Mayo Clinic Demolition for Rochester Expansion Starts This Month

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- Mayo Clinic is set to start demolition to clear the way for its $5 billion expansion in downtown Rochester this month.

See Also: Mayo Clinic Announces Name of New Rochester Clinical Building

Last year the healthcare provider announced its plans to construct new clinical and support buildings to the west of the Gonda building.

The plans call for the demolition of the former Lourdes High School, Ozmun building and Damon Parking Ramp.

Ozmun building. Google

Last month, Mayo Clinic leaders rolled out the timeline detailing when noticeable demolition and construction will begin. The former Lourdes school and Ozmun building are up first.

Officials say crews will begin demolition on the Ozmun west building on 1st St. Southwest in September. The Ozmun parking ramp at the corner of 1st St. and 4th Ave. Southwest is scheduled to close for demolition in October.

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Mayo officials say drivers who use the Ozmun ramp will be directed to Ramp 12 on 1st St. Southwest.

The demolition of the inside of the Lourdes building will begin in the next couple of months. Mayo Clinic is planning efforts to preserve savable contents of the building before it is knocked down, officials say.

former Lourdes High School. Photo by Andy Brownell

Construction on the logistical center that will replace the former school is slated to begin in 2025.

Mayo Clinic also announced that the Damon Parking Ramp is scheduled to close by the middle of next year.

Mayo officials say most of the demolition is expected to occur on site. They advise drivers to prepare for rolling road closures for utility work surrounding the soon-to-be-started building construction.

Mayo Clinic is also planning to construct a new larger entrance on the east side of the Gonda building this fall.

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Gallery Credit: T.J. Leverentz