ROCHESTER, Minn. - Many changes are set to be made in downtown Rochester in the coming years. This week, Mayo Clinic's Bold. Forward. Unbound. project made positive steps forward and on Sept. 26, Destination Medical Center talked about how it's working to support businesses in the downtown historic district.

One historic building was approved at the meeting for long-term improvements from DMC's Downtown Property Preservation Program. It's designed to help property owners in the downtown historic district with up to 50% of eligible project costs.

However, we're told many businesses struggle to break even most years. On top of that, Mayo's multi-year expansion plan has owners concerned with construction impacting accessibility to their stores.

John Kruesel, owner of John Kruesel's General Merchandise says, "the incentive package that was put forth by DMC was far too small, I would say during these times of construction which will take place 6 to 7 years, how do you increase your revenue base when there is construction going on that make it more difficult for you to be downtown."

DMC also approved its 2025 Capital Improvement Plan for more than $38 million.

The Chateau Theatre is receiving some of those funds to plan for future capital needs. The almost one hundred year old building will need exterior and interior improvements to keep up with general maintenance concerns.

Naura Anderson, owner of Chateau Theatre and Threshold Arts says, "it's critical, we are a really small business, it's myself and a few colleagues that I work with to do our day to day operations here. Without the support of the city, who owns the building, and DMC who helps facilitate those operations, we wouldn't be here doing what we do."

The DMC board also approved the Economic Development Agency's 2025 Workplan and Budget at the Sept. 26 meeting. It will be presented in October to Rochester City Council for approval.