Rochester, MN – The Rochester City Council moved forward on a key component of Mayo Clinic’s massive downtown expansion by permanently closing a portion of 3rd Ave. SW. The closure, effective at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, clears the way for the upcoming Bernard E. and Edith B. Waterman Building, one of five new clinical structures slated for the campus.
What the closure means for traffic
3rd Ave. SW will be closed to through traffic between 2nd St. SW and West Center St. The street has already been limited to drop‑off and pick‑up traffic for the Gonda building since June of last year. Starting Thursday, Oct. 8, new patient routing will direct downtown drop‑offs to the newly opened Penske Arrival Building, a 15,000‑square‑foot facility that can be accessed by heading south on 4th Ave. SW.
New routing details for patients
Patients heading to the Gonda Building will now use the north door on West Center St. for drop‑off and pick‑up. After dropping off, drivers will be guided to the West parking ramp at West Center St. and 5th Ave. SW. Those visiting the Charlton Building can continue using the west entrance on 3rd Ave. SW and will be directed north to the Graham Parking Ramp. Appointments in the Baldwin Building will be served through the east entrance on 4th Ave. SW, with parking available at the adjacent Baldwin Ramp.
Why the change matters
The decision reflects the council’s commitment to supporting Mayo Clinic’s $5 billion investment, which promises to bring new jobs, advanced medical services, and additional economic activity to downtown Rochester. By reallocating public right‑of‑ways, the city is facilitating a smoother patient experience and preparing the area for the anticipated increase in traffic that the new facilities will generate.
Community response
Local business owners and residents have expressed optimism that the improved routing will reduce congestion around the clinic’s main entrances and free up space for future development. The council’s action aligns with earlier approvals in November 2024, when five alleys and right‑of‑ways were vacated to support the broader expansion plan.
Looking ahead
The Waterman Building is expected to open later this year, adding state‑of‑the‑art clinical space to Mayo’s already extensive downtown footprint. City officials will continue to monitor traffic patterns and adjust signage as needed to ensure a seamless transition for patients, staff, and visitors.
For more information on the new patient routing and parking options, Rochester residents can visit the city’s official website or contact the Rochester Public Works Department.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
