Owners of Rochester IBM Complex Have Big Plans For the Site

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The owners of the sprawling IBM complex in northwest Rochester have begun planning for a major development at the site.

Industrial Realty Group, or IRG, has submitted documentation to state regulators for an environmental review of two different development scenarios for what is now known as the Rochester Technology Campus. According to the filing with the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board the proposed mixed use development would include residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational uses.

The document says the redevelopment project covers nearly 500 acres. The existing buildings, which according to the filing are about 60% leased, would be incorporated into the development project. The new construction would take place on the surrounding undeveloped land.

One scenario proposes more than 2600 residential units, more than 850,000 square feet of commercial space, 650,000 square feet of industrial space, and about 1,100,000 square feet of recreational space.

The second scenario proposed by IRG calls for the same amount of commercial and industrial space, but would reduce the residential units to just over 1900, while doubling the recreational space, with a regional sports complex, to 2,200,000 square feet.

The former IBM site is among the properties being considered by the City of Rochester for the location of a planned $65 million Regional Sports Complex. The city recently entered into tentative purchase agreements for three potential sites while soil testing and other evaluation work are conducted.

READ MORE:  3 Sites Identified For Rochester Regional Sports & Rec Complex

The filing with the state regulatory panel indicates the proposed project is consistent with Rochester's Comprehensive Plan and zoning designations for mixed-use transit oriented corridors.

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