochester.
What is the goal?
Leveraging public investment is a quantitative goal for delivering a “return on
investment” for public spending authorized by the DMC Act. In exchange for
$585 million in public funds, the goal is to bring more than $5 billion in private
investments to Rochester in order to realize the DMC vision.
The DMC Plan established a viable economic development strategy (see Goal
1 and the DMC Development Plan) grounded by market research. It defined
extraordinary costs and set priorities for public investment in order to meet
DMC’s mission and goals.
Why does it matter?
The Development Plan is based on market-driven strategies that set a strategic
framework for the DMC Initiative. Public investment will catalyze further private
investment. Over the 20-year timeframe of the DMC, the targeted ratio between
private and public investment is roughly 10:1. This means that for every dollar
of public money spent, nearly ten dollars of private investment should occur.
This 10:1 ratio is derived from the goal itself where approximately $585 million
of public dollars are meant to realize $5.6 billion of private investment. These
combined investments will support a transformation of downtown into a vibrant,
welcoming place by leveraging public funds to create the strongest civic return on
investment.
The DMC Development Plan does not dictate specific projects or development/
redevelopment parcels. Ultimately, private and public partners will determine
the rate at which the vision is realized and investment occurs. The Development
Plan strategy establishes a framework that is visionary, flexible and responsive to
changing market conditions.
DRAFTDRAFT
39
34 DRAFT DRAFT 35
TOTAL INVESTMENT
COMMITTED IN PHASE 1
PHASE 1
ACTUAL (2019)
$98.4M
TOTAL PRIVATE INVESTMENT
IN DMC: $963M
Phase 1 results (2015-2019)
The DMC Model is working as
intended. The private investment during
Phase 1 totaled roughly $963M and
public investment, including committed
TIF funds, were approximately $98M.
PHASE 1
ACTUAL (2019)
$963M
PHASE 1
TARGET (2019)
$836M
WHERE DID THE PRIVATE
INVESTMENT HAPPEN?
$591
Million
MAYO CLINIC
INVESTMENTS
NON-MAYO CLINIC
PRIVATE INVESTMENTS
$372
Million
0
200M
400M
600M
800M
1B
PrivatePublic
NOTE: Mayo Clinic investment total also includes Rochester
investments outside of the DMC boundary per DMC Legislation.
Map by Urban3
$7M
$39.3M $85.7M $107.2M $86M $126.5M $139.1M$20.5M $38M $45M
$135.4M $133M
0
100,000,000
200,000,000
300,000,000
400,000,000
500,000,000
600,000,000
700,000,000
800,000,000
900,000,000
1,000,000,000
July - Dec 2013 Jan - Dec 2014 Jan - Dec 2015 Jan - Dec 2016 Jan - Dec 2017 Jan - Dec 2018 Jan - Dec 2019
Do
l
l
a
r
s
Mayo Clinic Investment Other Private Investment
$690.5M
$428.7M
$962.8M
DMC Private Investment (Construction Costs Spent To Date)
DRAFTDRAFT
DMC District in Downtown Rochester
The HUE, a residential and
commercial building in the
Discovery Square sub-district.
40
7 DMC Funded
Projects
36 DRAFT DRAFT 37
Program Comparison Mayo Clinic
Investments + DMC Major Projects
Phase 1
Actual
Phase 1
Original Plan
Phase 1
Difference
20-Year Plan
Remaining
% of Total Plan
Completed Phase 1
Property Type Unit
Practice (Mayo Clinic)
Research (Mayo Clinic
+ Non-Mayo Clinic)
Research (Mayo Clinic)
Research (Non-
Mayo Clinic)
Education (Mayo
+ Non-Mayo)
Hotel
Office
Retail
Residential
SF 497,000180,000 +317,000 523,000 49%
SF 4,0000 +4,000 350,000 1%
SF 2,381,0001,200,000 +1,818,000 4,419,000 35%
SF
260760 -500 1,120 19%
SF 82,00050,000 +32,000 238,000 26%
SF 80,000----
SF 417,000----
Rooms
80,0000 +80,000 230,000 26%
Units 460450 +10 2,390 16%
WHAT WAS BUILT?
In nearly all sectors, DMC exceeded planned square footage in Phase 1, with the exception of hotels.
In 2020, 605 hotel rooms and 505 residential units are already completed or under construction.
DMC IS ATTRACTING OUT OF
STATE PRIVATE INVESTMENT
As an example, for just seven of the private developments built in the DMC in Phase 1
(2015-2019), the majority of private investment money came from outside Minnesota –
further amplifying the economic development value of DMC to the state.
What was learned?
+Focused and targeted marketing is needed to build non-
Mayo Clinic private investment interest in the DMC,
especially in the early phases.
+Phase 1 building is a mix of renovated space and new
construction.
+Phase 1 was biased toward catalytic private development.
+A constrained definition of transit aid required
unanticipated use of City sales tax dollars.
What’s next?
+Projections indicate strong Phase 2 public funding. The
impact of COVID-19 and strategies for recovery will be
a significant consideration for how private investment
occurs in 2020-2024.
+Details regarding public and private investments planned
for Phase 2 in addition to potential COVID-19 related
impacts are found later in this document.
DRAFT DRAFT
The Maven on Broadway
is a six-story residential
and commercial building
in DMC’s Discovery
Square sub-district.
41
38 DRAFT DRAFT 39
HOW WERE PUBLIC FUNDS
INVESTED IN PHASE 1?
$98M WAS COMMITTED TO
DMC PROJECTS IN 2015-2019
The 2015 DMC Development Plan provided a Capital Investment Plan (DMC-CIP)
to be realized by four specific priorities guiding funding decisions.
Priority #1: Create
a Catalyst
Identify and support
the development of a
concentrated and dynamic
“city center” (Heart of the
City) and other early phase
Public Infrastructure Projects
that can effect change; be
a catalyst for development
throughout the DMC
Development District; and
create reserves to provide the
funding resources necessary
to catalyze large-scale
investments over time.
Phase 1 Results:
The downtown sub-district
forms the true center of the
city where at its crossroads,
Mayo Clinic, commercial,
hospitality, retail and
residential meet. The Heart
of the City is connected
by a central public space,
which extends and enhances
Peace Plaza to create active
experiences and engaging
gateways to the other sub-
districts.
Priority #2: Drive
Investment
in Biomedical
Technology Sector
Identify projects and reserve
funds to support the initiation
of strategies to attract and
retain biomedical technology
investments, business, and
educational partners to the
DMC Development District.
Phase 1 Results:
Discovery Square: The
Economic Engine: Discovery
Square is the cornerstone
of DMC’s economic
development strategy in
biomedical and technology
sectors. The sub-district
borrows from Mayo Clinic’s
integrated care model, which
is founded on the principles
of translational medicine.
Mayo Clinic, private partners,
companies and institutions
will be located along the
district’s centralized green
corridor, Discovery Walk.
Priority #4: Initiate
Detailed Planning,
Strategic Investments
for Long-Lead Phase 2
Strategies
The prime long-lead strategic
planning needs are in the area
of transportation planning.
Phase 1 Results:
The Integrated Transit Studies
(ITS) were completed in 2018,
followed by the City Loop
plan and Transit Oriented
Development Planning Study
for the Circulator Route.
The Rochester Rapid Transit
project has been submitted
for Federal Funding. These
detailed mobility planning
documents can be found in
the appendices.
DMC SOURCE
Sources of public funding for 2015-2019
83%
CITY OF ROCHESTER
15%
MINNESOTA GSIA
2%
OLMSTED
COUNTY
TRANSIT
USES
Public money in 2015-2019 was
committed to these five areas
29%
PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT
22%
MOBILITY
21%
PLANNING AND
IMPLEMENTATION
18%
STREETS / SEWERS
10%
PUBLIC REALM
Priority #3: Early
Phase Improvements
Supporting Strategic
Growth and Enhanced
Quality of Life
Engage the City, County,
Rochester-Olmsted Council
of Governments (ROCOG)
and Mayo Clinic to identify
projects that leverage DMC
Funds as gap financing to
support the extraordinary
costs associated with creating
a global destination medical
center.
Phase 1 Results:
Approximately $98 million of
public funds were committed
in Phase 1. The chart to the
right shows the way in which
the funds were spent.DRAFTDRAFT
Rochester Public Works
42
40 DRAFT DRAFT 41
GOAL 3:
Create more than
30,000 new jobs,
with workforce
development
strategies that
support growth.
What is the goal?
The goal is to create more than 30,000 new jobs with a strategic focus on
attracting new businesses that will include small and minority business enterprise,
and women-owned business participation. The goal focuses on the number of
jobs, and seeks to foster and retain a highly-skilled workforce.
Why does it matter?
Without developing, retaining, and recruiting new workers, the economic
development initiative and its associated goals are not possible. DMC economic
benefits are largely driven by the workforce and their broad economic impact on
the region. Specifically, the impact of new positions has direct local economic
benefits as earned wages from new positions are spent on local goods and
services. Additional local, regional, and statewide benefits from a tax growth
perspective are also realized. The economic impact from job creation is explained
under Goal 4, which highlights DMC project-related net tax revenue growth.
The DMC Development Plan required the City to establish a targeted
business participation goal and workforce participation targets for women and
minorities. Doing so ensures that the entire community, specifically persons
of color and women, have an opportunity to participate in the design and
construction processes associated with DMC development. Since 2015, there
has been substantial growth in participation of targeted business and workforce
participation. In 2020, new targets were approved to build momentum and realize
further wide-scale change in Rochester.
DRAFTDRAFT
43
42 DRAFT DRAFT 43
Phase 1 results (2015-2019)
The City of Rochester added
approximately 7,700 positions over the
past five years, which represents 25 percent
of the 30,000 goal. The table that follows
shares new jobs, which are the result of
Mayo Clinic’s and other major projects
that are underway in the DMC District. It
should be noted that Mayo Clinic reports
its job figures annually. Non-Mayo Clinic
employment figures have been estimated
by using multipliers based on the amount
of yearly renovated and new construction
in the DMC District.
The greatest percentage of job growth
occurred in the healthcare sector;
additional jobs were added in retail,
hospitality, research and office segments.
The chart demonstrates cumulative job
growth since 2015.
For comparison purposes, data was
also collected from the Department of
Employment and Economic Development
(DEED) and its Quarterly Census of
Employment and Wages (QCEW).
In the City of Rochester between 2015-
2019:
+A total of 5,803 net jobs were added,
which accounted for positions lost in
key industries during this period; and
+8,323 gross jobs were created,
predominantly in the following sectors:
• Education and health services
(5,432 jobs);
• Leisure and hospitality (1,333
jobs);
• Construction (861 jobs); and
• Nominal increases were realized
in public administration and
other services.
Te xasTexas
UtahUtah
MontanaMontana
CaliforniaCalifornia
ArizonaArizona
NevadaNevada
Id ahoIdaho
OregonOregon
IowaIowa
ColoradoColorado
KansasKansas
Wy omingWyoming
New Me xicoNew Mexico
OhioOhio
FloridaFlorida
IllinoisIllinois
NebraskaNebraska
MinnesotaMinnesota
MissouriMissouri
GeorgiaGeorgia
OklahomaOklahoma
AlabamaAlabama
ArkansasArkansas
South DakotaSouth Dako ta
Wash in gtonWashington
North DakotaNorth Dakota MaineMaine
WisconsinWisconsin
VirginiaVirginia
New Yo rkNew Yo rk
In dianaIndiana
LouisianaLouisiana
MichiganMichigan
KentuckyKentucky
Te nnesseeTennessee North CarolinaNorth Carolina
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania
MississippiMississippi
SouthSouth
CarolinaCarolina
We stWest
VirginiaVirginia
Ottawa
Quebec
Boston
Denver
Chicago
Detroi t
To ronto
El Paso
Phoenix Memphis
Seattle
Calgary
Houston
Montreal
SaltilloCuliacan
San Jose
Mexicali
Winnipeg
Baltimore
Charlotte
Nashville
Milwaukee
Monterrey
Chihuahua
San Diego
Va ncouver
Hermosillo
San Antonio
Los Angeles
Philadelphia
Indianapolis
Jacksonville
San Francisco
Oklahoma City
Washington D.C.
Job Sector
Total Jobs
Added
(2015-2019)
Avg Weekly
Wage
Total Annual
Wage (2019)
2018 Rochester
Area Median
Income (AMI)
Wage
Comparison
to AMI
Education and Health Services 5,432 (71%) $1,548 $80,496 $74,880 108%
Leisure and Hospitality 1,333 (18%)$423 $21,996 $74,880 29%
Construction 861 (11%)$1,241 $64,532
*$74,880 86%
The greatest percentage of added positions is found in
education and health services sectors (71 percent). The average
wage across 5,432 positions is $80,496 a year, which is above
Rochester’s 2018 area median income, an indication of quality
jobs and income to entice families to the region.
While an increased number of positions were added at Mayo
Clinic, the education sector also realized growth. The growing
presence of higher-education institutions like Rochester
Community and Technical College (RCTC), Winona State
University, and University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR)
are preparing workers for healthcare and construction jobs.
Rochester Public Schools created INCubatoredu aimed at
cultivating entrepreneurial interests and skills in high school
students in preparation for job opportunities in the burgeoning
local biomed tech sector.
Similar results were found in the construction industry. The
construction sector realized 861 new positions (11 percent)
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Retail
Office
Hotel
Education (Non-Mayo)
Research (Non-Mayo)
New MAYO (above 2014 baseline)
across the region, with an average annual wage of $64,532.
These wages are slightly below the area median income yet
remain competitive.
DMC tracked wages paid by construction location. The map
illustrates that 54 percent of construction wages totaling $13.2
million have been paid within an approximate 50-mile radius
of Rochester, and the large number of those wages outside
the 50-mile radius were still within the state. As a Minnesota
investment in Rochester, most of the construction jobs are going
to workers from Minnesota.
The leisure and hospitality sector grew by 1,333 positions (18
percent). Of concern are average wages in this sector, which are
well below the area median income (AMI), averaging 29 percent
of AMI. If a service sector position is the primary source of
household income, it will be cost-burdened due to rent levels
and Rochester’s cost of living.
Construction workers residing in zip codes starting in 559 (around Rochester) earned $13,268,719 (59%) of wages paid on
DMC projects (April 2017 - June 2019). A majority of the remaining construction workers still reside in greater Minnesota.
*The average based hourly pay rate for construction workers on DMC construction projects was $39.11/hour plus fringe benefits. This is an average
annual salary of $80,000 a year, plus benefits. (April 2017 - June 2019)
Cumulative New Jobs
in DMC District
DRAFTDRAFT
While the reported number of positions
from development activity and QCEW
differ, there was considerable job growth
in key sectors, as the chart indicates.
In addition to the total number of
jobs, wages paid were also an important
consideration. Job sectors with the
strongest growth are also included.
2,300
4,200
4900
6,000
7,700
Retail Research (Non-Mayo Clinic)
Office New Mayo Clinic
(above 2014 baseline)Hotel
44
44 DRAFT DRAFT 45
What was learned?
+More local women and minority-
owned businesses are needed to fulfill
the DMC vision.
+Current data indicate a shortage of
women in construction.
+Support of local educational programs
is needed.
+The need to address cost of living
concerns, particularly the need for
housing options in close proximity to
transit routes, grocery and childcare are
needed for those in service positions.
+The need for continued planning
in the areas of housing, transit and
community services in order to
improve outcomes for low-income
populations as well as for all citizens in
Rochester and the region.
+Internships and partnerships for
higher-education students are critical
for future local job growth.
+High-quality jobs offered by companies
located in Discovery Square should
continue in order to be a magnet for
sought-after jobs.
+DMC-related construction jobs are
supporting – and will need to continue
to support - a significant number of
jobs relative to Rochester’s size.
What’s next?
Data indicate that the DMC initiative
is on solid footing to meet its 2035 jobs
goal. At present, the project has attained
25 percent of the goal. Moving forward,
efforts will continue to be placed on
job growth in key sectors, including
healthcare, life sciences, med-tech,
education, construction and hospitality.
