Rochester Heritage Preservation Commission Signs Off on Silver Lake Dam Project

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester Heritage Preservation Commission has signed off on a massive project to modify the Silver Lake Dam. 

See Also: Motorcyclist Killed in Rochester Crash ID'D as 26-Year-Old Man 

The commissioners approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for changes to the dam, which is operated by Rochester Public Utilities, and other areas. 

The project landed on the commission's docket due to Silver Lake Park being declared a Historic Landmark by the City in 2023. 

Get our free mobile app

Rochester Heritage Preservation Commission Unanimously Approves Silver Lake Dam Project

Proposed changes to the park include construction of a new bridge for the surrounding bike and walking path that will be built east of the North Broadway Ave. crossing, construction of a new bike and walking path on the north shore of the lake and modifications to the shoreline on the southeastern shore of the lake. 

City of Rochester

The commission unanimously approved the Certificate of Appropriateness, citing a review stating “the proposed undertaking will result in no adverse effect on historic properties," according to the agenda item. 

Project Start Date Delayed

Despite receiving approval from the Heritage Preservation Commission, the $15.1 million project’s start date is not yet set in stone. 

Read More: Rochester's $15 Million Silver Lake Dam Project Delayed 

Work on removing and replacing the existing dam was scheduled to begin last November, but city officials said last September that there have been delays in obtaining regulatory permits from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the US Army Corps of Engineers. 

City of Rochester

The city was in the process of seeking bids for the project. That process was canceled. 

The city’s announcement last year indicated work could begin this September, however a start date has not been announced.