West Transit Village Set to Transform Rochester’s West Side

West Transit Village Set to Transform Rochester’s West Side

A major new development is reshaping the west side of Rochester with a vision that blends housing, retail, and transit into a vibrant, walkable community.
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The West Transit Village, located on a 14-acre site near Second Street Southwest and Cascade Lake, is designed to complement the city’s upcoming Link Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, creating a hub of connectivity and convenience.

The project will serve as the western terminus for the 2.6-mile Phase 1 Link BRT line, which is scheduled to launch by the end of 2026. The BRT corridor will link downtown Rochester with the Mayo Clinic campuses and the University of Minnesota Rochester, providing frequent service during peak hours and ensuring reliable transportation options for residents and commuters alike.

A proposed adjustment to Rochester’s planned rapid-transit route would redirect the dedicated buses a few blocks south along Third Avenue Southeast from Second Street Southeast, having them return along the same path instead of looping around the city-county Government Center.
A proposed adjustment to Rochester’s planned rapid-transit route would redirect the dedicated buses a few blocks south along Third Avenue Southeast from Second Street Southeast, having them return along the same path instead of looping around the city-county Government Center.

Construction at West Transit Village began in March 2025, with early work focused on utility and paving projects. Key developments include a 2,500-stall Mayo Clinic parking ramp to replace the current employee shuttle lot and integrate seamlessly with the new transit hub.

Based on content from the Community Beam (dmcbeam.org) entry titled "West Transit Village", part of the Olmsted County Community Health section. Retrieved from a document hosted on the Community Mobilization Resource Coalition
Based on content from the Community Beam (dmcbeam.org) entry titled "West Transit Village", part of the Olmsted County Community Health section. Retrieved from a document hosted on the Community Mobilization Resource Coalition CMRC Beam

Housing is a central component of the project. Nonprofit developer Aeon is leading the creation of 75 affordable senior housing units, including 16 units for households at or below 30% of the Area Median Income, with priority given to high-need and long-term homeless populations. Market-rate housing and retail spaces, developed by Kraus-Anderson Construction, aim to activate the streetscape and support local economic growth. The project is supported by Destination Medical Center tax increment financing, which is expected to generate more than $40 million in added property tax revenue over the next 15 to 20 years.

A concept plan outlines potential redevelopment of Mayo Clinic’s west shuttle lot along Second Street Southwest. The proposal includes constructing a new 2,500-stall parking ramp on the lot’s eastern side and establishing a transit hub for the city’s planned Link Rapid Transit system at the northern end. Additional development could feature apartments, commercial spaces, and improved access to Cascade Lake Park.
A concept plan outlines potential redevelopment of Mayo Clinic’s west shuttle lot along Second Street Southwest. The proposal includes constructing a new 2,500-stall parking ramp on the lot’s eastern side and establishing a transit hub for the city’s planned Link Rapid Transit system at the northern end. Additional development could feature apartments, commercial spaces, and improved access to Cascade Lake Park.City of Rochester

Sustainability and community connectivity are key priorities for West Transit Village. The development will feature pedestrian-friendly areas, a transit plaza, and connections to Cascade Lake Park, while an Environmental Assessment Worksheet ensures that potential environmental impacts are carefully considered and addressed.

A proposed design concept for a rapid transit stop near St. Marys Hospital.
A proposed design concept for a rapid transit stop near St. Marys Hospital.City of Rochester

The West Transit Village marks a significant step in Rochester’s efforts to create a connected, inclusive, and sustainable urban environment. As construction continues and new amenities take shape, residents can look forward to a lively, accessible, and forward-thinking neighborhood on the city’s west side.

A conceptual rendering illustrates a potential transit hub envisioned for the west end of the planned Link Rapid Transit system.
A conceptual rendering illustrates a potential transit hub envisioned for the west end of the planned Link Rapid Transit system. City of Rochester

This article was made with assistance from AI

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