To create a livable, affordable
community, additional focus will need
to be given to key infrastructure areas
including workforce housing, reliable and
high-amenity transit, and to additional
grocery stores and childcare services.
Economic studies are currently
underway to identify Phase 2 DMC
District housing needs, and housing
needed throughout the City and region.
The data collected will also inform next
steps for the Rapid Transit Project, in
addition to economic development
investment required to realize pressing
downtown housing and retail needs.
DRAFTDRAFT
Fagan Studios
45
46 DRAFT DRAFT 47
GOAL 4:
Generate
approximately
$7.5–$8.0 billion
in new net tax
revenue over 35
years.
What is the goal?
This goal is a product of the two previously listed goals. If DMC successfully
leverages public investments to attract private investment and 30,000 new jobs
are created within DMC, the result should be large increases in new net tax
revenue to Rochester, Olmsted County and the State of Minnesota by 2050.
These taxes result primarily from income taxes from new jobs created, and also
include sales taxes, hotel taxes and property taxes.
Why does it matter?
The DMC Development Plan promotes strategies that are focused on a broad
range of opportunities. It gives special consideration to strategies that support
and leverage Mayo Clinic’s growth to enhance and expand the economy of
Rochester and Southeast Minnesota. These strategies will promote the growth
of new businesses, investment, entrepreneurship, and targeted businesses locally
and regionally. In turn, economic growth will provide more tax revenue. Of
current benefit due to the downtown core’s level of development, City services
are already in place servicing the DMC district, thus affording cost-efficiencies.
DRAFTDRAFT
46
48 DRAFT DRAFT 49
Phase 1 results (2015-2019)
+Phase 1 outperformed projections (original plan’s Phase 1
was estimated to be 5 percent of the total 20-year plan).
+Actual Phase 1 programs and investments resulted in
realizing a fiscal impact that is roughly 12 percent of the
DMC 20-year plan total.
Notes:
1. Estimated taxes from Construction impacts are from DMC DEED-certified investment.
2. Estimated taxes from Construction and Operations impacts include tax revenues from Corporate income, personal income, sales tax, hotel tax.
3. Property tax capacity calculations are still underway due to a proposed change in methodology.
The chart above shows the relationship between public investment, private investment and resultant tax
generation for the City of Rochester, Olmsted County and State of Minnesota.
Investment in the downtown DMC district has increased the tax capacity of downtown parcels during Phase 1 (2015-2019).
What was learned?
Investment in downtown infrastructure fuels growth of the tax
base and helps to fund needed repair as infrastructure ages while
supporting Rochester’s less dense land uses.
Additionally:
+New job creation is the main driver of tax revenue to the State;
+Newly developed surface parking lots leverage pre-
existing community investment in street, sewer and utility
infrastructure;
+Downtown developments provide a higher share of taxes; and
+The cost burden of downtown development doesn’t escalate as
much as revenue.
The progress to date for this goal was developed and
calculated based on the original methodology included in the
DMC Development Plan, which was adopted in 2015. See the
following section for details on how DMC EDA will revise this
methodology as noted.
What’s next?
DMC entered 2020 in a strong position ahead of the tax
projections included in the 2015 Development Plan. At this
writing, the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is
yet to be fully understood, and DMC is in the midst of working
through scenario planning and will have new projections to
report related to how tax revenues will be impacted.
Based on the lived experience of the past 5 years, there are
a few updates to the economic model that should be made to
more accurately reflect performance against goals. At this time,
the DMC EDA would like to recommend the use of tax capacity
as a metric to quantify property value appreciation over time
in the DMC District. Over 2020 and 2021, the DMC EDA team
will work with City and other collaborators to recommend
updates to additional economic model components: including
job tracking methodology in a post-pandemic Rochester
and appropriate methodology to distinguish between new
construction and renovation to existing buildings.
+Performance in the areas of job creation and employment was
attributed to increased net new Mayo Clinic employment and
investments.
Public Spending
KEY
Certified Investment
Public Return
Development
Phase 1
$591M
PRIVATE
$372 M
$98.5M
COUNTY $1.5M
STATE $15M
CITY
COUNTY
STATE
Estimated Tax Revenues, Phase 1
DRAFT
Phase 1 TOTAL
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 PHASE 1
City
Taxes from Construction $36,000 $61,000 $47,000 $108,000 $122,000 $374,000
Taxes from Operations $150,000 $317,000 $380,000 $461,000 $1,684,000 $2,992,000
Property Tax Capacity still in progress
County
Taxes from Construction $17,000 $19,000 $22,000 $68,000 $78,000 $204,000
Taxes from Operations $47,000 $98,000 $176,000 $284,000 $458,000 $1,063,000
Property Tax Capacity still in progress
State
Taxes from Construction $5,231,000 $5,078,000 $4,514,000 $9,145,000 $9,591,000 $33,559,000
Taxes from Operations $10,785,000 $20,153,000 $24,233,000 $29,638,000 $39,210,000 $124,019,000
Property Tax Capacity still in progress
Phase 2-4
MAYO CLINIC
N
Source: Olmsted County Assessor Office
52
14
14
Value per Acre
5 Years of DMC
Tax Value: $0.828 Billion
Tax Value: $1.813 Billion
2.2x
52
14
14
Tax Capacity: $16 Million
Tax Capacity: $21 Million
1.4x
2015 2020
DRAFT
CITY $81M
47
50 DRAFT DRAFT 51
JOBS ON
SITE: 0
ANNUAL
PROPERTY
TAXES:
$68,000
BEFORE + AFTER TAX CAPACITY
OF SAMPLE DMC PROJECTS
BEFORE AFTER
One Discovery Square
JOBS ON
SITE: 325
ANNUAL
PROPERTY
TAXES: $17,000
ANNUAL
PROPERTY
TAXES: $1,356,000
ANNUAL
PROPERTY
TAXES:
$485,000
ANNUAL
PROPERTY
TAXES:
$135,000
ANNUAL
PROPERTY
TAXES:
$1,250,000
One Discovery Square
JOBS ON
SITE: <25
JOBS
ON SITE:
200-250
RESIDENTIAL
UNITS : <10
RESIDENTIAL
UNITS: 277
Post Bulletin
Hilton Hilton
Berkman Apartments Berkman Apartments
DRAFTDRAFT
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52 DRAFT DRAFT 53
GOAL 5:
Achieve the highest
quality patient, visitor,
and community
member experience,
now and in the future.
What is the goal?
This goal is the most qualitative of the five goals established in the DMC
Development Plan. It is at the heart of the entire DMC initiative as it pertains
to how downtown Rochester will become a world-class destination that
also remains true to its own community. This goal is closely tied to the
previous four goals of sound planning that attracts investment, create jobs
and generates tax revenue for the City, County and State and place the DMC
project in good standing to create a destination experience. However, the
goal’s fulfillment will require development of future strategies and programs.
Why does it matter?
Initial research conducted before the DMC initiative launch revealed an
opportunity gap that necessitated improving the quality of the downtown
experience for visitors and community members. In 2011, DMC learned that
community members were willing to venture downtown for activities and
events, although, they viewed downtown primarily as a work and medical
environment that shut down at night. Additionally, research revealed that
community members were traveling just as often to the Twin Cities for activities
and entertainment. It was apparent that visitors and community members were
seeking greater energy, vibrancy and offerings in the downtown core.
Research also showed that patients spent approximately 30 percent of their
time inside Mayo Clinic and 70 percent in the community during their visits.
Patients did not differentiate time spent between clinic visits and their downtown
experiences. Patients and their companions desired social interaction. Research
also showed that patients wanted recommendations for where to eat or purchase
necessities.
Additional key findings:
+Only 42 percent of residents said Rochester is a fun place to live.
+Only 36 percent said they had confidence finding something fun and
entertaining downtown.
+Overall, perceptions of Mayo Clinic and Rochester are positive;
however, only 45 percent of patients, companions, and visitors said they
were “very satisfied” with Rochester in terms of the variety of activities
offered.
+Roughly 54 percent of patients and companions and 45 percent of other
visitors said they had confidence in finding something enjoyable to do
downtown.
From an economic perspective, improving the diversity of retail and
entertainment options, coupled with places to live downtown and a vibrant
streetscape will pay dividends by capturing additional spending from visitors
and community members. Both audience segments indicated a preference for
spending more time downtown.
[Source: DMC Qualitative Research/Northwestern University - 5/2011 and Directions
Research, Inc 2011]
DRAFTDRAFT
49
54 DRAFT DRAFT 55
Phase 1 results (2015-2019)
There were three key areas of focus for DMC EDA's work
around achieving the highest quality patient, visitor, and
community member experience in Phase 1:
1. Experience framework;
2. Physical design of public spaces; and
3. Developing new tools in collaboration with other
community partners.
Experience Framework:
A series of workshops hosted with community partners
including the Rochester Downtown Alliance, Experience
Rochester, Mayo Clinic Patient Experience, and the City of
Rochester were conducted to develop the DMC Experience
Framework.
The group created a new tool to map emotional targets with
the aim of connecting to the hearts and minds of patients,
visitors and community members either living, working or
visiting downtown. The framework served as a tool for DMC
and community stakeholders to use when anticipating and
responding to experiential needs in the DMC District.
Additional work during Phase 1 also included development
of a strategy to target patients and their companions. The
research was conducted through a process methodology
called Journey Mapping, which aimed to better understand
the stresses that patients and companions experience while in
Rochester for medical visits. Previous research (as mentioned
above) showed that patients and their companions spend
approximately 70 percent of their time in the community
while visiting Mayo Clinic.
Based on understanding the patient’s lived experience,
three key areas of focus were prioritized:
+Arrival to Rochester;
+The shift from clinical care to free time; and
+End of day decisions around evening activities.
Community partners working with DMC EDA are piloting
experience strategies by first applying the Experience
Framework across the three parts of visitor and companion
journeys. The goal is to ease stress and improve the stay
experience.
Physical Design
+Heart of the City public realm
+Bike lanes
+Discovery Walk public realm
+Mobility planning
Tools/Programs
When in Rochester App
The App was developed in collaboration with DMC EDA,
Experience Rochester and Mayo Clinic in response to patient,
visitor and community member research. Building self-
confidence and easy to access digital tools were identified as
priority needs. A calendar of activities, map function, access
to Mayo Clinic, patient concierge and travel services, in
addition to food, dining, and shopping are included.
RDA Ambassador Program
A team of ambassadors, each with their own focus on
cleaning, safety and hospitality, is creating a downtown
environment that is clean, safe and welcoming every day
of the year.
What was learned?
+Additional research contributes to a better understanding of
community member experiences in the DMC District.
+Research has been conducted by several partner agencies;
research needs will be combined with partners to improve
understanding of community experience.
+A framework needs to be established for evaluating
experience over the remaining 15 years of DMC Plan
implementation.
What’s next?
Research has been conducted by several partner agencies,
primarily by the Rochester Downtown Alliance as part of
the programming it offers throughout the year. DMC EDA
will continue to collaborate to identify needs in public realm
design and programming to improve resident and downtown
workforce experiences.
Looking ahead, the opportunity is to better understand key
experience areas shared by visitors and residents. Identifying
and building programming that addresses key needs will
result in their satisfaction and DMC’s success.
Another factor impacting the experience goal is that while
there was impressive private development in Phase 1, there
also was significant planning for new public realm areas
and new mobility systems. Now in Phase 2, construction
and implementation are well underway and of significant
community benefit to the downtown experience. When
completed, assessing both projects from the perspective of
excitement and impact on the user experience will need to be
conducted. Evaluating these projects to better understand and
inform future project planning will be essential.
To complete research and its application requires
collaboration across public and private agencies. To date,
strong partnerships have been developed among the City of
Rochester, Mayo Clinic, the Rochester Downtown Alliance
and Experience Rochester for the purpose of data sharing.
During Phase 2, data will again inform and improve the
downtown user experience. Partnerships will continue to be
leveraged and enhanced with the addition of new members in
order to realize the project’s ambitious goals.
Example of journey map for a patient visiting Mayo Clinic
St
r
e
s
s
l
e
v
e
l
s
DRAFTDRAFT
TJ Turner
50
56 DRAFT DRAFT 57
Looking Forward
DMC work is organized around four
implementation areas: private development,
mobility, public realm and streets and sewers.
The following section is a roadmap to the many
projects underway in each of these areas. DRAFTDRAFT
The City of Rochester
welcomed rentable, electric
Lime scooters to the area
in 2019, providing another
transportation alternative
for the community.
51
58 DRAFT DRAFT 59
T he DMC Initiative is structured
as a public-private partnership
with balanced responsibilities
and powers between the primary
stakeholders. This is an overview of the
roles and responsibilities of the various
entities and discussion of the framework
guiding DMC into Phase 2.
Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC)
+Governance and Finance: A public
non-profit corporation established
to oversee the implementation of
the DMC Initiative. Governed by an
8-person board, the DMCC includes
representation from the State,
Olmsted County, City of Rochester,
and Mayo Clinic. The DMCC has
review and approval authority over
the DMC Development Plan, projects
and funding requests within the DMC
Development District.
+Implementation: Project oversight for
compliance with intent of the DMC
Act and goals and objectives of the
DMC Initiative. Implements, reviews
and facilitates projects in accordance
with the DMC Act. Establishes
strategies and funding priorities.
Approves annual operating budgets,
capital improvements plans, project
and funding requests. With the City,
provides reporting to State agencies.
State of Minnesota
+Governance and Finance: Provides
funding to Public Infrastructure
Projects (including General State
Infrastructure Aid and State Transit
Aid) in accordance with the terms
and conditions of the DMC Act. The
State also provides oversight to the
DMC Initiative through reporting
which is made to the Governor,
State Legislature, Department
of Employment and Economic
Development (DEED) and other state
agencies on an annual basis. The State
DMC
Structure
participates in decisions of the DMC
through its representation on the
DMCC Board (4 of 8 seats, appointed
by the Governor following approval by
the State Senate).
+Implementation: Oversight through
reporting and certification of private
investments. Ongoing funding of
Public Infrastructure Projects in
accordance with the DMC Act.
Mayo Clinic
+Governance and Finance: A
primary driver of private investment,
employment and visitation in the
market. Mayo Clinic participates
in decisions of the DMC through
its representation on the DMCC
Board (1 of 8 seats). Mayo Clinic also
appoints the Board of Directors of the
Economic Development Agency.
+Implementation: A primary driver of
ongoing investment and growth.
City of Rochester
+Governance and Finance: Provides
local matching funds to Public
Infrastructure Projects in accordance
with the DMC Act and Project
Agreements. The City acts as fiscal
agent for the DMC Initiative. The
City participates in decisions of the
DMC through its representation on
the DMCC Board (2 of 8 seats, one
each appointed by the Mayor and
City Council). The City Council also
has separate approval rights over the
DMC Development Plan, projects and
funding requests.
+Implementation: Identifies City
public works projects in Development
District for consideration/approval of
the DMCC Board and City Council.
With the DMC EDA, identifies/
facilitates local tax increment
financing and tax abatement
requests by private developers for
consideration/approval. Approves
projects and funding requests.
Oversees construction of City public
works projects. Ongoing operations
and maintenance of City projects.
Olmsted County
+Governance and Finance: Provides
local matching funds to transit-related
Public Infrastructure Projects in
accordance with the DMC Act. The
County participates in decisions of
the DMC through its representation
on the DMCC Board (1 of 8 seats,
appointed by County Board of
Commissioners).
+Implementation: Identifies County
public works projects in Development
District for consideration/approval of
the DMCC Board and City Council.
Oversees construction of County
public works projects. Ongoing
operations and maintenance of
County projects.
DMC Economic Development Agency (DMC EDA)
+Governance and Finance: A private
non-profit economic development
corporation, responsible for managing
the Development Plan process and
implementing the approved strategies
over time. The EDA does not have
approval rights over the Development
Plan, projects or funding requests.
