County Weighs Northside Housing Near Old Town Hall
Olmsted County is considering new apartment or townhome development beside its Residences of Old Town Hall building on East Center Street in Rochester.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Apartments
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Olmsted County is weighing options for new housing near the Residences of Old Town Hall at 607 E. Center St., which the county bought in 2024 for $5 million. The county's Housing and Redevelopment Board voted 6-1 to support further review of the project.
Why it matters
The plan addresses demand for affordable housing in Rochester by expanding county-owned units beyond the 60 single-occupancy rooms already offered. Its outcome will shape how the county uses public property for housing as nearby Mayo Field plans move forward.
The housing board voted 6-1 to support further review, with Commissioner Brian Mueller opposed. The county's existing Seventh Avenue rental home brings in $2,733 a month, but the final number of units and total cost remain unresolved.
The players
Olmsted County
Olmsted County is the Minnesota county that owns the Residences of Old Town Hall and is pursuing the housing expansion through its Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
The details
Option one would build a three- to four-story apartment complex north of the existing building on a parking lot and neighboring properties. Option two would add townhomes or an apartment complex south of the building, closer to Center Street, with housing staff recommending the northside as an initial phase.
Timeline
2024: County purchased 607 E. Center St. for $5 million.
Aug. 14, 2025: Renovations to the Seventh Avenue house were approved.
Early 2027: Decision expected on building on one or both sides.
July 2027: First state housing support application could be submitted.
October 2029: Construction could start if state funding is approved.
Seasonal Patterns
The proposal extends the county's existing Residences of Old Town Hall model, which already offers 60 single-occupancy rooms, by adding new family and senior units on adjacent land in Rochester.
Rochester renters seeking affordable units could see new family or senior apartments if the project moves forward. Residents near East Center Street may face construction activity if state funding is approved for an October 2029 start.
The takeaway
County-owned housing projects can expand affordable options, but timelines depend on state funding and further board review. Renters and neighbors should watch the early 2027 decision point.
What happens next
The county will decide in early 2027 whether to build on one or both sides of the building, with a first state housing support application possibly submitted in July 2027.
Further reading
Explore more Apartments coverage for Rochester housing developments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rochester Post Bulletin.
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