Rochester City Council is considering the construction of a stadium and mixed-use district at the former Silver Lake power plant site. The council approved a resolution to let the site of the former Silver Lake Power Plant be considered for a mixed-use district. Moreover, it would have a sports stadium at its core. Wisconsin-based Landmark Development to have been awarded an exclusive negotiation period to evaluate purchasing the property.

According to documents on the project from Monday’s city council meeting, the development would include a sports and entertainment area. It would also entail residential housing, commercial space and public gathering areas. The agreement enables the firm to study the future of the vacant site. The six-month study will explore redevelopment options, including the possibility of a stadium, along with other surrounding development. Landmark Development will pay for the study, and the agreement does not require the city to sell the property or approve any future project.

Other Projects

Another major stadium advancing in Hammond, Indiana is the Chicago Bears stadium project. However, the historic NFL franchise is yet to officially confirm a site for their proposed stadium. Nonetheless, geotechnical surveys around Wolf Lake highlights a significant step towards the team building their new stadium in Hammond. According to StadiumDB, three potential sites are being evaluated for the new home field and mixed-use entertainment district.

Outlook on Plans for the Former Silver Lake Power Plant Site in Rochester

The plans for the former Silver Lake power plant site in Rochester seem to heading in a promising direction. During the negotiation period, Landmark is expected to provide the city with several documents such as the master plan for the site, including how the property will be used. Others include initial site-specific analysis including looking at environmental conditions, easements and zoning. Engineering analysis of the site’s conditions are also to be provided to determine required infrastructure for the project, helping to inform early-stage budgeting.

The other needed documents are market-supported site appraisal of the site, preliminary development plan outlining the project’s phases, schedule, timeline and budget, preliminary financial plan among others. Furthermore, Landmark is responsible for any costs associated with the negotiation period. An exclusive negotiation period does not obligate the city to commit to any offer, financial planning or project plan.

Project Overview

• Location: Rochester, Minnesota
• Site: Former Silver Lake Power Plant
• Developer: Landmark Development
• Status: Under evaluation

Scope

• Mixed-use redevelopment
• Proposed sports stadium
• Residential and commercial space
• Public gathering areas planned

Project Highlights

• Six-month evaluation period
• Developer funding all studies
• Also no commitment to sell the site
• Stadium under consideration

Key Developments

• Exclusive negotiations approved
• Master plan to also be prepared
• Environmental and engineering studies planned
• Market and also financial analyses required

Study Requirements

• Site and zoning assessment
• Infrastructure analysis
• Development timeline and budget
• Also preliminary financial plan

Outlook

• Redevelopment options under review
• Stadium feasibility yet to be determined
• City also retains final approval authority
• Study findings will guide next steps