+Implementation: Recommends
strategic priorities and facilitates
economic development projects
in each phase. With the City
administrative staff, identifies/
facilitates local tax increment
financing and tax abatement
requests by private developers for
consideration/approval. Facilitates
the development, implementation
and marketing of the DMC Initiative,
all in accordance with the strategies
incorporated in the approved
Development Plan, the DMC Act,
Project Agreements and the annual
operating budget as approved by the
DMCC Board and City.
DRAFTDRAFT
52
60 DRAFT DRAFT 61
+Development Planning and
Promotion, including:
• Drafting and implementing the
development plan, including
soliciting and evaluating
proposals for development
and evaluating and making
recommendations to the
DMCC and the City regarding
those proposals
• Seeking financial support
for the DMCC, the City, and
projects
• Partnering with other
development agencies and
organizations, the city, and
the county in joint efforts
to promote economic
development and establish a
destination medical center
• Supporting and administering
the planning and development
activities required to implement
the development plan
+Development Services,
including:
• Developing and updating the
criteria for evaluating and
underwriting development
proposals
• Providing transactional services
in connection with approved
projects
• Working with the corporation
to acquire and facilitate the
sale, lease, or other transactions
involving land and real
property
• Assisting the DMCC or City
and others in applications for
federal grants, tax credits, and
other sources of funding to
aid both private and public
development
+Marketing, Outreach, and
Communications, including:
• Facilitating private investment
through development of a
comprehensive marketing
program to global interests
• Developing patient, visitor, and
community outreach programs
• Preparing and supporting the
marketing and promotion of
DMC
• Preparing and implementing
a program for community and
public relations
CITY OF ROCHESTER AND DMC
EDA COLLABORATION
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DMC EDA
In cooperation with the City of
Rochester, the positions outlined below
were added in 2018 to specifically
support the implementation and
oversight of DMC projects period and
are funded using DMC dollars that are
credited toward the $128 million that the
City of Rochester will be contributing to
the overall DMC initiative.
A Project Assistant role was created
in addition to the following Project
Manager positions:
Collaboration
Leadership Team
Finance
Economic
Development
Transportation,
Infrastructure,
and Planning
Communications
Housing Tr ansit/
Parking
The DMC legislation identified several key responsibilities of the DMC EDA in
addition to its role as an advisory agency to the DMCC and City:
In order to operationalize necessary collaboration among City of Rochester and DMC EDA
teammates, the following collaboration teams were created. The structure of these teams
and relationships are outlined in the graphic below. These teams focus on seven key priority
areas of the DMC initiative including:
+Women and Minority-owned
Business Program and Legislative
Compliance Project Manager: This
position focuses on the targeted
business and workforce participation
goals of the DMC project and works to
improve outcomes and build capacity
in the City of Rochester.
+Transportation, Infrastructure and
Planning Project Managers (2):
These two positions focus on the
implementation of key objectives of
the DMC project, for example public
realm projects, key development
opportunities and opportunities to
build out the Rapid Transit system.
+Special Initiatives Project Manager:
This position focuses on the
implementation, grant applications,
and other priorities associated with
the creation of a Rapid Transit system.
DRAFTDRAFT
DMC EDA OUTREACH 2019
Team Adapt-a-
Cart, winners
of the open
division of the
inaugural DMC
Assistive Tech
Challenge.
53
62 DRAFT DRAFT 63
Looking Ahead
Public and private sector investment
in the DMC District are transforming
downtown Rochester. Private sector
expansion anchored by growth at Mayo
Clinic and changing roles for the City of
Rochester (the City), Olmsted County,
and the University of Minnesota are
reshaping the marketplace and experience
of downtown. The public and private
partners of DMC are in a process of
realizing this significant opportunity.
As described, the needs of the DMC
initiative change over time. DMC EDA
and its partners require an operational
model that can adapt to evolving goals
in a nimble fashion. This is especially
important as the work of the DMC
EDA and the DMC Initiative evolves
from a focus on planning in Phase 1 to
implementation of public realm and
mobility projects in Phase 2.
Policy Framework for Phase 2; Anticipated Use of DMC Funds
Destination Medical Center
Corporation (DMCC) is responsible for
directing the use of $585 million in state,
county, and city resources, in accordance
with state law. As a steward of these
funds, it is guided by goals reflected in the
2015 DMC Development Plan, evolving
market conditions, and community values
and priorities.
During the first phase, the DMCC
authorized the use of $98 million. A
significant portion of those funds
went toward supporting the public
infrastructure associated with private
development and the costs associated
with creating the development plan itself.
Entering Phase 2, DMCC remains
committed to stimulating continued
private development, emphasizing
investment that supports diversification
of the economy. Additionally, during
this phase, there will be an emphasis on
executing on public infrastructure that
was conceptualized and designed in Phase
1, specifically in the areas of Mobility and
Public Realm.
ACTUAL USES 2015-2019
$98M in public money was committed
to these five areas
29%
PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT
22%
MOBILITY
21%
PLANNING AND
IMPLEMENTATION
18%
STREETS / SEWERS
10%
PUBLIC REALM
PHASE 2 (2020-
2024) PRIORITIES:
+ Transformative Private Development:
Focus on developments that diversify or
support diversification ofconomy (e.g.,
Discovery Square, Food Economy, Main
Street Retail, Housing Affordability);
+ Mobility Program: Accelerate
transportation program consistent with
adopted Integrated Transit Studies;
+ Public Realm: Create extraordinary
public space at the heart of every sub-
district, that forms the connective tissue
of people oriented, walkable, accessible
green space.
Based on the formula in state
legislation, it is anticipated that $200
million +/-, will be available in Phase 2.
The table below sets out a framework for
the use of DMC funds during Phase 2.
When compared to Phase 1, significant
increases in mobility and public realm
expenses are offset by a reduction in
program and operations. This framework
will serve as a guide to assist in the annual
CIP budgeting process and in decision-
making surrounding private development
proposals.DRAFTDRAFT
Flats on 4th, a residential and commercial building
in the Downtown Waterfront sub-district.
Illustration of Discovery Walk, a five-block, linear parkway
extending from Heart of the City to Soldiers Field Park.
Phase 1 Actual
2015-2019
Phase 2 Proposed
2020-2024
Mobility $21.5M (22%)$60-75 million (30-37.5%)
Public Realm $9.8M (10%)$35-50 million (17.5-25%)
Streets / Sewers $17.3M (18%)$35-50 million (17.5-25%)
Private Development $28.9M (29%)$20-45 (10-22.5%)
Operations $20.7M (21%)$15-20 million (7.5-10%)
Total $98.5M $200 million +/-
Public Investment in the DMC District
54
64 DRAFT DRAFT 65
In the U.S., almost all homes, offices,
hotels, restaurants, retail and enter-
tainment venues are built by private
developers. In the context of the DMC
Development Plan, private development
falls into two main categories:
1. Investments by Mayo Clinic
for renovating or building new
facilities in Rochester; and
2. Investments by other private
investors and developers to
build apartments, offices,
hotels and RD&E (Retail, Dining
and Entertainment) places,
often within a mixed-use
project. This means a single
building may contain two or
more of the aforementioned
uses — such as an apartment
building with retail on the
ground floor.
The decision of what is allowed to be
built in the DMC District is governed by
Rochester’s zoning code, which controls
the land use map for the DMC District.
The timing and amount of development
that occurs is shaped by the infrastructur-
al investments made by the State, County,
City and DMC and is driven by market
demand. Without demand from the mar-
ket (i.e. people who want to live/work/
learn/play/shop/invest in a given area), no
private development occurs. Infrastruc-
tural investments like sewer capacity, bike
lanes, roads, parks, etc. lay the ground-
work for private investments to follow,
as explained in the previous section.
This relationship between infrastructural
investments and private development is at
the foundation of the DMC Act.
A best practices benchmark for public
spending and private investment in a
given area is approximately 10:1, which is
captured in one of the goals of the DMC
project. For this goal, the $585 million of
public money is meant to attract approx-
imately $5.6 billion of private investment
over 20 years. Mayo Clinic has commit-
ted $3.5 billion of investment over 20
years, and DMC in collaboration with its
partners is meant to attract $2.1 billion in
additional private investment.
Transformative
Private Development
CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND
DRAFTDRAFT
The Berkman, a
13-story mixed-
used development
in the Saint Marys
sub-district.
Renovation to the Wells Fargo Center includes a
glass addition to the lobby and an expansive interior
connecting the subway, street and skyway levels. 55
66 DRAFT DRAFT 67
DMC PLAN PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTIONS
In the DMC Development Plan, space type and area projections are included that establish five-year
milestones for the project. These targets were based on market demand studies conducted during
development of the plan in 2013-15. Based on the studies for Phase 1 development, targets for
healthcare practice, research, education, hotel rooms, retail, and residential units were created.
Program Comparison Mayo Clinic
Investments + DMC Major Projects
Phase 1
Actual
Phase 1
Orginal Plan
Phase 1
Difference
20-Year Plan
Remaining
% of Total Plan
Completed Phase 1
Property Type Unit
Practice (Mayo Clinic)
Research (Mayo Clinic
+ Non-Mayo Clinic)
Research (Mayo Clinic)
Research (Non-
Mayo Clinic)
Education (Mayo Clinic
+ Non-Mayo Clinic)
Hotel
Office
Retail
Residential
Market studies predicted significant
activity in the development of additional
healthcare space in the DMC District.
This development is primarily focused
on the renovation and construction
of new space to support Mayo Clinic’s
practice and is captured in the Investment
figures Mayo Clinic reports annually.
Further, market studies forecasted the
development of research space in the
area of biomedical technology, which is
embodied by the vision for Discovery
Square, a sub-district for innovation of
healthcare that diversifies Rochester’s
economy while building on the success of
its biggest asset, Mayo Clinic.
As shown in the table, the DMC
initiative outperformed its Phase 1, five-
year projections in most categories. The
Phase 1 category highlights the difference
between the actual performance in
the first five years to plan projections.
Significant activity occurred in the areas
of healthcare, research, office, retail and
residential.
DMC Development Plan market studies
show that the first phase identified the
opportunity to develop 760 hotel rooms;
only 280 were completed during Phase 1.
Additional hotel development (605 hotel
Another primary need for a destination
medical center is the development of
additional hotel space. In the market
demand studies, 760 hotel rooms were
identified to be developed between
2015-2020. The original plan identified
hotels as a key element of infrastructure
needed for long-term success of the DMC
District.
Finally, the market studies identified
demand opportunities for 450 units of
residential and accompanying retail. The
new park plans, transit system, trailways,
redesigned streets, and new or renovated
buildings with street level retail and
entertainment options would improve the
rooms) is currently under construction
and slated to open in 2020 and 2021. In
addition, another 505 residential units are
currently under construction and so will
be complete in 2022.
As outlined previously in
this document, actual Phase
1 construction investments
were nearly $1 billion; $127
million (15%) greater than
plan for Phase 1, and 17%
of the 20-year DMC Plan
investment goals ($5.6BN).
downtown experience. This establishes
a soughtafter living experience, furthers
the recruitment and retention of Mayo
Clinic employees and supports nearby
housing options for new employees in the
burgeoning biomedical technology sector
in Discovery Square.
Overall, based on the first five years
of private development, the DMC
District is well-positioned for the next
five years. Mayo Clinic demonstrated
its commitment, and DMC EDA and its
partners were able to attract and secure
private development to meet and surpass
original project targets.
It is anticipated that the COVID-19
pandemic will impact the private
development market. These impacts are
discussed later in this section.
PHASE 1 PROGRESS
(2015-2019)
The table demonstrates private development progress toward the market demand projections
outlined in the previous section.
SF 497,000180,000 +317,000 523,000 49%
SF 4,0000 +4,000 350,000 1%
SF 2,381,0001,200,000 +1,818,000 4,419,000 35%
SF
260760 -500 1,120 19%
SF 82,00050,000 +32,000 238,000 26%
SF 80,000----
SF 417,000----
Rooms
80,0000 +80,000 230,000 26%
Units 460450 +10 2,390 16%DRAFTMortenson/RSP ArchitectsDRAFTDiscovery Square 2 will build on the success of One Discovery
Square as a life science, innovation and technology hub.
56
68 DRAFT DRAFT 69
SUSTAINABILITY AND EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS
Given the sustainability goals stated in the DMC Development Plan, many of which focus on reducing
resource consumption across the district over the course of 20 years, it is critical to identify and
implement strategies to reduce the impact of new development in the downtown core. To accomplish
this, DMC created two strategies.
1. DMC District Design
Guidelines document
This planning framework identified
strategies for private development
projects that would establish a
coordinated and sustainable design
approach for buildings, streetscape,
neighborhood adjacencies, public realm
concepts and other building design
considerations.
These strategies were used throughout
Phase 1 to evaluate private development
project applications and to ensure that
similar project approaches and standards
applied to development projects across
the District. This holistic guide set a
baseline for sustainability concepts that
aligned with the vision for the DMC
Initiative.
Workforce and Targeted Business Categories
Women Construction Participation
Women Professional Services Participation
Minority Construction Participation
Minority Professional Services Participation
Targeted Business: Construction
Targeted Business: Professional Services
6%3.6%
6%32.8%
4%15.2%
4%6.5%
4%7.2%
4%5.12%
2015 Goal Performance
(2017 - 2020)
2. DMC Sustainability
Requirements
Projects receiving DMC infrastructure
funding are required to incorporate key
sustainability goals as follows:
+Energy Use Index target from project’s
inception
• Must be 20% below energy code
+75% diversion rate for construction
waste
+35% water reduction from baseline
+50% irrigation reduction from baseline
+Alternative Transportation elements
like bike parking, EV readiness
+Third-Party Certification
+Energy Benchmarking after project
completion
In order to achieve DMC’s
sustainability targets, the building
Targeted business and workforce
participation goals used either reported
employee hours or contract amounts
as measurement. The DMC initiative
through its first phase outperformed most
targets except for the participation of
women construction workers on projects
underway in 2015-2019. As a result of
this performance, the City of Rochester
and DMC EDA updated the minority
and women enterprise and workforce
participation goals in 2020.
One lesson learned during Phase 1 is the
small amount of local Rochester firms
that are women or minority-owned as an
additional consideration in addition to
contractors that employ people of color
and women. Looking ahead, staff leading
this effort will continue to focus on
building capacity and workforce pipelines
in Rochester to promote the use of local
firms whenever possible.
goals are focused on energy and water
efficiency, waste minimization, sustainable
transportation approaches, design
certification and operational performance.
Collectively, these goals ensure a
holistic approach for sustainable design,
construction and operation that ensure
new development aligns with the 20-year
environmental targets of the DMC project.
Another priority establishes equitable
workforce outcomes for projects receiving
DMC funds. To achieve this priority, the
City of Rochester set targeted business
goals and workforce participation goals
for minorities and women. The targets
established at the beginning of Phase 1,
combined with current results, are included
in the table to the right. DRAFT DRAFT
High-efficiency HVAC system in the Berkman in downtown Rochester, one of many sustainability
features that earned the building Silver LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.
A flexible
pedestrian
walkway
accommodates
foot traffic
through the
Heart of the City
construction
project.
57
70 DRAFT DRAFT 71
MAJOR PROJECTS FOR PHASE 2
Major projects are in the pipeline for
Phase 2 of the DMC Development Plan
(2020-2024). As a result of the transit-
oriented development work to advance
the rapid transit circulator, significant
market demand projection work was
conducted to establish updated private
development metrics for the remainder of
the DMC initiative from 2020 – 2035.
Also, in 2018 and 2020 DMC EDA
and City of Rochester commissioned
market demand studies to inform and
refine their approach to recruiting private
development. Both analyses underscored
the importance of doubling down on
efforts in Discovery Square and the
development of a biomedical technology
sector.
In 2020-2024, work will continue
to build a second privately-developed
research facility in Discovery Square,
building off the success of One Discovery
Square, which opened in 2019. This
second facility is projected to be 120,000
square feet and will continue to recruit
medical technology firms of varying
sizes to work alongside Mayo Clinic
researchers to develop the next century’s
medical innovations.
A second opportunity for private
development is workforce housing.
Housing development in Phase 1
occurred in two primary rent ranges –
market rate and units that are rented at
60% area median income (60% AMI).
