Evacuated Rochester, MN Condos Stabilized, Some Road Closures End

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Conditions at the Rochester condominium tower evacuated Friday evening due to structural concerns have stabilized. 

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That’s according to an update issued Saturday night by a City of Rochester Spokeswoman. City officials conducted the “proactive evacuation” at the Rochester Towers Condominium at  207 5th Ave. Southwest after an inspection by a structural engineer. 

The about 180 residents displaced by the evacuation have not yet been cleared to return to their homes, according to Saturday night’s update. The engineers contracted by the property’s management are set to meet with Rochester’s Community Development Department on Monday to continue discussing repairs. 

Some of the roads closed around the tower have reopened sooner than anticipated. The city lifted the complete closure on 2nd St. Southwest, that was initially planned to be in place through Monday at 10 p.m. Saturday. 5th Ave Southwest from 2nd St. to 3 St. Southwest will remain closed until all construction materials have been removed from the area, which city officials anticipate will be completed by the afternoon of June 5. 

Commuters looking to access the employee entrance to the Baldwin Parking Garage can do so at 3rd St. Southwest at 5th Ave.