Rochester businesses closing amid Mayo plan

Published 9:36 am Monday, December 29, 2014

ROCHESTER — The face of downtown Rochester is changing as the city remakes itself amid Mayo Clinic’s development of its massive Destination Medical Center.

Minnesota Public Radio News ( reports several longstanding businesses will soon close due to the rising cost of commercial downtown space. The effects of the 20-year plan to cement Mayo as a global health care destination have prompted concerns from residents who want to ensure Rochester doesn’t simply become a city for nonlocals.

The owners of a popular steakhouse that’s been open for more than 60 years recently announced the restaurant is closing on Wednesday.

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Rochester Mayor Ardell Brede has celebrated his wedding anniversary at the restaurant for the past five decades. He says the news of its closure feels like a death in the family.