While the Rochester market created
nearly one thousand affordable housing
units in five years, the activity only
served a portion of the community,
leaving significant unmet gaps in other
income ranges. Looking ahead to Phase
2, noteworthy opportunities include
establishing residential units at varying
income levels and bringing ownership
opportunities to the downtown in the
form of condominiums and townhomes.
A third opportunity for the private
development in Phase 2 concerns the
public realm and conceptual development
planning for the Downtown Waterfront
and Saint Marys public realm projects.
This approach is aligned with the DMC
vision of creating a signature public
realm for each sub-district. Looking
ahead, similar to the success realized in
Heart of the City and Discovery Square,
this conceptual public realm planning
will help to establish a vision for these
districts that private investment can rally
around.
Finally, economic market demand
projections were established in order to
prepare an application for federal transit
support of the rapid transit solution
in downtown. As a result of this work,
updated market demand projections for
the next 15 years were established. These
development targets are captured in the
table.
COVID-19 CONSIDERATION AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS
There are several ways that the
COVID-19 pandemic could impact
private development activity within the
DMC District over the next five years:
+Willingness or ability of investors
to advance projects in an uncertain
economy;
+The impact of the pandemic on
specific sectors;
+Societal inequities exposed or
exacerbated by the pandemic; and
+Construction worker safety.
Private Market
Thus far, private developer interest
remains strong in Rochester. Current
projects under construction are expected
to be completed, and DMC EDA and
City of Rochester are working through
approvals for potential new projects for
the district.
There are sectors of the Rochester
community that include hotels, Mayo
Civic Center and the Rochester
International Airport that have been
severely impacted by the pandemic and
resultant travel restrictions. The long-
term impact on the hotel sector remains
to be seen and will likely be dictated
by travel to Rochester and the ability
to conduct conventions and sporting
events. At the direction of the DMCC
board, DMC EDA commissioned an
economic analysis scenario study to
better understand the current and
possible future impacts of the COVID-19
pandemic on Rochester’s economy.
Changing Cities
As a result of the stay-at-home order
and social distancing requirements
associated with limiting the transmission
of COVID-19, work has shifted from
the workplace to remote work where
possible. This has changed the vibrancy
of downtowns across the country, and
Rochester is no different.
Looking ahead, private development
targets may need to adapt to changes
in the office market, where additional
downtown space could become available
in the existing building stock. Further,
living preferences of community
members and new community members
could shift over the long-term as a result
of the pandemic and its impact on civic
life, community events, and availability
of downtown retail and entertainment
options.
Community Impact
COVID-19 stymied activity in the
service industry, impacting its workers
and its ties to affordable housing, reliable
transit and opportunity. The federal
government responded with several
directives including a temporary worker
stipend and eviction moratorium. While
these measures helped lessen the blow to
vulnerable communities, these measures
were initially set up to be temporary in
nature. Communities continue to struggle
with limited transit service; opportunities
for other employment are scarce. Looking
ahead, a focus on developing workforce
housing and reliable transit service
will serve the DMC initiative and City
of Rochester well as solutions to build
resiliency in the community and enhance
its ability to weather significant shocks to
its environment.
Construction Industry
Finally, as outlined in other sections,
the pandemic could impact the
availability of construction workers
and project schedules. Moving forward,
protocols established by contractors and
the broader construction industry need
to be followed in order to minimize
the pandemic’s impact to construction
worker health and continue progress on
current and future development projects.
Refer to pages 22-25 for further
discussion of COVD-19 economic
impact.
(2020-2024)
Project Name Completion
Date Total SF Total Project Cost Construction Type
Primary
Use
Hotel Indigo (former Holiday Inn) 2020
86,000
(180 rooms)$10,500,000 Full building reno -
retain use Hotel
Urban on First (The Maven)2020 239,000
(155 units)$30,810,000 New Construction Residential
Berkman (Alatus)2020 524,000
(350 units)$85,000,000 New Construction Residential
Eleven02 2021 170,000
(250 rooms)$4,160,000 New Construction Hotel
Hyatt House 2021 179,00
(175 rooms)$6,940,000 New Construction Hotel
Total DMC
Planned (2015-
2035)
Phase 1 Buildout
2015-2019 (Actual)
Phase 2
Under
Construction
Phase 2 Additional
Projected Real Estate
Growth
Remaining
Phases 2025-
2035
Practice (Mayo Clinic)6,800,000 SF 2,381,000 SF TBD TBD 4,419,000
Research (Mayo Clinic)340,000 SF 417,000 SF TBD TBD 0
Research (Non-Mayo)680,000 SF 82,000 SF 125,000 SF 0 SF 475,000 SF
Office 310,000 SF 80,000 SF 0 SF 0 SF 230,000 SF
Hotel 1,380 Rooms 260 Rooms 605 Rooms 0 Rooms 515 Rooms
Residential 2,850 Units 460 Units 505 Units 160-360 Units 1,625 Units
Retail-Dining-Entertainment 320,000 SF 82,000 SF 36,884 SF 0 SF 201,116 SF
DRAFTDRAFT
58
72 DRAFT DRAFT 73
What do we mean when we say
mobility? In the 2015 DMC
Development Plan, nearly
one-third of its content was devoted
to transportation, demonstrating how
critical this element is to the overall
DMC initiative. This five-year update
reflects on today’s understanding of
the plan’s goals, which means a shift in
language as we enter into Phase 2 to
better align with the DMC Development
Plan goals.
DMC’s approach to transportation
continues to evolve. Mobility
encompasses the gamut of transportation
options — increasingly including newer
options like shared cars, bikes, scooters,
and autonomous vehicles. But the larger
objective is to guarantee that people can
get to jobs, health appointments, parks
or shopping whenever they want or need
to go — and that they are not deterred
by transportation reliability, affordability
or safety concerns.
Mobility equates to access. Simply
put, transportation is something we do;
mobility is something we have.
Peer studies show that the
catalyst for economic and
community activity is found
in quality urban streets that
are walkable, connected, and
served by high-quality transit.
Downtown districts in cities
rated as having a high quality
of life have in common a
high-quality downtown that
functions as the city’s cultural
and economic heart.
CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND
Mobility
DRAFTDRAFT
Tom Roster
59
74 DRAFT DRAFT 75
43%
[26,800]
30%
[18,750]
13%
[8,100]
14%
[8,750]
Transportation elements of the
2015 DMC Development Plan outline
investment concepts to
improve access to downtown Rochester
and improve circulation within
downtown for residents, workers, and
visitors on transit, foot, and bicycle.
These transportation principles were first
identified in the Rochester Downtown
Master Plan and reinforced by the DMC
Development Plan, and serve to inform
improvements to parking, transit, streets,
active transportation, wayfinding,
and regional commuter service. These
principles were developed into detailed
studies in the DMC Transportation &
Infrastructure Program Integrated Transit
Studies (ITS) prepared for DMCC and the
City of Rochester and issued on June 20,
2018.
The principles established to guide
future DMC mobility actions and
investment are:
+Making it easy, affordable, and
convenient for people to get to
downtown Rochester, whether they
are from Southeast Minnesota or
journeying from across the globe;
+Bringing 30 percent of the workforce
to downtown Rochester on transit by
2035;
+Creating a “park once” downtown
environment connected by a frequent
downtown circulator;
+Prioritizing and building shared
parking for economic development;
+Creating world-class streets designed
for people;
+Creating an exceptional place
for healthy, human-powered
transportation;
+Forming a downtown Rochester
Access Authority;
+Investing in sustainable transportation
COMMUTER MODE OF TRAVEL TODAY
35,250
Current total
number of
employee
commuters
62,400 = NUMBER OF
EMPLOYEE COMMUTERS
COMMUTER MODE OF TRAVEL: 2035 TARGET
infrastructure and programs that
reduce the city’s ecological footprint;
+Deploying DMC funding to leverage
public and private transportation
infrastructure funding; and
+Establishing and maintaining a
transportation network that is
accessible and inclusive to people of all
ages, abilities, and states of wellness.
The DMC Development Plan projected
that by 2040, downtown Rochester will
grow with significant increases in the
number of workers, visitors (including
medical patients and convention/event
traffic), and residents moving about the
district. With this growth in activity
will come significant growth in travel. If
current travel choices remain unchanged,
the level of downtown vehicle traffic is
expected to grow by over 60 percent,
resulting in significant peak period traffic
congestion and demand for over 16,000
additional parking spaces, which is over
50 percent above current parking supply.
While the COVID-19 pandemic
may impact projections, especially in
terms of the number of workers that
will come downtown, at this juncture
too much remains uncertain to issue a
re-calculation. The principles that shape
our mobility strategy remain in place,
as they established a flexible framework
for implementation that can adapt to
evolving conditions over time.
62,400
Total projected
number of
employee
commuters
DRAFTDRAFT
(2015-2019)
PHASE 1 PROGRESS
Tom Roster
Demonstration of the Easy Mile 12-passenger autonomous
vehicle on Peace Plaza in downtown Rochester.
71%
[25,000]
12%
[4,250]
10%
[3,500]
7%
[8,100]
60
76 DRAFT DRAFT 77
FROM VISION TO
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
T he purpose of each study was to refine work completed
in the 2015 DMC Development Plan visioning process
at a level of detail needed to generate public acceptance
of proposed solutions and support of project funding. Each
study examined the feasibility of proposed improvements in the
context of limited right of way availability, cost-effectiveness
of the proposed approach to delivering improvements, and the
degree of public acceptance for improvements.
The studies were conducted in an integrated framework in
order to assess how infrastructure improvements in each area
MAJOR PROJECTS FROM PHASE 1
(2015-2019)
Mobility Project
DMC 2015 Plan Vision and
Framework
High-level vision for
transportation in the
DMC District
dmc.mn/press-room/#devPlan
www.rochestermn.gov/
departments/public-
transportation/transit-
planning/tdp-background
RPT Transit
Development Plan Master Plan May 2015
2015
2018
Completed
in 2019
Completed
in 2019
Completed
in 2019
2016-Present
Five-year planning
document outlining
services and routes
ITS Framework for
Implementation
Integrated transit
plan for downtown
www.rochestermn.gov/departments/
public-works/dmc-related-transit studies
Parking
Ramp 6 Built Project
New parking ramp to
accommodate downtown
parking needs
www.rochestermn.gov/Home/Components
/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/379/1540
www.rochestermn.gov/
departments/public-works/
construction-projects/4th-
street-sw
4th Street
Reconstruction
Street
Improvement
Street reconfiguration
to include protected
bike lanes
www.rochestermn.gov/departments/
community-development/planning-
zoning/transit-oriented-development-
tod-and-infill-redevelopment-r2x
https://www.rochestermn.gov/
departments/community-development/
sustainability/micro-mobility
TOD Zoning /
R2x zoning
Micro-Mobility
Zoning
Policy Change
Pilot Project
Allowing for denser
development along transit
corridors and adjacent
neighborhoods
Bike share pilot program and
electric scooter pilot program
Type Date Issued Description Link
PREFERRED SOLUTIONS
AND STRATEGIES
The ITS transportation investment
framework reflects major changes
transpiring in Rochester over the next 20
years, including:
+Intense land use development in the
downtown area, with concentrated
employment growth particularly in
districts influenced by the presence
of Mayo Clinic;
+Rise of downtown as a dense residential
neighborhood;
+Increased demand for downtown
access; and
+Changing travel behavior, consumption
preferences, and essential living
infrastructure.
The ITS transportation investment
framework builds on and refines these key
tenants of the DMC Development Plan:
+A greater emphasis on land use
patterns that encourage short trips;
+An effort to make walking and
bicycling safe, comfortable, and
enjoyable;
+The opportunity for street networks
to be developed that effectively
balance the use of modes to optimize
movement of people over cars and
facilitate movement of goods;
+The expansion of transit systems
that link people to jobs, provide high
quality service throughout the day, and
are accessible to users of all ages and
abilities; and
+Accommodation for all users, including
those with mobility impairments,
disabilities, and other special needs,
and which enables residents and
visitors to be active, recreate, and
exercise outdoors while being part of a
vibrant neighborhood.
The ITS proceeds to outline preferred solutions and strategies in much greater detail
and are included in the Appendix. Following is the summary table of other planning and
implementation initiatives that occurred from 2015-2019 to advance DMC’s mobility goals:
would contribute to an overarching cohesive transportation
network. That network is planned with a variety of modes of
travel – car, transit, bike and on foot – that would accomplish
the goals identified in the DMC Development Plan.
Findings from the 2018 Integrated Transit Studies were jointly
considered across four areas of focus:
+Transit Circulator Study
+Street Use and Operations Study
+Parking and Travel Demand Management Study
+City Loop Study
DRAFT DRAFT
A bicyclist rides on protected bike
lanes that were added as part of the
4th Street Reconstruction project.
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78 DRAFT DRAFT 79
MAJOR PROJECTS FOR PHASE 2
(2020-2024)
Mobility Project
Rapid Transit
Circulator
West Transit Village
St. Marys
Transit Center
Electric bus
rapid transit route
Master Planning +
Development
Upgrade/reconstruction
4-mile route, high-
frequency bus rapid
transit amenity
13-acre transit-oriented
development
As part of the Rapid Transit
project, St. Marys transit
infrastructure will be upgraded
www.rochestermn.gov/departments/
administration/downtown-rochester-high-
amenity-circulator-rapid-transit-route
www.rochestermn.gov/departments/
administration/downtown-rochester-high-
amenity-circulator-rapid-transit-route/
rapid-transit
-
-
www.rochestermn.gov/home/
showdocument?id=27639City Loop Protected bike
lane network
Connected and protected bike lane
network through downtown core.
Link between existing trailways
Arrive
Rochester
Transportation
Management
Association
Program to develop and encourage
alternative commuting habits https://arrive.agilemile.com/
Unified
Development
Code
Building code
update
Update to land use and development
code that translates Comprehensive
Plan (2018) to actionable approach
www.rochestermn.gov/departments/
community-development/unified-
development-code-project
City Pedestrian and
Bike Master Plan
Micro-Mobility
Master
Planning Effort
Pilot Project
Update and coordinate
pedestrian and bike infrastructure
across City (including downtown)
E-bike share program and Hour
Car vehicle sharing program
pilots planned
North Broadway
Construction
Street
Reconstruction
Street project to update
lanes, pedestrian and
bike amenities
www.rochestermn.gov/home/
showdocument?id=9317
Electric Vehicle
Infrastructure
Vehicle charging
Network
Planning document for visitor and
resident vehicle charging -
Type Description Link
From Concept to Implementation
During Phase 2 of the DMC Development Plan, several initiatives will move forward. Below is a snapshot of major
mobility initiatives currently underway, in addition to the anticipated timeframe for their implementation.
During the first five years of project
planning, DMC and its collaborators
made sustainability a priority. DMC
took a triple bottom-line approach to
sustainability planning in order to balance
decision-making across three key areas:
natural environment, financial returns,
and social equity improvement.
The integrated transit planning
approach highlights ways to create a
resilient and equitable downtown by
encouraging a range of modes of travel.
These choices help address the different
needs of downtown workers, residents,
and visitors, ensuring that with more
options, the approach will be more
adaptive. With seasonal weather changes,
or as the traffic congestion accelerates
throughout the day, the plan recognizes
the importance of providing mobility
options that accommodate user needs.
The range of options is important,
as are their prevalence, placement and
cost. Going forward, sustainability and
equity must continue to be part of the
planning process in order to ensure the
transportation planning and mobility
options conserve natural resources and
are equitably distributed.
Planning efforts will carefully consider
how both Naturally Occurring Affordable
Housing (NOAH) and new affordable
housing will tie into mobility investments.
SUSTAINABILITY AND
EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS
COVID-19 CONSIDERATION
AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted mobility planning, approach and implementation
considerations. Three current observations pertaining to potential long-term impacts for
the health and well-being of commuters include:
1. Commuter Habits
In March 2020, many employees
working in downtown Rochester
transitioned from office-based to
remote work (typically from home) in
order to comply with social distancing
guidelines. As a result, a portion of
the existing downtown workforce
no longer needed to rely on mobility
options for work commutes.
