$18.9M Discovery Walk transformation aims for July completion
Apr. 5—ROCHESTER — Work continues on transitioning a four-block section of Second Avenue Southwest into a linear parkway with increased pedestrian amenities.
Dubbed Discovery Walk, the revamped street and sidewalk space stretches between Mayo Clinic's Annenberg Plaza and Soldiers Field Memorial Park.
Final work on the $18.9 million Destination Medical Center project is expected to be completed by July, after missing an early goal last fall.
"There were multiple other projects that were included (in the area) that weren't city projects," Rochester Strategic Initiatives Director Josh Johnsen said of Mayo Clinic and utility work completed last year. "Incorporating those kind of threw us off our original schedule."
Second Avenue Southwest, between Second and Fourth streets, is closed to complete street paving, sidewalk installation and creation of swales to control stormwater, while planting and landscaping remain to be finalized along the southern section of the project.
Work also continues creating community spaces along the blocks south of Fourth Street after supply issues delayed the delivery of required steel for the structures.
When completed, Discovery Square is expected to be activated as part of the downtown public realm, offering new seating and gathering spaces, along with the potential for small civic events.
It was designed to include the sheltered community areas, as well as outdoor heating and cooling systems, to provide use throughout the year, and will feature a variety of public art built into the seating and lighting.
While it will prioritize the pedestrian experience, the street will also maintain flexibility for two-way bike and vehicular access.
Jamie Rothe, DMC Economic Development Agency community engagement and experience director, said the goal is to plan activities along Discovery Square once it opens to provide local residents the opportunity to experience the changes.
"It's a brand new space that our community hasn't used as a public space," she said of the street and connection to a new riverfront walk being constructed in Soldiers Field Memorial Park.
No date has been set for opening Discovery Walk, but Rothe said it's possible that some activation could happen before the final touches are complete, which was the case for Peace Plaza, where a new lighting feature is being installed more than a year after the bulk of the renovation was complete.
"It doesn't always have to be complete," she said of opening a new space. "It's about what is right for the community, and what's the right thing."
