Knutson Recommended for Mayo Civic Center Project

The Rochester City Council is scheduled to meet Monday to consider awarding a construction contract for the planned expansion and renovation of the Mayo Civic Center.

The commission that oversees the operations of the Civic Center will meet Monday morning and  act on a recommendation to award the contract to Knutson Construction.If approved, the recommendation will be sent to the Council.

Knutson submitted a proposal that has a cost of just under $72 million.

The bid includes renovation of the Presentation Hall, new and renovated kitchen space and an addition to the Civic Theater. Staff says earlier improvements and a contingency fund for the project will put the estimated overall cost at $84 million. The state has agreed to contribute $35 million towards the project. The city will use the local lodging tax to cover the balance.

The project has a two year construction schedule. The expansion portion is scheduled to be completed by September 2016. The renovation should be completed by August 2017.

The project will add 188,000 square feet to the site, including a two story convention center with a grand ballroom.