As the pandemic continues,
a significant percentage of the
downtown workforce continues to
work from home or to work with
a staggered in-office schedule.
Therefore, projections pertaining to
commuters will need to be updated to
reflect the changing paradigm of the
modern workplace and the safety
of its workforce.
2. Cleanliness of
Mobility Options
The pandemic highlighted the
necessity for cleanliness of transit and
other mobility options. The public
is keenly aware of the importance
of clean surfaces and equipment.
Ultimately, the success of shared
mobility options will be predicated
on the community’s trust that public
transport options are safe.
Currently, technologies that
include UV lights are being used
in public transportation vehicles to
kill germs and ensure the safety of
riders. Practical approaches to ensure
commuter safety and technological
advancements will need to be
routinely reviewed and employed for
ongoing success.
3. Community Outdoor
Infrastructure Use
As a result of the pandemic and
social distancing protocols,
more community members
are home-based and have been
exploring the outdoors to relax,
exercise, or simply get some
fresh air. Several months into
the pandemic, use of Rochester's
trailways has increased dramatically.
As cases of COVID-19 subside,
the trend for outdoor activity, and
specifically the usage of pedestrian
and bike infrastructure in
downtown and throughout the rest
of the city will need monitoring to
inform future planning efforts.
MNDOT CAV
prototyping Pilot Project
Year-round collaboration with
the State of Minnesota to test
autonomous vehicle technology
www.dot.state.mn.us/automated/docs/
rochester-av-shuttle.pdf
DRAFTDRAFT
https://www.rochestermn.gov/
departments/community-development/
sustainability/micro-mobility
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80 DRAFT DRAFT 81
Public realm is our civic commons.
Generally, it means outdoor space
within cities and towns that is
accessible to the general public – that
includes sidewalks, streets, parks,
plazas and other shared places. It is
the connective tissue of a city. The
DMC District public realm aims to be
walkable, green,
people-oriented and accessible.
Public space, public realm, and
placemaking are interrelated; their
development, use and ultimate success
is largely tied to input from the
community as it relates to design and
program elements that invite activity
and use.
The first Guiding Principle of the 2015
DMC Development Plan emphasizes the
central role that public realm plays in
the vision for the DMC District (DMC
Development Plan, Section 1, p 6):
“The DMC Initiative sets
forth a plan to transform the
epicenter of Rochester…into a
vibrant urban center and one
of America’s model cities. This
is accomplished by creating
a vision for an integrated
downtown, unified by six
sub-districts that are [each]
anchored by unique places
designed to create experiences
to attract and retain residents,
visitors, employees and
investors to the community.
This is a place for Rochester;
it is envisioned by its citizens.
It reflects the principles, ideas
and culture unique to this
community.”
To fulfill this direction, compelling
visions for public space were
developed. Further detail on their
progress and next steps are outlined in
the following sections.
Public Realm
CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND
DRAFTDRAFT
Alpha Digital
Testing winter activities in
underused public spaces at
the annual SocialICE event.
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PHASE 1 PROGRESS
(2015-2019)
Since adoption of the DMC
Development Plan, the DMCC
Board reinforced strategic priority
areas to be developed by the
Project. For Phase 1 of the project
(2015-2019) the Heart of the
City and Discovery Square sub-
districts were among the first set
of priority public realm projects,
though progress has been made
on additional projects as well.
HEART OF THE CITY
In the Heart of the City sub-district,
public realm planning began early in
Phase 1. To help inform early design
concepts, DMC Economic Development
Agency (EDA) partnered with several
organizations to lead a Prototyping
Festival (September 2016) that crowd-
sourced public realm planning ideas and
concepts from the community. Several
of the concepts have been incorporated
into the project’s final design. Beyond
the prototyping festival, City and DMC
partners led community working groups
to collaborate through conceptual
and schematic design processes. In
2018 and 2019, design documents and
construction documents were finalized
with participation once again from the
community and construction commenced
early in Phase 2 (April 2020).
CHATEAU THEATRE
During this same period, and with the
understanding that a robust arts presence
in downtown will further enhance its
vibrance, DMCC in partnership with
the City and Mayo Clinic purchased,
renovated and re-opened the historic
Chateau Theatre that is located in the
Heart of the City adjacent to the planned
public realm project. The community has
expressed considerable interest in the
revitalization of this building to further
leverage the public realm investment
and as an opportunity to amplify
programming offered by a range of
organizations.
DISCOVERY SQUARE
In the Discovery Square sub-district,
DMC EDA, City of Rochester, and a
range of community partners completed
a schematic design for Discovery Walk,
the signature public realm space for the
sub-district.
Discovery Walk is a five-block linear
parkway meant to connect the Heart of
the City public realm space to another
downtown park adjacent to the City’s
Soldiers Field Park, a multipurpose space
that houses a veteran’s memorial public
golf course, playground, playing fields
and community gathering space.
DMC EDA partnered with a range
of stakeholders, including the City of
Rochester, business community, non-
profits, Mayo Clinic and a group of
community co-designers (connectors
to under-represented communities) to
inform the conceptual approach for the
park. The success of the community co-
design process will continue to inform the
project through completion of its design
development. Additionally, regional
artists will assist with art integration
within Discovery Walk.
The DMCC Board approved the
advancement of the Discovery Walk
project into Design Development in the
very beginning of Phase 2 (2020).
SAINT MARYS PLACE
In the Saint Marys sub-district, DMC
EDA and City of Rochester, in concert
with community partners, developed a
schematic design for the area surrounding
2nd Street SW and Mayo Clinic Saint
Marys Campus. This signature public
space is meant to transform the West
Second Street downtown experience
from a work environment to one that
also cultivates live and play opportunities
for employees, visitors, and community
residents. Community engagement
was critically important during the
development of this sub-district’s
conceptual plans.
Public Realm
Project
Heart of the
City – Phase 1 Design and financing
Signature public space project located in
the center of downtown. This project will
be completed in two phases, with the first
phase entering construction in 2020.
https://heartofthecity-dmc.
com/hoc-phase-1/
https://dmc.mn/discovery-
walk-a-place-of-connection/Discovery Walk Concept and
schematic design
Signature five-block linear park
extending from Heart of the City to
Soldiers Field Park. This project will
enter construction in 2021.
Saint Marys
Public Realm
Chateau Theatre
Concept design
City, with support
from DMC and Mayo
Clinic, purchased, did
interim renovation and
activation
Schematic design concepts for
signature public realm space in the
Saint Marys sub-district.
Restoration of beloved
community venue.
https://dmc.mn/wp-
content/uploads/2018/07/
DRAFT-St-Marys-Plan.pdf
http://www.rochestermn.
gov/departments/
administration/chateau-
theatre
Work done in Phase 1Description Link
In the development of conceptual
plans for public realm projects, the
design team comprised of members
from DMC EDA and City of Rochester
placed sustainability at the core of its
planning. For each design, the team
focused on opportunities to reduce
consumption of resources, such as water
and energy. Additionally, the team
worked to reduce waste impacts, identify
materials comprised of recycled or rapidly
renewable materials that are produced
locally, prioritize native fauna, and ensure
that each project reflected the visions put
forth by the community.
Regarding equity, DMC EDA and the
City of Rochester have piloted several
new ways to incorporate more equitable
practices into the project development
process.
In the Heart of the City Public
Realm design development, DMC
EDA commissioned a study to better
understand its community engagement
approach through an equity lens, which
identified several areas of opportunity
for improvement. This study informs the
team’s future direction.
Building on the Heart of the City
findings, an innovative new approach
was taken during the concept design
of Discovery Walk to ensure the
project reflected the diversity of the
community, inspired by first hearing
from a range of voices. This approach
is called a community co-design
process. Community members from
several historically under-represented
communities in Rochester were hired
to participate as members of the design
team, and were compensated for their
time and expertise, just as the architects,
planners and other hired professionals are
in the typical design process.
The outcome at the end of concept
design was an explanation of the design
elements, programmatic changes and
policy considerations that the City, DMC
and others project partners will use to
inform Discovery Walk’s design going
forward. The outcome of this process will
be to produce public spaces that should
better fulfill the DMC Development Plan’s
goal to create “a place for Rochester…
envisioned by its citizens. It reflects the
principles, ideas and culture unique
to this community.” Several of the
community co-designers will continue
to participate as part of the design
team throughout the entire design and
construction process in Phase 2.
The success of this initial approach
to planning will be replicated for future
projects and initiatives. Honoring and
financially compensating community
co-designers will continue to ensure
initiatives reflect the community’s
vision for highlighting and celebrating
its diversity while providing a pathway
to breaking down systems of structural
oppression and racial bias.
SUSTAINABILITY AND EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS
Add column to talk about timeframe + reduce text size
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MAJOR PROJECTS FOR PHASE 2
(2020-2024)
From Concept to Implementation
Planning and construction initiatives
in Phase 2 are underway that will be
developed over the course of the next
four years, from 2020 to 2024. The first
phase of Heart of the City construction
began in spring 2020 with completion
expected in 2021 of the eastern portion
of its public space. After renovation, the
historic Chateau Theatre has already
reopened as a multi-use venue.
Discovery Square plans are set to
carry the schematic level of design
of Discovery Walk through design
development and construction
documents with construction start
planned in 2021. Community residents
from underserved and historically
underrepresented communities will
continue to be engaged on the design
of the public space; stipends to cover the
cost of transportation and childcare will
be provided.
Tentative plans are in place for Saint
Marys sub-district toward the end of
Phase 2 to carry the conceptual work
through its later stages of design. This
work will likely be completed in concert
with the development of the Rapid
Transit Project, which is outlined further
in the Mobility section. Plans for this
transportation corridor will include
public realm space, thus ensuring that
the connective tissue of the station areas
located adjacent to neighborhoods will
contribute to design and recognition as
quality public realm.
Also in Phase 2, initial planning for the
Downtown Waterfront sub-district public
realm space will commence. Conceptual
plans will be developed to realize the
vision for creating a signature public
space that connects to other downtown
public spaces. The possibility exists to
connect development to historic 3rd
Street, a popular destination for visitors
and community residents, in addition to
connecting to other large private property
parcels within the sub-district along the
Zumbro River.
Since a signature public realm
component is called for within each of the
sub-districts, a strategic plan and timeline
for visioning the remaining two sub-
districts (Central Station and UMR and
Recreation Area) will also be developed
in Phase 2.
Public Realm Project
Heart of the
City – Phase 1
Construction
start April 2020;
anticipated
completion
summer 2021
Signature public space project located
in the center of downtown completed in
two phases, with the first phase entering
construction in 2020.
https://heartofthecity-dmc.com/
hoc-phase-1/
https://dmc.mn/wp-content/
uploads/2018/07/DRAFT-St-
Marys-Plan.pdf
Discovery Walk Construction start
in 2021
Signature five-block linear park extending
from Heart of the City to Soldiers Field Park.
This project will enter construction in 2021.
Saint Marys
Public Realm
Waterfront
Public Realm
Planning
Central Station
Public Realm
UMR /
Recreation
Public Realm
Rapid Transit
Public Realm
Design to be
coordinated with
Rapid Transit project
Design and Phase 1
construction by 2024
Kick off concept
design
Kick off concept
design
Station area design
and construction start
Schematic design concepts for
signature public realm space in
Saint Marys sub-district.
Signature public realm space within the
Downtown Waterfront sub-district. Aims to
increase activity around the river flowing
through downtown.
Initiate re-visioning for this sub-district
and potential public realm concepts.
Update overall sub-district plan and
potential public realm concepts.
Rapid transit public realm planning to
delineate station areas and transit route.
https://dmc.mn/wp-content/
uploads/2018/07/DRAFT-St-Marys-
Plan.pdf
https://downtownwater
frontsesmallareaplan.com
www.rochestermn.gov/
departments/administration/
downtown-rochester-high-amenity-
circulator-rapid-transit-route
Phase 2
Anticipated Work Description Link
COVID-19 CONSIDERATION AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS
The COVID-19 pandemic has
impacted the role and elevated the
importance of outdoor public space in
urban environments. Historically, public
realm spaces have offered inviting places
for a range of community activities - a
place of respite, a place to access nature
while in an urban environment, or a place
that welcomes community gathering
and activity. Public spaces have been
recognized for helping to address social
isolation and mental health, even though
people may not be interacting, seeing
others contributes to stress reduction.
Places of respite and access to nature
will grow in importance in a post-
pandemic world. As discussed in the
mobility section of this document, the
Rochester community continues to assess
the value and importance of trailways
and natural spaces as essential and
therapeutic. The design of Rochester’s
public spaces will need to adapt to
changing circumstances in order to
provide places with convenient access to
nature or to safely congregate in large or
small groups.
Considerations given for the use of
public space will largely be predicated on
perceived safety. Outdoor spaces must
address cleanliness. Additionally, the
space must provide for safe distancing
and the disinfection of surfaces in order
to provide for and ensure community
adoption and use. The Clean and Safe
Program created by the Rochester
Downtown Alliance is currently
underway, carried out by full-time
employees following safety protocols in
cleaning high touch point spaces and
places in downtown.
-
-DRAFT DRAFT
Crews work on the renovation
of Peace Plaza, part of the Heart
of the City public realm project.
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C ritical infrastructure investments
like street improvements,
stormwater, and sewer projects
facilitate subsequent vertical building
development. These public investments
in infrastructure are generational
investments, and in the case of the DMC
they support denser downtown private
development. This relationship between
public investments that fuel greater
private investment is at the core of the
DMC Development Plan financial model.
Streets and sewers are two different
project types that share a similar purpose:
to improve access and use. Within the
street typology section of the 2018
Integrated Transit Studies, there is an
approach to designing downtown streets
to better accommodate multiple mobility
modes.
In 2021, the results of this plan will be
integrated into a city-wide plan as the
City updates its Bicycle and Pedestrian
Master Plan. More details about street
improvements can also be found in the
documents referenced in the Mobility
section.
Most of the street and sewer projects
outlined in the 2015 DMC Development
Plan are early phase improvement
projects to support strategic growth
and advance quality of life. Within the
Development Plan, these projects fall into
four primary areas:
1. Stormwater mitigation
2. Sewer infrastructure
upgrades
3. Water main
infrastructure projects
4. Downtown street and
parking improvements
The water, sewer, and stormwater
projects are a combination of repair or
replacement of aging infrastructure (that
would be needed even without the DMC
Initiative) and expanding capacity to
support new development in the DMC
District. It is worth noting that the fiscal
efficiency of infrastructure investments in
downtown development is much higher
than lower density development patterns,
and therefore downtown development
helps support the variety of lower density
neighborhood types that are found within
Rochester. Further details on this can be
found in Appendix.
Streets &
Sewers
CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND
DRAFTDRAFT
Rochester Public Works
Rochester Public Works
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PHASE 1 PROGRESS
(2015-2019)
In the first five years of the DMC initiative, considerable progress was made on several infrastructure
projects to enable further downtown development. Projects that began planning and/or construction
between 2015-2019, are listed below.
Collectively, these key infrastructure upgrades are
focused in areas that are prime for redevelopment.
Historically, these downtown areas hosted surface
parking lots, which did not greatly impact the sewer
or water main systems, but also did not generate
much in tax revenue, or support jobs, retail or
housing, critical to creating downtown vibrancy.
As new building projects are brought forward,
these upgrades are necessary to ensure the new
building’s water and sewer needs are met to make
the development possible.
A map highlighting the areas of downtown that
are currently under construction:
https://rpu.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/
index.html?id=27e34d05eb514c9cac702b2b5c515613
While the link between sustainability
and equity to underground infrastructure
projects is not explicitly made clear in
the DMC Development Plan, in Phase
1 DMC has implemented methods
to advance sustainability and equity
initiatives through these projects as well.
First and foremost, these infrastructure
upgrades are tied to subsequent private
development. In some cases, these private
developments help advance goals tied to
sustainability and equity because they
offer workforce housing or reduced rent
commercial office space that is affordable
for start-ups. So, while not directly tied to
sustainability and equity initiatives, these
infrastructure investments are a critical
first step towards meeting these goals.
