Rochester Heritage Preservation Commissioners Reject Proposed 7-Story Addison to Historic Downtown Buildings

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) has rejected a proposed addition to multiple buildings in the Downtown Rochester Historic District. 

Read More: Approval Recommended for 7-Story Addition to Historic Buildings in Downtown Rochester 

GH2 Investments LLC, the owner of the properties located at 309, 311, 313, 315 and 317 South Broadway Ave., is proposing a seven-story addition on the back side of the historic buildings. 

Documents submitted to the HPC indicate the addition would be used for student housing. The plans include 35 “tower units” and eight renovated units. 

City of Rochester

The addition, which would be as far back as 80 feet from South Broadway Ave. and as close as 40 feet from the downtown street, rises five stories above the current roof line. 

HPC Board Denies Issuing Certificate of Appropriateness for Addition to Historic Downtown Rochester Buildings on 6-2 Vote

The HPC Board voted 6-2 to deny issuing a Certificate of Appropriateness that would’ve moved the proposal forward. 

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Prior to the vote, Commissioner Aleida Koestler argued the five story addition would obstruct views to the Plummer Building and Kahler Hotel sign. 

City of Rochester

Commissioner Valerie Wassmer said the addition of modern buildings to the corridor would detract from the history and culture in the area. 

Rejection Contradicts Staff Recommendation

Rochester Community Development staff recommended approving the addition, concluding the proposed addition meets “Secretary of Interior standards for rehabilitation” and “locally adopted design guidelines,” according to the agenda item.  

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The property owner can appeal the HPC denial to the Rochester City Council, which would vote on whether or not to uphold the rejection of the project.

Other Failed Redevelopment Proposals

The proposal is the latest in a series of efforts to attempt to redevelop the historic buildings. 

Read More: Historic Board Rejects Downtown Rochester Proposal 

Last year, the HPC and the Rochester City Council rejected plans that called for completely demolishing the former FJ Paine Company Building and only maintaining the front facades at 311-313 and 315- 317 South Broadway Ave. 

A prior effort to remove the buildings from the Downtown Historic District also failed.