Gallery: Discovery Walk Nears Completion in Downtown Rochester

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The end appears to be near for a multi-year construction project in downtown Rochester.

See Also: Rochester Approves Millions in Funding for New Housing 

Despite the near completion of the project, construction in the downtown is not going anywhere anytime soon. Mayo Clinic is set to begin construction on its $5 billion expansion this year.

Construction will also begin in the coming years on a new bridge connecting 6th St. Southeast with South Broadway Ave.

Crews will also be adding infrastructure required for a rapid transit bus line along 2nd St. Southwest.

Get our free mobile app

Crews Put Finishing Touches on Discovery Walk Project in Downtown Rochester

In April of 2022, a project to transform most of 2nd Ave. Southwest in downtown Rochester began. It was dubbed the Discovery Walk.

It’s a joint project involving the city and Destination Medical Center and runs from the Plummer Building and Soldiers Field Park.

The Discovery Walk features multiple unique seating areas that include table and chairs, large benches with inspirational messages and even lawn-style chairs.

It also has several semi canopies with partial ceilings and heaters to allow for the walk to still be used even during cold Minnesota winters. The sidewalks are also heated.

Although 2nd Ave. Southwest has been significantly narrowed, vehicles are still permitted to use the city streets. The space has been converted to wider sidewalks and the aforementioned seating areas.

Also featured are landscaping beds that are angled up to the sky. The walk also has multiple bike racks and trash and recycling bins.

At the time of the project it had an announced price tag of nearly $20 million. Keep scrolling to see the results of years of work and millions of dollars in funding.