Olmsted County Approves $39M Fairgrounds Project
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A groundbreaking ceremony is expected to take place in the near future for a nearly $40 million project at Graham Park in Rochester.
The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve three contracts for the construction of a long-planned exhibition center at Graham Park, which is also known by many as the Olmsted County Fairgrounds. The three contracts cover the construction of the building, mechanical work, and electrical work for the new facility and total just over $39 million.
The overall budget is around $42.5 million. The State Legislature previously appropriated $8 million in state funding for the project.
The plan calls for the construction of an 80,000-square-foot building that would have room for approximately 1,500 spectators. The new facility will be located west of the existing Graham Arenas. The exhibition center has been designed to host a wide range of events and activities, including trade and livestock shows.
During a presentation to the County Board Tuesday evening, staff indicated the exhibition center should be ready for use in early 2027. It’s hoped that an activities pad included in the project will be available for use during the Olmsted County Fair next summer.
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Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio
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