New Vision Plan Targets Rochester’s Historic Core

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Rochester City Council will be presented Monday with a report that lays out a “vision plan” for the downtown commercial historic district.

The elected officials requested the report after the City Council officially approved the creation of the downtown historic district in January 2024. The general boundaries of the district run from just north of 2nd Street Southwest to the east side of 1st Avenue Southwest to 4th Street Southwest, as well as the 300 block of South Broadway and the historic Riverside Building on the southeast corner of 4th Street and South Broadway.

Public Input Shapes the ‘Public Realm’ Strategy

The main focus of the report is on the “public realm” within the historic district and was developed after gathering public input through a variety of meetings and outreach efforts. It says the community response found that the historic district has a strong historic identity but needs improved visibility and connection. Community members also expressed a strong desire for more vibrant, inclusive, and walkable public areas, activation of small-business support, improved accessibility, including pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, as well as a balance between preservation and modern needs.

Proposed Roadway and Parking Changes

Much of the “vision plan” involves changes to the roadways within the district to add green spaces, expanded sidewalks, and dedicated bike paths. Along Historic 3rd Street, the plan would eliminate the diagonal parking along the south side of the street to add green spaces and a dedicated bikeway.

The proposal for the portion of First Avenue Southwest within the historic district would eliminate the diagonal parking and replace it with curbside parking in order to create space for a bike path, green spaces, as well as wider sidewalks.

The vision for South Broadway in the historic district includes modifications addressing off-peak and peak hours. The plan for heavy traffic times would reduce traffic to one lane in each direction, separated by a dedicated turn lane and a median with trees and other landscaping.

During off-peak times, curbside parking would be allowed along the affected section of South Broadway, but during peak times, those portions of the roadway would be utilized for traffic and public transit. The plan also includes wider sidewalks and amenity space that could be used for outdoor dining.

Art, Culture, and Public Alley Activation

The report also recommends creating art space in the public alleys within the historic district and the use of artwork, murals, sculptures, and interpretive panels to share stories about the past of the historic commercial district.

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No Timeline Yet for Implementation

It does not recommend a specific timeline for implementing the proposed changes but does suggest “starting small, learning fast, and scaling intentionally.” It also calls for aligning the needed capital investments with the broader downtown and infrastructure initiatives that are already taking place or are in the planning process.