Proposed Downtown Rochester Mega Project Clears First Hurdle

Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) -The proposed Bloom project cleared its first city government hurdle Wednesday night.

The Rochester Planning and Zoning Commission approved a preliminary plan for the large project that would be built on the west side of the Zumbro River between 2nd and 4th streets SE.

It now goes to the City Council.  If it wins approval there, the city and developer will begin work on a final plan and a financial assistance package expected to be in the millions.

The design calls for two towers, parking and commercial space and public amenities totaling nearly 926,000 square feet. Under the current plan, a 21 story tower would be constructed first on the south end of the site. It would include 215 apartments for seniors. The second phase of the project calls for a 28 story tower on the north end that would include 181 hotel rooms and 132 condo units. Both towers would include parking garages totaling about 500 spaces. Nearly half may be public spaces to make up for the loss of the city’s 2nd St ramp.

At last check, the project had an estimated cost of nearly $200-million.

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