A significant project for the City of Rochester, the convention center addition to the Mayo Civic Center, reached the 10 percent completion mark on July 31, 2015. The project, which broke ground on March 19, 2015, is expected to be open to the public in 2017.

"We're right on schedule," stated Rich Reding project superintendent. "Everything is tracking perfectly. We haven't had any major delays or any big problems. We're hoping for a good winter."

More than $7 million of work has been completed on the $84 million expansion project thus far. Demolition, steel piles and major utilities are now complete on the convention center addition, and earthwork activities have started on the kitchen addition.

As of June, the project recycled 73.5% of accumulated construction material including building demolition and waste associated with new construction.

The first delivery out of 65 truckloads of structural steel was delivered for the convention center on Wednesday, August 12^th.  More than 1,400 tons of steel will be installed on-site in total and over five miles of steel friction piles, 577 in total, have been installed. The friction pile foundation will support the two story addition which will create a 40,000 sq-ft ballroom and 14 additional meeting rooms as well as adjacent pre-function lobby and outdoor plaza event space.

"Our new ballroom will be the largest in the state of Minnesota," shared Andy Krogstad, Managing Director of the Mayo Civic Center. "The expansion will position Rochester to host new, larger events that attract up to 4,000 attendees."

The expansion will bring the total amount of space at the Mayo Civic Center to more than 200,000 square feet. The new ballroom and meeting rooms will enhance the existing 25,000-square-foot exhibit hall, and 25,000-square-foot arena, and soon to be renovated Presentation Hall. The spacious and convenient Mayo Civic Center will be the perfect venue for events ranging from medical conferences to large business meetings.

"This is an exciting time for the City of Rochester. As the project develops it will continue to bring more people to our community, improve economic opportunities for local businesses, and expand services offered to both our citizens and visitors alike," said Tom Leimer, General Manager of Knutson Construction's Rochester Division.

View construction progress by searching #opening2017 and view a virtual tour of the Mayo Civic Center expansion at: mayociviccenter.com/expansion/expansion.  Contact the Rochester Convention Center & Visitors Bureau at (800) 634-8277 to learn more about hosting an event at the Mayo Civic Center.