- Create a vibrant, economically healthy downtown that is walkable, livable and promotes human interaction
- Create strong connections between major activity centers including the central business district, University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic
- Promote mobility options that reduce dependency on automobiles
- Create pedestrian friendly streets that balance use by people and automobiles
- Build upon historic buildings and landmarks that contribute to Rochester’s history and culture
- Establish a connected open space system including the river
- Create strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces at street level, subway, and skyway
- Develop buildings that engage the street, shape the civic realm and minimize energy use
Rochester, MN frames the future for downtown
The City of Rochester recently adopted a new downtown master plan. The design principles, which are quickly becoming universal across forward-looking Great Lakes metros, express the city's aspiration:
