Rochester City Council to Review Chateau Proposal Monday

Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - The future of Rochester’s Chateau Theater could be decided Monday.

The Rochester City Council will hear from the Chateau Reuse Committee, which is recommending an expensive and major renovation of the historic downtown building.

The group settled on what is known as option E for the renovation project involving the city-owned building. A lower level would be added, as would a state-of-the-art seating system that would give the building more user-friendly options. The former balcony would be resurrected while retaining a skyway connection. The project has an estimated cost of more than $21 million.

City Administrator Steve Kvenvold supports the recommendation and says it would likely qualify for DMC funding.

The project would require an expansion of the building into the alley on the east side of the building. Kvenvold has told the council this will require discussions with the developers of the Michaels Restaurant site.

Kvenvold says “The developers are expected to make an announcement in the next few weeks concerning their development intentions and already have retained an architectural firm to develop design concepts. The development concept is expected to involve the demolition of the West Center St. parking ramp, therefore, the city and developers have joint interests in how the alley and adjacent property is developed.”

The Chateau proposal will be discussed during the City Council’s committee of the whole meeting Monday afternoon.