Considering the street improvement
projects, the ties to sustainability and
equity are clearer. The promotion of
multiple mobility modes along downtown
streets will provide a safe and connected
means of travel for the community. For
community residents who cannot afford
a vehicle, or those who rely on public
transit, these street upgrades dignify
travel and ensure the safety of Rochester
residents and downtown employees.
Further, these accommodations for
different mobility modes also help
advance DMC’s goals tied to greenhouse
gas reduction. As more of the community
elects alternative modes of travel, due
to the street upgrades that make these
personal choices possible, fewer will
travel in their individual vehicles. As a
result, fewer emissions will come from
the travel sector. Secondarily, as outlined
in the mobility section, infrastructure
upgrades that electrify the transportation
sector will further facilitate this transition
from fossil fuel-based travel to other
options, both of which will help realize
DMC’s sustainability targets.
SUSTAINABILITY AND EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS
Storm and Sewer Projects
Sanitary Sewer
Upgrade – 3rd Ave SE
Upgrade sanitary sewer capacity to meet
future development needs. This project is
nearing completion.
https://www.rochestermn.gov/
home/showdocument?id=27635
https://www.
rochestermn.gov/home
showdocument?id=27635
Sanitary Sewer
Bypass – 2nd St SE
Sanitary Sewer
Upgrade – Cooke Park
Street and Utility
Upgrades – 4th St SW
Sanitary, Sewer and
Street Upgrade – 6th
and 7th Ave
Upgrade to sewer utility along 2nd Street SE.
Project is currently under construction.
Upgrade to sanitary sewer to meet future downtown
development needs. This project is in design.
Upgrade to storm and sewer utilities
and street redesign, including bike lane.
This project is complete.
https://www.rochestermn.gov/
home/showdocument?id=27617
https://www.rochestermn.gov/
home/showdocument?id=27627
Upgrade to sanitary and sewer utilities and street
redesign. This project is under construction.
Description Link
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Tom Roster 67
90 DRAFT DRAFT 91
COVID-19 CONSIDERATION AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS
The streets and sewer projects are not
immune to the impacts of the COVID-19
pandemic affecting their construction,
community use and adoption, and
community mobility choice. In terms of
construction, the pandemic has changed
construction methods to ensure worker
safety and prevent project disruption. In
some cases, the pandemic could impact
construction workers, and if that were
the case, construction progress would be
halted, which would impact the project
schedule and perhaps the construction
schedules of interrelated private
development.
During the pandemic, changes have
occurred in community mobility choices.
As a way to get outside of the house,
community members have increasingly
utilized the City’s trail systems and
pedestrian pathways. The street
upgrades in Phase 1 and Phase 2 will
further facilitate choices for community
members. Further, it appears that during
the pandemic, individual and small
group travel choices are proving more
comfortable for community members
versus mass transit.
The health of construction workers
and community transit choices will be
closely monitored to ensure that the
DMC initiative can properly adapt to
continually changing and evolving work
and commuting landscapes.
MAJOR PROJECTS FOR PHASE 2
(2020-2024)
Looking ahead, there are additional street and sewer projects planned. A portion of the projects that moved
through the design process highlighted in the Phase 1 table will continue into construction. As indicated in the DMC
Development Plan Priority 3, early infrastructure projects are needed to encourage downtown development activity.
Thus, the number of new street and sewer projects may decrease in future years. Below are some additional projects
that are currently finalizing design or are planned to begin construction in 2020 or later in Phase 2 (2020-2024).
Storm and Sewer Projects
North Broadway
Construction
Street project to update car travel lanes,
pedestrian and bike amenities
https://www.rochestermn.
gov/home/show
document?id=9317
Sanitary and Sewer
Upgrade 12 and13th Ave
2nd to 4th St SW
Utility Upgrades
Rapid Transit Project
South Broadway
Upgrades
City Loop
Upgrade sanitary and sewer capacity along 12 and 13th Avenue
to meet future development needs. This project is in design.
Upgrade to underground utilities from 2nd Street to
4th Street SW. This work will be coordinated with the
construction of Discovery Walk.
Referenced in the mobility section, this project will provide rapid
transit lanes for electric buses. As part of this project, utilities and
travel lanes will be upgraded along the Transit Corridor.
Planning for street project to update infrastructure.
Street Improvements will be a component of the overall
City Loop plan, as described in the mobility section.
www.rochestermn.gov/departments/
administration/downtown-rochester-high-
amenity-circulator-rapid-transit-route
https://www.rochestermn.gov/home/
showdocument?id=27639
Description Link
-
-
-DRAFTDRAFT
An illustration of what a Rapid
Transit station could look like.
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All referenced documents will be made available at DMC.mn
GUIDING DOCUMENTS
+DMC Development Plan
+DMC Development Resource Guide
+DMC Joint Application for Funding
REGIONAL + CITY
STRATEGIES
+Planning 2 Succeed, the City of
Rochester’s Comprehensive Plan
+Rochester-Olmsted Council
of Government’s Long-Range
Transportation Plan
+DMC District Design Guidelines
+DMC Integrated Transportation
Studies
APPENDIX
+CEE Strategic Energy Options Report
+Downtown Master Plan
+Mayo Clinic Five-Year Plan
+New Rapid Transit for a Growing,
Equitable Rochester, Transit-Oriented
Development Planning Study
AREA PLANS
+Saint Marys Place Public Space
Schematic Design
+ Heart of the City Public Realm
Schematic Design
+Discovery Walk Public Space Design
+Discovery Square Plan
+The University of Minnesota
Rochester’s Campus Master Plan DRAFTDRAFT
MARKET STUDIES
+2019 DMC Market Studies
+Olmsted County Housing Needs
Assessment (“Maxfield Study”)
+New Rapid Transit for a Growing,
Equitable Rochester, Market Analysis
+HR&A COVID-19 Economic Impact
Analysis
+
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DMC Corporation Board
of Directors
R.T. Rybak, Board Chair, Former
Mayor of Minneapolis; President and
CEO of the Minneapolis Foundation
Kim Norton, Board Vice-Chair,
Mayor of Rochester
Paul Williams, Board Secretary,
President and CEO, Project for
Pride in Living
Jim Bier, Board Treasurer, Olmsted
County Commissioner
James Campbell, Former CEO of
Wells Fargo Minnesota
Michael Dougherty, Emeritus
member of Mayo Clinic Board of
Trustees; Founder and Chairman
of Dougherty Financial Group
Randy Staver, President,
Rochester City Council
Pamela Wheelock, Community
Volunteer and Consultant
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
DMC Economic
Development Agency
Board of Directors
Jeff Bolton, Board President, Vice
President and Chief Administrative
Officer, Mayo Clinic
Clark Otley, M.D., Board Vice-President,
Medical Director, Department of
Business Development, Mayo Clinic
Jerry Bell, Former President,
Minnesota Twins
Lisa Clarke, Executive Director,
Destination Medical Center
Economic Development Agency
Traci Downs, PhD, Board Chair,
Collider
Tom Fisher, Director, Minnesota
Design Center and Dayton-
Hudson Chair in Urban Design,
University of Minnesota
Harry Hoffman, Treasurer and
Co-Chief Investment Officer,
Mayo Clinic
Joselyn Raymundo, Pharm. D,
Founder/President, Rochester
Home Infusion
Rochester City Council
Randy Staver, President
Michael Wojcik
Patrick Keane
Annalissa Johnson
Shaun Palmer
Nicholas Campion
Mark Bilderback
Olmsted County Board
Matt Flynn, Chair
Stephanie Podulke, Vice-Chair
Ken Brown
Gregg Wright
Sheila Kiscaden
Jim Bier
Mark Thein
DMC Economic
Development Agency Staff
Lisa Clarke, Executive Director
Patrick Seeb, Senior Director
of Economic Development and
Placemaking
Bill Von Bank, Director of
Marketing and Communications
Kevin Bright, Director of Energy
and Sustainability
Chris Schad, Director of Business
Development – Discovery Square
Jamie Rothe, Director of
Community Engagement and
Experience
Erin O’Brien, Communications
Specialist
Allison Bowman, Program Manager
Cody Pogalz, Administrative
Coordinator
Scarlet Tippetts, Administrative
Assistant
AB-PHOTOGRAPHY.US
DRAFTDRAFT
70
96 DRAFT
DRAFT
(507) 216-9720 | 195 S. Broadway Avenue, Rochester, MN 55904 | info@dmc.mn | www.dmc.mn71
72
Heart of the City
To: DMC Corporation Board of Directors
From: DMC Economic Development Agency
Date: November 13, 2020
Request of the DMC Corporation board of directors:
• No Action Requested
Background:
2020 Peace Plaza Construction
Restoration of its public space, Peace Plaza and the adjacent street, has been in the planning stage for
several years. It is a transformative common ground project that includes improved safety, accessibility,
universal design elements, sustainability, integrated art, and improved infrastructure to enhance the
overall user experience.
Work started on the Heart of the City Phase One Construction on April 6, 2020. Prior to construction
beginning, a hyper-local focused strategy to reach potential local and regional sub-contractors was put
into place. As a result of this initiative, 40% of the bid packages were awarded to Rochester-based
businesses and a total of 92% were from Minnesota. Original bids, including construction procedures
designed to minimize disruption to existing businesses, came in well in excess of the original project
budget. Subsequently, bid documents were rewritten and the project rebid with certain components
treated as optional additional alternates pending review of all bids. Both Rochester City Council and
DMCC authorized the inclusion of the add-alternative for a snow melt system, requiring an additional
$1.6 million expenditure over original budget. Source of funds for $1.6 million is the CIP.
Business Forward Construction
DMC EDA, City of Rochester, and other partners have been working with Heart of the City property
owners, business operators, and community stakeholders to design a construction process intended to
minimize negative impact on nearby businesses through improved construction communications,
scheduling, and pace. As previously shared, there is a cost premium associated with implementing a
“business forward” approach of approximately 8% of project costs. These additional expenses have been
absorbed in the overall project costs listed above.
Business Forward is a construction strategy that focuses on encouraging pedestrian traffic and
supporting the local businesses. It is a priority for the project team and extremely important for the
vitality of Heart of the City during the disruption. While preparing for construction, the project team met
with the businesses and landowners in the area to understand their needs during construction. The
information gathered from many stakeholders, including the Rochester Downtown Alliance and
Rochester Chamber of Commerce, informed the Business Forward Strategy.
Business Forward principles include:
• Access, Safety and Smart Micro -Construction Phasing
• Communication
• Activation and Programming
73
These principles are being applied in ways that are mindful of the social-distancing and other safety
precautions necessary to avoid COVID-19 transmission.
Since the start of the construction, the team has continually evaluated ways to accelerate the schedule
and support the business forward mentality:
1. Temporary sidewalks have been maintained throughout the construction project to keep traffic
flowing in all directions.
2. Enhanced way-finding has been implemented and updated throughout the project to help
pedestrians navigate retail, dining and entertainment options.
3. Pedestrian bridges (see image below) are being used to keep business’s doors open while
construction crews are working in front of them
6. Micro-phasing to support the business forward initiative which has been accelerated to finish
areas of the project this year that were originally planned to be completed next year.
These improvements, plus continual aggressive planning will have a dramatic impact on the final
completion dates benefiting the local businesses and community. The team feels that the following
dates are achievable with a favorable winter.
Project Component Original Schedule Est. New Schedule
• Second Street Completion 09/28/2020 08/25/2020 (COMPLETE)
• First Avenue South 07/28/2021 07/01/2021
• First Avenue North 08/20/2021 05/23/2021
• Peace Plaza 08/13/2021 07/15/2021
Art Update
Four significant art pieces will be installed that have mostly been incorporated into the infrastructure of
the design of phase one. Most recently the Heart of the City team has been working closely with artist,
Ann Hamilton, and her piece Begin Again to finalize the design. Ann’s art installation is a collection of
origination/creation stories from around the globe and has been incorporated into the design by raised
lettering in the granite pavers in and around the scrim pool on the east side of Peace Plaza.
Since the artwork was received, the Heart of the City team has been working closely with Ann Hamilton
and other stakeholders to review and identify new potential contributors to the art installation that are
more diverse and culturally represent our community. This work will cause some re-work in the
construction phasing and resource plans for Peace Plaza.
Chateau Theatre
The Chateau Theatre is under the management of a St. Paul-based company, EDG, which recently
formed a new non-profit for programming services. Following the Governor’s executive orders limiting
the number of patrons in the building, EDG adjusted programming and operating hours. Recently it
announced it will temporarily discontinue public access and programming with a goal of reopening in
the Summer of 2021, in line with the completion of Peace Plaza. Scheduled reopening is dependent on
public health milestones associated with COVID-19. During this downtime, EDG will work with the
community to develop new programming initiatives, assess and recommend building modifications, and
develop future marketing strategies.
Galleria/University Square
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The 2015 DMC Development plan envisioned a connection between Mayo Civic Center (MCC) and
Gonda, via 1st Street NE, Galleria, and Peace Plaza. Titan, City, and DMC have been working together to
achieve this vision. A phased approach is emerging.
Fulfilling the DMC Vision, Mission, and/or Goals:
Heart of the City subdistrict is a long-standing priority for the DMC Corp. board. It is home to many
hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and medical facilities, many of which have been undergoing
reinvestment. Transformation of the public realm, Peace Plaza, will be an asset to the downtown core,
improve the patient, visitor and resident experience, and help spur future investment.
Work plan or capital improvement budget implications:
This project is funded via state GSIA funds generated through the DMC initiative, approved by both DMCC
and Rochester City Council.
Approvals, milestones, and decision points:
2016
Heart of City
redesign
commenced
2018
Schematic
design
approved, CIP
authorized
2019
Construction
documents
completed
and bidding
initiated
2020
Contracts
awarded.
Request for
additional
spending.
2021
Anticipated
completion
75
76
Discovery Square
To: DMC Corporation Board of Directors
From: DMC Economic Development Agency
Date: November 13, 2020
Request of the DMC Corporation board of directors:
Approve Discovery Walk design and authorize completion of construction documents and bidding.
Background:
• Economic Development Activities
o Continue business development and recruitment activities to pitch Discovery Square as the
best place in Minnesota for companies that want to grow.
• Discovery Walk
o Project at 100% completion of Design Documentation for base plan and additional project
features.
o A call for Olmsted County artists was completed, with three artists being selected: Ayub
HajiOmar, Sophia Chai, and Zoe Cinel.
o Stakeholder engagement continues with businesses and neighborhood associations.
o A Discovery Walk version of the Business Forward Strategy is under development. Like the Heart
of the City Business Forward strategy, this version will include tactics intended to support
existing businesses (business retention). It will also include tactics related to business
recruitment and business launch.
o Discussions underway with Mayo Clinic regarding project boundaries and easements on the 200,
300 and 400 blocks of 2nd Ave SW.
o The Design Team now includes DMC, City of Rochester, Coen+Partners, Knutson Construction as
owner’s representative, EZ Fabricating, Latent Design, Kimley-Horn, White Space Design,
community co-designers, and the artists.
• Discovery Square 2
o Mortenson began construction in late September.
o Tenant recruitment plans and discussions continue with potential tenants.
• One Discovery Square
o 90% leased, some of the remaining space being fitted out as turn-key space.
• Mayo Clinic
o Continues to expand in Discovery Square
• Entrepreneurship activities
o Medical Alley has been working with DMC, Mayo Clinic, RAEDI, and Collider to develop a start-
up initiative in Rochester. Goal is a soft-launch in 2021 in One Discovery Square.
o DMC continues to participate in the SE MN E1 network, which is supported by DEED LaunchMN
funding, delivering entrepreneurial programming to the region.
77
• Discovery Square residential and retail activities
o The Maven now leasing - residential and retail space.
o The Residence Discovery Square now leasing - residential and retail space.
o The Hue now leasing – residential and retail space.
Fulfilling the DMC Mission, Vision, and/or Goals:
Discovery Square is a new address for the future of bio-medical, research and technology innovation and
a keystone to the DMC economic development strategy. The sub-district borrows from Mayo Clinic’s
integrated care model to create an integrated district founded in the principles of translational
medicine.
