The City of Rochester is launching the Downtown Waterfront S.E. Small Area Plan (DWSE SAP), which is a 60+ acre study area located southeast of the downtown core and has approximately 1,600 feet of Zumbro River frontage. The plan will include visionary concepts that are people centric and establish natural and cultural resources within the area. The DWSE SAP will guide transformation of the redevelopment area from its current state to a future mixed-use neighborhood that will have both its own character, as well as authentically reflect the surrounding neighborhoods. The project website was launched this week and community engagement activities are set to begin in the coming weeks.
Within Rochester’s most recent comprehensive plan, which was adopted in 2018, the Project Area was identified as an area for revitalization due to its proximity to the downtown, frontage along the Zumbro River, and the presence of large tracts of underutilized property (i.e., vacant properties and/or parking lots). However, the comprehensive plan did not provide clear direction for what the area should become in the future.
Cindy Steinhauser, director of the Community Development department shares, “We are excited to partner with surrounding neighborhoods, property owners, Destination Medical Center, Mayo Clinic, and Camegaran to create a new vision for this area. These 60+ acres are strategically situated between the riverfront, major transportation corridors, downtown and some of Rochester’s oldest, important neighborhoods. This project represents the City Council’s commitment to bridging economic, community and neighborhood development.”
More recently, though, several large parcels within the project area have either been recently sold or are in the process of being sold. This is an indication that significant change may occur in the near future. Therefore, the City of Rochester felt that it would be beneficial to work with stakeholders to prepare a collaborative, community-driven plan that represents a shared vision for the future of the project area.
The timeline for creating the plan is seven-eight months. The City Council is anticipated to adopt the final plan sometime in early 2021. However, many of the recommendations that come out of the plan may take many years before they are realized. This is because most of the land in the project area is privately-owned and any change that occurs on such parcels will need to be initiated and funded by landowners.
A frequently asked questions page is on the project website. If members of the community, organizations or businesses have additional questions, those can be directed to Principal Planner Ryan Yetzer with Community Development at 507-328-2954 or ryetzer@rochestermn.gov.
