University of Minnesota Rochester to expand presence in downtown Rochester

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) and Titan Development are pleased to announce an approved expansion of our partnership to address current UMR facilities needs by remodeling and repurposing the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel. The redesigned space will provide UMR students with first-year housing and recreation space, as well as a dining service. The reconfigured facility is anticipated to be available by fall 2023 to meet University enrollment growth timelines. UMR is proud to partner with Titan Development and to contribute to the vibrancy of downtown Rochester with this creative collaboration. 

UMR has held a presence within downtown Rochester since 2007, when Gus Chafoulias established a partnership between the University and the Shops at University Square. Son of Gus, Andy Chafoulias, has since carried on the legacy and vision of investing in the vibrancy of downtown Rochester and initially proposed the idea of repurposing the well-established hotel.

“As UMR has been assessing the evolving context, repurposing an existing space emerged as a compelling approach to facilities expansion at this moment in time,” says Chancellor Lori Carrell, University of Minnesota Rochester. “We are proud to be in partnership with Titan Development and to be moving ahead with a project that meets student needs. Living on campus contributes to students’ academic success, and at UMR, affordable downtown housing puts our health-focused students in proximity to opportunities. The future vision to further expand the University of Minnesota’s presence in downtown Rochester is well-served by this strategy, enabling us to continue to grow student enrollment.”

The converted facility will provide 403 beds as well as gathering, dining and recreational space. Upperclass students will continue to be housed in apartments in 318 Commons and Residence at Discovery Square. Pescara Restaurant, as well as Café Steam located onsite will remain open through the construction and will be enhancements to the updated facility.

The Regents of the University of Minnesota have UMR scheduled to review and update the comprehensive campus plan in 2023, a plan originally conceptualized in 2014. Exploration of future facilities and partnerships for the University will continue, as the current housing project with Titan Development will allow UMR to continue its growth.