Rochester Votes to Pave Way for Mayo Clinic Expansion

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester City Council has approved a motion that paves the way for Mayo Clinic’s massive expansion in downtown Rochester.

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Last year the healthcare provider announced a $5 billion plan to expand its campus in downtown Rochester. Utility work and demolition associated with the project are already underway.

On Monday night, the council voted to approve vacating five public alleys and right-of-ways within downtown Rochester.

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Rochester City Council Approves Vacating Portions of Streets for Massive Mayo Clinic Expansion

The affected areas are portions of 4th, 3rd and 2nd Avenues Southwest along with a portion of 1st St. Southwest. Council approval will allow Mayo Clinic the space it needs to construct new clinical and support buildings within downtown Rochester.

Mayo Clinic News Network

Rochester’s Planning and Zoning Commission signed off on the vacation motion on a unanimous 6-0 vote last month. The council approved the measure on a 6-1 vote, with Councilmember Molly Dennis casting the lone dissenting vote.

Mayo Clinic says demolition of current buildings within downtown Rochester, such as the former Lourdes High School, Ozmun Building and Damon Parking Ramp, will continue through the Winter and into the middle of 2025 when the parking ramp is slated to come down.

The expansion project is scheduled to be completed by 2030.