Approving the geometric layout and authorizing advancement of design for J8908 - Reimagining 6th Ave West.

Downtown Rochester is experiencing a transformative period in the City's history. The Bold Forward Unbound in Rochester (BFUiR) project is transforming how pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and vehicles move around downtown Rochester. To make way for the new BFUiR developments, the Council approved the vacation of 3rd and 4th Avenues between W. Center St. and 2nd St SW. These street vacations and associated BFUiR site development projects have highlighted the importance of 6th Ave W becoming a key pedestrian focused connector. The future role of 6th Ave W is to serve as a important multi-modal corridor and a connecting street linking neighborhoods to the north, west, and south to the downtown core and to the new Link Bus Rapid Transit station at 6th Ave W and 2nd St SW.

This project seeks to address the opportunity to reimagine 6th Ave W in its post construction state – as a pedestrian focused, key mobility connector. City teammates have been working with our consultants at Toole Design of Minneapolis, MN (Toole) to advance the design for this corridor. City teammates and Toole have hosted a series of public engagement events to ensure that the future of this corridor is one that the community will be satisfied with. The project team has also been coordinating closely with adjacent BFUiR and private development projects, along with the City's traffic and utility teams, to ensure that the functioning of this corridor meets future use demands as Rochester continues to grow.

The purpose of this item is to provide the Council with an update on the design plan and to get concurrence on continuing to advance the design. The project plans have recently passed the 30% design milestone, and the project is on schedule to initiate bidding on the project in January 2027. The City team, along with Toole will present the current design for 6th Av W. The presentation will include: 1) corridor design, 2) public engagement summary, 3) project milestones and timeline, and 4) budget.

A key component of this project is public engagement and the consideration of pedestrian access through Rochester’s downtown core. This is consistent with the City's ADA Transition Plan and current Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives by designing improved roadways for people of all abilities. Council approval of the actions above maximizes improvements to our pedestrian network, including walkability and ADA access. This project also aligns with the City's guiding principles approach to downtown development work. These principles focus on growth, vibrancy, and a people- first approach and they’re meant to help create foundations to promote collaboration across departments, agencies, and projects.

Nov. 18, 2024: Council Meeting - Vacation Petition No. CD2024-006VAC by Mayo Clinic

July 14, 2025: Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Commission - Downtown Bike Lane Replacement Project Update

July 21, 2025: Council Meeting - Contract with Toole Design Group for Professional Transportation Planning and Engineering Design Services

August 11, 2025: Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Commission - Connecting Downtown Rochester Active Transportation Corridors

September 8, 2025: Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Commission - Reimagining 6th Avenue

October 13, 2025: Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Commission - Reimagining 6th Avenue and Reconnecting the Downtown Mobility Network

November 10, 2025: Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Commission - Reimagining 6th Avenue and Reconnecting the Downtown Mobility Network

November 10, 2025: City Council Study Session - Project Update: Reimagining 6th Avenue and Reconnecting the Downtown Mobility Network

December 1, 2025: Council Meeting - Contract Amendment with Toole Design Group for Professional Transportation Planning and Engineering Design Services

January 12, 2026: Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Commission - Project Update: Reimagining 6th Avenue West

March 2, 2026: Council Meeting - Adopting the Corridor Concept Plan on 6th Avenue West from Civic Center Dr to 2nd St SW

On October 6, 2025, Council adopted a resolution approving the DMCC operating budget and Capital Budget. The funding matrix adopted allocated up to $11,161,000 of DMC capital project dollars to the Reimaging of 6th Ave W between Civic Center Dr and Center St W. An additional funding contribution by the Bold Forward Unbound in Rochester Projects overlapping this project corridor is currently estimated to be $3-$4 million. As the design progresses to the 60% milestone, a more refined estimate will be available.

No alternative actions are suggested at this time.