UMR considering three plans for permanent campus

The first building on the planned permanent campus of University of Minnesota-Rochester may be just several years away.

The Rochester City Council was briefed yesterday on three concept plans for the UMR site, which is an area south of 6th street southwest and west of Broadway. Two of the three plans would incorporate a portion of Soldiers Field Park. There would also be room for parking but at this point, there are no plans for student housing on the campus. The Council was told once a final plan is selected - which could be this coming summer - the exact site of the first building will be known and construction could begin in 6 - 8 years.

The Council was told development of the overall site will be based on enrollment, which is expected to climb from the current 800 to 1400 within 10 years. UMR is also expected to maintain its current downtown site even as the new campus is developed.

UMR is scheduled to present its master campus plan to the U’s Board of Regents in September.

A neighborhood meeting on the three concept plans will be held this evening at Zumbro Lutheran Church, beginning at 7 p.m.