$6.2 Million in Upgrades, New Operator Proposed of Historic Château Theater in Downtown Rochester

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester City Council is set to discuss a strategy regarding the future of the Château Theater next week. 

See Also: Olmsted County Board Delays Decision for Performing Arts Center at Former Seneca Foods Site 

The City of Rochester purchased the Château Theater in 2015 for $6 million using city and Destination Medical Center funds, along with a $500,000 contribution from Mayo Clinic. 

The building was constructed in 1927 and operated as a theater into the early 1980s before closing. It later operated as a bookstore for 10 years before its purchase by the city, which reopened the property as an event center in 2020.

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Rochester City Council to Discuss Upgrades, Operating Vision for Chateau Theater

City staff is asking for council feedback on capital investment and an operating strategy for the historic downtown Rochester space.

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A presentation set to be shown to the council on Tuesday describes the vision for the venue as a “flexible civic venue that preserves history, supports community events, activates downtown, and strengthens Rochester’s visitor economy.”

$6.2 Million in Upgrades Needed

The presentation also includes the results of a city study that determined the following factors are preventing the venue from reaching its full potential

-limited accessibility and lack of ADA accommodations 

-lack of restrooms and exits limiting capacity

-outdated sound and lighting equipment and state infrastructure

-no permanent food or beverage service 

-limited support for professional productions

City staff estimate the cost of solving the venue's limitations at $6.2 million. 

Proposed Operator Agreement with Experience Rochester

The city council is also being asked to direct staff on whether or not entering negotiations for an operating agreement with Experience Rochester. 

Part of the potential partnership would include an annual $300,000 in spending to establish a new Festivals & Events Department. 

The money would also go towards a Visitor Information Center, establishing a Certified Tourism Ambassador Headquarters and supporting workforce development as well as community partnerships, the presentation says.