Mayo Civic Center - Convention Center Expansion
CLIENT:
City of Rochester
LOCATION:
Rochester, Minnesota
SERVICES PROVIDED:
Programming, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Engineering
The City of Rochester retained BetschAssociates in association with TSP, Inc., to prepare a State Pre-Design Report for the proposed expansion of the facility and to design the 240,500 square-foot convention center expansion / renovation. This $71.6 million project included construction of a 40,000 square-foot ballroom, 14 breakout rooms, pre-function areas, administrative offices, and a black box theater for the Rochester Civic Theatre, as well as renovation of the existing meeting rooms along Civic Center Drive, the 1,170 seat Presentation Hall, the Civic Auditorium, and the existing arena.
It was designed to provide a continuous pre-function area around the perimeter of the various meeting spaces and conceal the service corridors and functions from patron view. The building exterior was designed to provide a unified image for the entire complex and features a wavy curtainwall along the Zumbro River.
"From the very beginning, Ken Betsch grasped the community's nuances, and demonstrated leadership, vision, creativity, and stakeholder sensitivities… Ken was solution oriented, and worked diligently to resolve acoustical problems, dressing room challenges, and lobby limitations while preserving the historic aspects of a 75 year-old performing arts facility. Ken listened first, and addressed every concern…
It has been a pleasure working with Ken and his professional staff. His expertise, patience and calm demeanor have helped us persevere. We are very grateful."
Donna Drews, Executive Director
Mayo Civic Center
