Rochester City Council approves historic building housing addition

The Rochester City Council voted 4-3 to approve a development project that adds a seven-story addition to several historic buildings in downtown Rochester, Minnesota. The project, proposed by GH2 Investments, is intended for student housing and will be constructed on the rear sides of existing buildings located at 309, 311, 313, 315, and 317 S. Broadway.

The decision overturns a previous rejection by the city’s Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC), which had voted 6-2 against issuing a Certificate of Appropriateness. While Community Development staff recommended approval, the council's vote followed a split decision where four members voted to abide by staff recommendations and one motion to adopt the HPC's decision was defeated.

The development plans include 35 tower units and eight renovated units, rising five stories above the current roofline.