Government Center improvement projects begin May 2025

  • News
  • May 6, 2025

The City of Rochester and Olmsted County are coordinating a series of Government Center Improvement Projects over the spring and summer of 2025. The work will include both indoor and outdoor upgrades to enhance safety, accessibility, and sustainability throughout the Government Center. We appreciate residents' patience during these improvements, which will result in a more accessible, modern, and environmentally friendly Government Center.

Parking Lot Improvements

The project will include the creation of a north-south sidewalk through the middle of the parking lot to enhance pedestrian safety, as well as new pedestrian ramps and other accessibility improvements to bring the lot into compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, making it easier for all visitors to access public meetings and services. New multi-space pay stations will replace single-space parking meters. Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations—capable of serving four vehicles at a time—will also be installed.

Phase 1: Begins May 12, 2025

  • The upper parking loop nearest the doors A, B and D will be closed. Pedestrian access will be maintained.
    • The lower parking lot will remain open and unaffected. Additional parking is available at the First Street and Second Street parking ramps, both of which are connected to the Government Center via skyways.
  • Most sidewalks around the loop will remain open. Temporary closures may occur during electrical work, concrete pouring and removals. Temporary pedestrian mats (similar to heavy-duty rugs) will be available as needed to ensure safe access across work areas during times when construction is not actively underway.
  • Entrance doors near the Council Chambers/Board Chambers (Door C) will be closed.
    • Access to Council Chambers/Board Chambers will be through either the City Hall entrance (Door D) or the Government Center main entrance (Door A).
  • Interior building hallways will remain open and accessible.

Phase 2: Expected to begin June 2, 2025

  • The upper parking lot will open, and construction will shift to the lower parking lot.
  • Parking stall availability will vary daily; cones will mark closed stalls. No more than 25% of the stalls will be closed at any given time.

The parking lot work is a joint project between the City of Rochester and Olmsted County and will be funded based on parking lot ownership: 54% city and 46% county, reflecting the share of parking spaces on each parcel. The approved contract total is $424,033, with costs split accordingly.

Council/Board Chambers upgrades

The City of Rochester and Olmsted County are also partnering to upgrade the audiovisual and conferencing systems in the Council Chambers/Olmsted County Board Room. The project includes replacing outdated analog components with a fully digital system, streamlining future maintenance and enhancing hybrid meeting functionality. In addition, the room will be updated to support these improvements, with new lighting, carpeting, and window treatments that enhance visibility and overall functionality.

This work is expected to occur this summer. During construction, city council and county board meetings will be temporarily relocated. Additional details will be shared in the coming weeks.