Library Board Views Concept Plan For New Rochester Library

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A presentation to the Rochester Public Library Board Wednesday afternoon provided the public an opportunity to see and hear about a proposal to develop a new library in downtown Rochester through a public-private partnership with the owners of the former Post-Bulletin property.

A representative of PB Investments outlined a concept plan that would combine a three-story library with a hotel, condominiums, and a senior living complex on the site just to the west of the Mayo Civic Center. The senior living center would be housed in a 16 to 17 story tower on the northwest corner of the property, while the six-story hotel and six-story condominium building would utilize the south side of the site. While all of the private uses would have ground-floor entrances, most of the space would be on top of the library structure.

There were no discussions about the cost of the development or how the project would be financed.

The Library Board expressed support for the mixed-use concept, although some members expressed concerns about a number of issues. City staff is currently engaged in preliminary discussions with the developer on the possibility of entering into a partnership for the project. The city administration is expected to bring a report to the City Council in mid-December.

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