Technology and innovation are core to the DMC economic strategy. Our vision is to promote an
economic development structure that fosters advancement and growth of the medical, research,
innovation, education, entrepreneurial and general business environment in Rochester.
By attracting new businesses, supporting the launch and development of new startup businesses, and
creating new public realm space, we aim to diversify the local economy, create jobs, generate new tax
revenue, and create a place that fosters a vibrant community and attracts the workforce of the future.
Work plan or capital improvement budget implications:
The current DMC work plan describes a variety of initiatives supported by DMC 2020 operating and CIP
funds, including the design documentation of Discovery Walk.
Approvals, milestones, and decision points:
November
2017
One
Discovery
Square
ground-
breaking
October 2019
Discovery
Walk CIP
approved for
Design doc.
February
2020
Discovery
Square 2
approved
Sept 2020
Discovery
Square 2
construction
begins
2021
Discovery
Walk RFP
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F.
DESTINATION MEDICAL CENTER CORPORATION
RESOLUTION NO. ____-2020
Approving Design Development for the Discovery Walk Project and Authorizing Next
Phase of the Work
BACKGROUND RECITALS
A. A cornerstone of the Destination Medical Center Corporation’s (“DMCC”) mission
statement seeks to “position Rochester, Minnesota as the world’s premier destination center for
health and wellness; attracting people, investment, and jobs to America’s City for Health.” The
Development Plan adopted by the DMCC on April 23, 2015, as amended (the “Development
Plan”) also recognizes the importance of public space, green space, and fostering connections
between residents, patients, visitors and business representatives as an opportunity to advance the
Destination Medical Center initiative.
B. Since the Development Plan was approved, extensive planning and effort has been
devoted to the five-block linear parkway located in the Discovery Square and UMR and Recreation
Subdistricts (“Discovery Walk”). This significant project, led by the staff of the City of Rochester
(the “City”) and the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency (“EDA”) and
their consultants, researched successful community health initiatives, and pursued schematic
design, detailed design, and on-going community engagement.
C. Discovery Walk featured a community-centered design approach. This approach
fostered collaboration and engagement of historically underrepresented communities to review and
contribute to the design of the public space, focusing on the most pressing community health issues
as identified in the recent Olmsted County Health Needs Assessment.
D. The DMCC approved the 2017 EDA Work Plan, which included schematic design
work for Discovery Walk. In the 2018 Five Year Capital Improvement Plan (the “2018 CIP”), the
DMCC approved $400,000 in detailed design work for Discovery Walk as a public infrastructure
project.
E. In the 2020 Five Year Capital Improvement Plan, (the “2020 CIP”) approved by
the DMCC on September 26, 2019, the DMCC preliminarily approved the next steps of the design
of Discovery Walk in the amount of $2,800,000. In the 2021 Five Year Capital Improvement Plan,
(the “2021 CIP”), approved by the DMCC on August 27, 2020, the DMCC preliminarily approved
design and implementation of Discovery Walk in the amount of $7,000,000. The 2020 CIP and
the 2021 CIP declared Discovery Walk to be a public infrastructure project, consistent with the
Development Plan. The DMCC reserved the right to grant final approval of funding of each of the
capital projects, including Discovery Walk, upon final determination of scope, costs, and
availability of funds.
79
2
F. Staff for the City and the EDA now request that the DMCC approve the design
development drawings for Discovery Walk, on file with the EDA, and authorize the next phase of
the work, including construction documents and bidding, provided that the final project and award
of any bid for construction will come back to the DMCC for approval.
RESOLUTION
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Destination Medical Center
Corporation Board of Directors that it approves the design development drawings for Discovery
Walk as presented by the EDA and City, on file with the EDA as of the date hereof, and requests
that the EDA and City continue the next phase of the work, including construction documents and
bidding; provided that the final project and award of any bid for construction are subject to the
approval of the DMCC.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board requests that the City and EDA staff
provide regular updates with respect to this next phase of work on Discovery Walk.
1306765-2.DOCX
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Transportation
To: DMC Corporation Board of Directors
From: DMC Economic Development Agency
Date: November 13, 2020
Request of the DMC Corporation board of directors:
• No Action required at this time.
Background:
TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY:
The Integrated Transportation Study (ITS), adopted by DMCC and Rochester City Council in 2018 recommended
development of a robust multimodal transportation system. Based on market demand studies, forecasts for
downtown growth, and an understanding of the city’s street and infrastructure capacity, the following model
was developed:
RAPID TRANSIT CIRCULATOR:
Following authorization by DMC EDA, Rochester City Council, and DMCC, the City formally submitted an
application to the Federal Transit Administration requesting support for the first phase of the Rapid Transit
program which consists of the Second Street corridor, connecting Cascade Lake to the Government Center.
Key Characteristics:
• Three-mile Bus Rapid Transit line with 8 stations
• Business access and transit (BAT) lanes.
• Saint Marys Transit Station and pedestrian access tunnel.
• Electric vehicles.
• Weekday schedule: 5am-11pm, service every 5 minutes from 6-9 am and 3-6 pm.
• Service every 10 minutes other times, including weekends.
• Weekend schedule 8 am – 11 pm.
81
Approvals, milestones, and decision points:
February
2019
Transit hub
locations
approved
May 2019
Approval of
Locally
Preferred
Alternative
September
2019
Budget
Approval for
FTA
Application
May 2020
DMCC board
phasing and
boundary
modification
discussion
August 2020
DMCC
review of
FTA
submission
82
Bryk Apartments
To: DMC Corporation Board of Directors
From: DMC Economic Development Agency
Date: November 13, 2020
Request of the DMC Corporation board of directors:
• No Action Requested
Background:
Site: Land is officially purchased and owned by Bryk Apartments Rochester LLC. The property is located on
the NW corner parcel of the intersection between N Broadway and Civic Center Drive.
Team:
• Project Team: John and Marcia Bouquet & Dirk Erickson (Investors & Developers) Kristina Larson
(Operations consultant) Ben Kall (Real Estate Consultant): 30 years of local multi-family experience
• Design: ISG Architects
• Construction: Kraus Anderson
Project Objectives:
The project team is currently planning a mixed-use, mixed-income apartment building consisting of
approximately 165 to 180 workforce housing apartments and 5,000-15,000 sf of commercial space with
construction to begin April 1, 2021 and be completed by August 2022. The project will provide units at
varying rent levels as outlined below.
• ~20% @ 50% AMI
• ~20% @ 60% AMI
• ~60% @ prices held at or below 80% AMI
The overall unit count and affordability targets are subject to change but represent a commitment by the
Project Team to provide affordable workforce housing opportunities in the downtown. The development
team is interested in increasing the number of 50% and 60% AMI units beyond the targets above with the
assistance of TIF and DMC funds. Further discussions have been scheduled with the Developer, City and
DMC to explore this possibility.
DMC/City Priority Alignment:
The project aligns with the following DMC and City priorities as follows:
• Workforce housing project within the City, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and DMC zones.
• Revitalizes blighted site
• Provides a balanced and sustainable housing stock
• Promotes neighborhood stabilization and revitalization in coordination with the North Broadway
reconstruction project.
• Increase to the city’s tax base.
• Commercial space is considering a few possibilities to address food insecurity or childcare needs.
Portions of space will be intentionally held at below market rates to promote local small business
integration into the project.
• Sufficient parking will also be included for the commercial tenants.
83
• Project is being designed to meet City and DMC Sustainable Design Requirements
Financing:
Multiple Financial Institutions have been contacted and the project has been approved with a certain
expectation of assistance required. The developer is waiting to make a final acceptance on a financial
institution as they are determining various benefits of each offer (i.e.: PACE financing, terms, etc.). Project
is also evaluating state grants to facilitate site clean-up.
Next Steps:
• DMC EDA staff and City of Rochester Staff will continue to work with the Developer
• The Developer will submit their DMC and City Joint application for consideration of DMC and City
TIF funding opportunities
• DMC EDA staff and City of Rochester Staff will review the application and bring forward a
recommendation to be reviewed and approved by the DMC EDA board, DMCC board and City
Council likely in February 2021
84
Waterfront Small Area Plan
To: DMC Corporation Board of Directors
From: DMC Economic Development Agency
Date: November 13, 2020
Request of the DMC Corporation board of directors:
• No Action Requested
Background:
The Downtown Waterfront S.E. Small Area Plan (DWSE SAP) is a 60+ acre study area located southeast of
the downtown core and has approximately 1,600 feet of Zumbro River frontage. The plan will include
visionary concepts that are people centric and establish natural and cultural resources within the area. The
DWSE SAP will guide transformation of the redevelopment area from its current state to a future mixed-use
neighborhood that will have both its own character as well as authentically reflect the surrounding
neighborhoods. Located in the southeast quadrant of Rochester, bound by 4th St SE to the north, S
Broadway to the west, 9th St SE to the south, and 3rd Ave SE to the east, the DWSE SAP will guide the
transformation of this redevelopment area. Throughout this process, the DWSE SAP will employ an
inclusive community engagement effort.
Within Rochester’s most recent comprehensive plan, which was adopted in 2018, the Project Area was
identified as an area for revitalization due to its proximity to the downtown, frontage along the Zumbro
River, and the presence of large tracts of underutilized property (i.e., vacant properties and/or parking lots).
However, the comprehensive plan did not provide clear direction for what the area should become in the
future. More recently, though, several large parcels within the Project Area have either been recently sold
or are in the process of being sold. This is an indication that significant change may occur in the future.
Fulfilling the DMC Vision, Mission, and/or Goals:
The City of Rochester felt that it would be beneficial to work with stakeholders, including DMC EDA, to
prepare a collaborative, community-driven plan that represents a shared vision for the future of the Project
Area. DMC will collaborate with partners to determine how a former industrial site better connects the
downtown to nearby neighborhoods while fulfilling the DMC vision.
Approvals, milestones, and decision points:
The timeline for creating the plan is 7-8 months. The City Council is anticipated to adopt the final plan
sometime in early 2021. However, many of the recommendations that come out of the plan may take many
years before they are realized. This is because most of the land in the project area is privately-owned and any
change that occurs on such parcels will need to be initiated and funded by landowners.
85
86
Organizational Response to COVID-19
To: DMC Corporation Board of Directors
From: DMC Economic Development Agency
Date: November 13, 2020
Overview:
Current environment and key assumptions
• Economic recovery will be measured in months and/or years
• The global pandemic has affirmed Rochester’s and Mayo Clinic’s position as the global center
for health care and research
• Continued local, state, and federal stimulus programs could provide resources for jobs and
public infrastructure investment
• DMC is an economic development initiative; our efforts should focus on economic recovery and
resilience
• Proactive efforts by DMC complement community, regional, state and federal responses
• DMC should do what it can to blunt the harsh effects of this economic crisis and ensure that
our economy is in the best possible position when it subsides
DMCC Executive Committee direction
• Accelerate job creation
• Keep our foot on the gas
• Support economic recovery and resilience
Development Plan Five Year Update
• Progress in Phase 1 (2015-2019)
• DMC Phase 1 Priorities: Heart of the City, Discovery Square, Transportation
• DMC Goals
• Possible COVID-19 impacts on update to plan
DMC EDA operations and work plan
• Operations
o Staff safety
o Cost reductions and budget management
• Work Plan
o Reprioritization based on key assumptions, direction from DMCC executive committee,
and available staff and budget resources
o Assessment and redeployment of DMC EDA budget resources
o Development of new and innovative strategies and tactics to achieve work plan objectives
and continue to establish DMC as a leader in economic recovery and resiliency
87
Recent Activities Include:
• Initial COVID funding has been provided to purchase ($40K) Jersey barriers. Due to the regulations
on decreased occupancy levels in restaurants and bars expanding outdoor dining has been a
creative solution to serving more customers. The Jersey barriers were provided to several
downtown restaurant and bars in order to provide an innovative solution for safe seating
outdoors. In the future, the barriers can be repurposed in the same or similar settings in the DMC
district.
• Project Bootstrap pilot program, which offers consulting to downtown businesses from a team of
experts on marketing, visual merchandising, risk mitigation, technology, business development,
user design and, where feasible, culinary strategies.
• New ideas continue to come forward, such as exploring winter season expansion by adding heating
and outdoor tenting infrastructure. DMC is working with other organizations to help increase
visitation downtown by adding programming, incentives and more.
• Rochester Ready is an initiative to ensure a safe and resilient recovery for Rochester, Minnesota.
The launch program for Rochester Ready is a hospitality safety pledge for restaurants, retailers and
lodging properties called “Rochester Ready Safe.” Businesses that sign the pledge are committing
to implementing a specific set of measures to provide a safe experience. The goal of this program
is to instill confidence in residents, visitors and patients so they feel safe as they shop, dine, stay
and play in Rochester.
88
I am pleased to provide you with the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency October 2020
Monthly Report. This monthly report highlights projects and activities within the DMC District, economic development,
finances, sustainability, experience, marketing & communications, and community engagement.
-Lisa Clarke, Executive Director
October 2020
DMC Hosted Webinar with Urban3
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2015-2019 Private Investment in DMC District
1
2nd Street
Br
o
a
d
w
a
y
Saint Marys
Hospital
Hw
y
5
2
Go
n
d
a
90
2
2015-2019 DMC Public and Private Investment
91
Economic Development
October 2020 Updates
3
•Transportation- Circulator Route: connecting a, Phase I, transit village at Mayo Clinic-owed property near Cascade Lake to a, Phase II, transit village at
Olmsted County-owned property. Mode: high amenity rapid transit (electric bus vehicles). DMCC and Rochester City Council directed staff, who have since
then, advanced a grant application to the Federal Transit Administration in its 2020 application cycle, the deadline which was August 28, 2020.
•Heart of the City public realm phase one construction work started on April 6, 2020. DMC continues to lead a robust engagement strategy to minimize
negative impact on nearby businesses. These improvements, plus continual aggressive planning will continue to have a dramatic impact on the final
completion dates benefiting the local businesses and community. Titan, City, and DMC have been working together to achieve a connection between Mayo
Civic Center (MCC) and Gonda, via 1st Street NE, Galleria, and Peace Plaza. A phase one approach is emerging that will be shared at the November 2020
DMCC Board Meeting.
•Discovery Walk design documentation for a base plan and add alts is 100% completed. Approval of the design development drawings for Discovery Walk
and public realm development, will be requested at the November 2020 DMCC Board meeting, and that the DMC EDA and City continue the next phase of
the work, including construction documents and bidding; provided that the final project and award of any bid for construction are subject to the approval of
the DMCC. A Discovery Walk version of the Business Forward Strategy is under development. Like the Heart of the City Business Forward strategy, this
version will include tactics intended to support existing businesses (business retention). It will also include tactics related to business recruitment and
business launch.
•Chateau Theatre organizer, EDG, recently announced it will temporarily discontinue public access and programming with a goal of reopening in the
Summer of 2021, in line with the completion of Peace Plaza. Scheduled reopening is dependent on public health milestones associated with COVID-19.
During this downtime, EDG will work with the community to develop new programming initiatives, assess and recommend building modifications, and
develop future marketing strategies.
•The Downtown Waterfront SE Small Area Plan (DWSE SAP) is a 60+ acre study area located southeast of the downtown core and has approximately
1,600 feet of Zumbro River frontage. The plan will include visionary concepts that are people centric and establish natural and cultural resources within the
area. The DWSE SAP will guide transformation of the redevelopment area from its current state to a future mixed-use neighborhood that will have both its
own character as well as authentically reflect the surrounding neighborhoods. DMC along with other partners has conducted community input sessions to
inform and gather input.
DMC funded project updates:
•Berkman Apartments- Completed June 2020.
•Wells Fargo Renovation- Completed spring 2020.
•Hyatt House- Anticipated completion spring 2021.
•Discovery Square Two- Construction began Oct 2021
•Titan Hilton Hotel- Completed spring 2019.
•The Maven on Broadway - Completed summer 2019.
•One Discovery Square- Completed summer 2019.
