Olmsted County Board to Consider Major Seneca Property Proposal

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners is expected to vote tomorrow on entering into a nonbinding agreement with an organization seeking to construct a performing arts center at the county-owned former Seneca Foods property in southeast Rochester.

Proposal Targets Former Seneca Foods Property

The Southeast Minnesota Performing Arts Center has been engaged in discussions with Olmsted County since late last year concerning its proposal to build a 2,000-seat facility on a portion of the 10-acre site that was acquired by Olmsted County in 2019 for $5.6 million. The county has also spent approximately $1.1 million demolishing the former canning plant and restoring the landmark corn cob water tower.

According to the Olmsted County Board agenda for its Tuesday meeting, the commissioners are being asked to approve a nonbinding commitment to donate land for the performing arts project. The letter of commitment also includes a timeline for the performing arts organization to reach milestones in advancing its proposal.

Milestones Required Before Land Commitment

The first milestone would require the organization to present the county with a concept plan within one year that "sets forth the approximate size and seating of the Southeastern Minnesota Performing Arts Center." The plan would also include parking areas and clearly identify which portion of the Seneca property would be needed for the project. Within two years, the organization would need to provide a business plan outlining anticipated sources of revenue and expenses, as well as any public subsidies beyond the donation of the land.

At that point, the performing arts organization would also need to present architectural renderings of the facility that would provide a general idea of its expected exterior and interior. The renderings would also need to include a general layout of parking areas, access roads, and utility services.

99 Year Lease

The letter of commitment says the county would be prepared to enter into a binding long-term ground lease, with the rent set at a level that would cover the annual property tax payments for the property. The long-term lease could extend for as many as 99 years.

Preserves Corn, Water Tower

Olmsted County is also reserving approximately two acres of the overall Seneca property for "overflow needs of Graham Park," including parking and use of the performing arts center parking lot during the Olmsted County Fair. The agreement also stipulates that the corn cob water tower will not be included in any ground lease for the performing arts center.

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Gallery Credit: Unsplash