•Hotel Indigo- Completed early 2020.
Heart of the City Public Space Progress
92
Traffic to DMC.MN:
•October traffic showed 6,674K visits and 12,605K pageviews.
•Top pages: Home page, Discovery Square, Investors and Developers, Maps, Heart of the City
•Top 5 states: Minnesota, Washington, Colorado, Virginia, Illinois
•Top 5 cities outside of Rochester: Quincy, Denver, Chicago, Minneapolis, Crozet
Marketing &
Communications
•The DMC Team continues to meet with community members and groups on numerous topics. Most recently the DMC Team has
started to focus on conversations with different community groups regarding the five year update to the 20 year plan. Three
public presentation and a fourth is scheduled to help share information from the five year update with local, regional and state
stakeholders. All three were well attended and had good participation. DMC and Rochester: Dollars and $ense of Development
Patterns, My Community: DMC at 5 Years, and Downtown Rochester COVD-19 Economic Analysis
•Engagement specific to the Heart of the City construction continues. Weekly Zoom stakeholder meetings are held to provide
construction updates and identify opportunities for improvement when working with businesses in the impacted area. A weekly
newsletter is also published with important construction and Business Forward updates, and links to community partner
resources. DMC, City of Rochester, Rochester Downtown Alliance, Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce and Mayo Clinic are
working together to respond to feedback quickly.
•DMC is working with the Mayo Clinic, Experience Rochester, Rochester Downtown Alliance, and the Rochester Area Chamber
of Commerce to identify opportunities to enhance the experience downtown safely during the pandemic. These groups continue
to work together to discovery and learn new ways to provide a safe experience in downtown Rochester.
Community
Engagement
Experience
4
Newsletter:
October 2020 Updates
•One newsletter was delivered to 4,019 subscribers in October. The
average open rate was 25.7% (industry average: 21.8%) and the average
click rate was 3.2% (industry average: 2.2%).
DMC Marketing Campaign:
•October Digital Display
1,369,258 impressions; 915 clicks and average click rate of 0.07%
•October Paid Search
12,176 impressions; 546 clicks and average click rate of 4.48%.
•Blog
6 blogs were published in October
•Social media channels that saw growth in October included Facebook (+8),
Twitter (+2) LinkedIn (+21) and Instagram (+33)
Media News Stories:
•In October, 124 DMC-related stories were published in the media and 202
social media mentions.
Highlights:
•Bright named as 2020 LEED Fellow
•Rochester Rapid Transit project driving ahead, boosting local economy
•DMC webinar series explores community engagement
•Q & A: DMC leader: ‘You can’t do it without an amazing team’
•The future of the med city: city leaders discuss impact of pandemic on Rochester
Social Media:
93
Recent Activities Include:
•Initial COVID funding has been provided to purchase ($40K) Jersey barriers. Due to the regulations on decreased occupancy levels in restaurants and
bars expanding outdoor dining has been a creative solution to serving more customers. The Jersey barriers were provided to several downtown
restaurant and bars in order to provide an innovative solution for safe seating outdoors. In the future, the barriers can be repurposed in the same or
similar settings in the DMC district.
•Project Bootstrap pilot program, which offers consulting to downtown businesses from a team of experts on marketing, visual merchandising, risk
mitigation, technology, business development, user design and, where feasible, culinary strategies.
•New ideas continue to come forward, such as exploring winter season expansion by adding heating and outdoor tenting infrastructure. DMC is working
with other organizations to help increase visitation downtown by adding programming, incentives and more.
•Rochester Ready is an initiative to ensure a safe and resilient recovery for Rochester, Minnesota. Rochester Ready partners are the City of Rochester,
Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency, Experience Rochester, Mayo Clinic, Olmsted County and the Rochester Area Chamber of
Commerce. The launch program for Rochester Ready is a hospitality safety pledge for restaurants, retailers and lodging properties called “Rochester
Ready Safe.” Businesses that sign the pledge are committing to implementing a specific set of measures to provide a safe experience. The goal of this
program is to instill confidence in residents, visitors and patients so they feel safe as they shop, dine, stay and play in Rochester.
Organizational Response to COVID
October 2020 Updates
Finance •2021 DMC EDA workplan and budgets (Budgets – DMC EDA & City, DMCC and CIP) were approved at the DMCC Board
meeting in August 2020.
Sustainability
•The Energy Integration Committee (EIC) continues to work on the projects identified in the strategic project plan including the
2nd partners, a large-scale solar installation led by RPU and establishing next steps on a downtown district energy system with
the City
•Voluntary Energy Benchmarking - The DMC and City are finalizing an energy benchmarking report for 2019 building performance
this fall to share with the DMCC Board and City Council.
•Sustainability Series in October, was hosted by Jess Roberts from the University of Minnesota Design Center to discuss the topic
of Equitable Community Engagement: A Case Study for Discovery Walk. Over 40 attendees participated in this month’s
sustainability series. In November, we will host members of the Rochester Community Initiative, a student led non-profit in
Rochester who focus their work on racial equity topics.
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Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency
&
City of Rochester DMC Project Management Team
2020 Workplan
Updated:
October 30, 2020
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Table of Contents
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2. CITY OF ROCHESTER DMC PROJECT MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
3. DMC EDA STATUTORY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
4. WORKPLAN OUTCOMES TO ACHIEVE 2020 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES AND DMC GOALS
1. Executive Summary
In 2020, the Destination Medical Center (“DMC”) initiative will focus on pursuing the strategic priorities endorsed by the
Destination Medical Center Corporation Board of Directors and the City of Rochester Common Council in order to achieve the
goals of the DMC initiative.
Anchored by the DMC Development Plan and influenced by the engagement and participation of our stakeholders, the
Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency (“DMC EDA”) and City of Rochester DMC project management team
will continue to pursue the goals of the DMC initiative.
DMC GOALS
• Create a comprehensive strategic plan
• Leverage the public investment to attract more than $5 billion in private investment
• Create approximately 30,000 new jobs
• Generate up to $8.0 billion in new net tax revenue over 35 years
• Achieve the highest quality patient, companion, visitor, employee, and resident experience
2020 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
• Transportation
• Common Ground
• Housing
• Workforce
• Transformative Projects
• Sustainability
Additionally, the DMC EDA and City of Rochester DMC project management staff have incorporated significant business
development, marketing, experience, and community engagement initiatives into the 2020 workplan in order to support these
strategic priorities. The workplan outlines the objectives and defines the resources necessary to advance the 2020 DMC
strategic priorities.
2. City of Rochester DMC Project Management Team Responsibilities
In January 2019, the Destination Medical Center Corporation approved a proposal to assign new and existing DMC-
related project management responsibilities to DMC-dedicated City of Rochester staff. The City of Rochester DMC
Project Management team supports the DMC initiative in these areas:
• WMBE and Targeted Business Outreach and Compliance
• Subdistrict development
• Transportation infrastructure and multi-modal transit
• Housing
• Experience
• Grant development
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3. DMC EDA Statutory Role and Responsibilities
The DMC EDA assists the Destination Medical Center Corporation (“DMCC”) and the City of Rochester (“City”) in
implementing the development planning and promotion, development services, and marketing, outreach and
communication activities required to achieve the goals of the DMC development plan.
The DMC legislation identified several key responsibilities of the DMC EDA in addition to its role as an advisory agency
to the DMCC and City:
• Drafting and implementing the development plan, including soliciting and evaluating proposals for
development and evaluating and making recommendations to the DMCC and the City regarding those
proposals
• Seeking financial support for the DMCC, the City, and projects
• Partnering with other development agencies and organizations, the city, and the county in joint efforts to
promote economic development and establish a destination medical center
• Supporting and administering the planning and development activities required to implement the development
plan
• Developing and updating the criteria for evaluating and underwriting development proposals
• Providing transactional services in connection with approved projects
• Working with the corporation to acquire and facilitate the sale, lease, or other transactions involving land and
real property
• Assisting the DMCC or City and others in applications for federal grants, tax credits, and other sources of
funding to aid both private and public development
• Facilitating private investment through development of a comprehensive marketing program to global interests
• Developing patient, visitor, and community outreach programs
• Preparing and supporting the marketing and promotion of DMC
• Preparing and implementing a program for community and public relations
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4. Workplan To Achieve 2020 Strategic Priorities and DMC Goals
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: TRANSPORTATION
Create the integrated transportation infrastructure necessary to provide access to and through downtown
Rochester and encourage additional opportunity for development and investment.
2035 Goal Phase 2 (2025)
Goal 2020 Outcome
Reduce drive- alone
mode share to 50%
or less
Reduce drive-
alone mode share
to 58%
Create Integrated Transit Studies implementation monitoring system
Identify five Transit-Oriented Development sites and partners
Evaluate suitability of autonomous vehicles as a transit option
Advance development of transit line
Complete City Loop implementation and location plan
Promote additional mobility modes, including last-mile & micro-mobility
options
Establish long-term Arrive Rochester TMA governance strategy
Increase Arrive Rochester TMA business and individual participation
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: COMMON GROUND
Design and develop public spaces and amenities to incentivize additional private investment, create unique
experiences, and increase downtown density.
2035 Goal Phase 2 (2025) Goal 2020 Outcome
$5.6 billion of
private investment
$1 billion+ of new private
development underway
Facilitate/support Community and Education subdistrict
development efforts
Advance Saint Marys Place transit corridor
and pedestrian experience planning
Completion of Peace Plaza
renovation
Renovation of first phase of Heart of the City’s Peace Plaza
significantly underway
Heart of the City property owners report minimal business
disruption
Achieve highest
quality patient,
visitor, resident
experience
Discovery Walk construction
completed, activities take
place regularly,
New development is being
considered
Discovery Walk stakeholder group engaged and supportive
of activities and outcomes
Discovery Walk design and construction documents completed,
construction bids- postponed until early 2021
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: HOUSING
Contribute to a robust mix of housing infrastructure in the DMC District that creates density, sustains
additional commercial and entertainment activity, develops a greater sense of community, and provides for
our growing workforce.
2035 Goal Phase 2 (2025)
Goal 2020 Outcome Status
Show quantifiable
improvements in the
availability of housing in
DMC District - inclusive of
housing type and
affordability.
Will identify
metrics in 2019
housing study
Document progress towards identified housing goal from 2019
affordable housing study; include targets for affordable, senior and
student housing
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STRATEGIC PRIORITY: WORKFORCE
Contribute to our innovative workforce by supporting projects and programs that recruit and retain bio-
med-tech students, employees, employers, and entrepreneurs and encourages the sustainable growth of
our regional construction and building trades economy.
2035 Goal Phase 2 (2025) Goal 2020 Outcome Status
Create 30,000 new
jobs, including 3,230 in
bio-med-tech
100 interns placed annually in
bio-med- tech businesses, with
10% transitioning
into employment in Rochester
Students placed in Discovery Square businesses
Ensure compliance
with specific
requirements of the
DMC Act
Attain state MBE/WBE targets
for SE MN
Operationalize MBE/WBE
program for all DMC projects
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: TRANSFORMATIVE PROJECTS
Pursue high-impact, market-changing development opportunities that advance the DMC Goals and Mission
and maximally leverage DMC resources.
2035 Goal Phase 2 (2025) Goal 2020 Outcome Status
Develop 1.02M SF
new bio-med,
health tech space
Develop 330,000 SF of Bio-
Med-Tech space
Affordable Discovery Square startup
and bridge space available
Discovery Square Two design complete
and construction underway
$5.6 billion of private
investment
$1 billion+ of new private
development underway Advance Downtown Waterfront redevelopment
planning
Five new private
development
projects underway At least one new private development project underway
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: AMERICA’S CITY FOR HEALTH
Ensure that public infrastructure investment supports a more healthy community, citizenry, and built and
natural environments.
2035 Goal Phase 2 (2025) Goal 2020 Outcome Status
Show quantifiable
improvements in
community health measures
Apply health in design
process to 5
infrastructure projects
Apply replicable health in design process to
Discovery Walk
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: EXPERIENCE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Achieve the highest quality patient, visitor, and community member experience both now and in the future.
2035 Goal Phase 2 (2025) Goal 2020 Outcome Status
Achieve highest quality
patient, visitor, resident
experience
Will identify metrics in
proposed experience
master plan
Sustain and grow community support for
the DMC Development Plan
Create strategies, programs and services that support
a world class destination and enhance the experience
for patients, visitors and residents
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STRATEGIC PRIORITY: SUSTAINABILITY
Foster the culture, best practices, and development processes necessary to create a more healthy,
sustainable community that elevates Rochester as a market for investment, development, and workforce
recruitment and retention.
2035 Goal Phase 2 (2025) Goal 2020 Outcome Status
Reduce energy consumption by 25%
below 2012 levels by 2030
Benchmarking program
includes over 200
buildings. City Council
is reviewing an energy
disclosure
policy.
Benchmarking program includes 120
buildings
Reduce DMC-wide
emissions per SF by
22% below 2005
levels by 2025
Create key metrics collection schedule to
monitor progress towards DMC's
greenhouse gas, energy and
sustainability goals
Provide 12 sustainability series in 2020
and lead in management of Earthfest
celebration
Reduce:
• Energy consumption by 25%
below 2012 levels by 2030
• Potable water consumption
below 2012 levels by 2030
• Total waste generated by 30%
below 2012 levels by 2030
• Drive alone mode share to 50% or
less
• DMC-wide emissions per SF by 80%
below 2005 levels by 2050
Progress toward DMC
and Rochester GHG,
energy and
sustainability goals
across sectors
(commercial,
industrial, residential)
Engage in up to 3 national conferences
and 20 local and regional meetings to
learn sustainability and energy use best
practices
Reduce district-wide energy
consumption by 25% below 2010
levels by 2030
Reduce district-wide
energy consumption
by 20% below 2010
levels by 2025
Complete 9 projects identified in Phase
1 of Strategic Energy Project Plan and
evaluate— and if applicable, advance—
two district
energy possibilities in DMC District
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STRATEGIC PRIORITY: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING
Execute business development and marketing activity to secure private investment, recruit and retain new
businesses and entrepreneurs, develop our workforce, and achieve the goals of the DMC Development Plan.
2035 Goal Phase 2 (2025) Goal 2020 Outcome Status
Achieve highest quality
patient, visitor, resident
experience
Discovery Square organizations and their
staff are integrated into the Rochester
community
Comprehensive communications plan is
used to on-board and assimilate new
Discovery Square-based businesses
Create 30,000 new
jobs, including 3,230
in bio-med-tech
Assistive Technology Challenge (ATC)
enables formation of 10 new ATC-related
businesses, creating 25 new jobs towards
the 5-year goal of creating 510 Mayo and
non-Mayo new jobs in bio-
med-tech
ATC2.0 completed in spring; ATC3.0
initiated in fall
Programming supports the formation
of 20 new startup companies and 100+
new jobs, towards the 5-year goal of
creating 510 Mayo and non- Mayo
new jobs in bio-med-tech
Partner with other organizations to
support entrepreneurial programming
200+ new jobs created by recruiting 20
new bio- med-tech businesses into
Discovery Square, towards the 5-year
goal of creating 510 Mayo and
non-Mayo new jobs in bio-med-tech
New businesses operate in Discovery
Square
$5.6 billion of private
investment
More than $1 billion of new private
development, consistent with
development plan, underway
Drive qualified traffic to dmc.mn and
generate qualified leads by executing
an integrated marketing campaign to
targeted regional, national and
international
audiences
Secure two national media placements
and a minimum of one national
speaking engagement and showcase
the DMC model to a minimum of two
regional audiences by executing a
comprehensive communications plan
Five new development proposals
introduced and approved
Retail developments
active across all DMC
subdistricts
Retail strategy implemented throughout
DMC district and downtown Rochester
Retail strategy completion and initial
implementation
Ensure compliance with specific requirements of the DMC Act WMBE, Targeted Business Utilization,
Prevailing Wage, American-made Steel
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS
2035 Goal Phase 2 (2025) Goal 2020 Outcome Status
Ensure compliance with specific requirements of the DMC Act Update Development Plan
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