Peace Plaza

PEACE PLAZA:  REINVIGORATING ROCHESTER

Downtown Rochester’s revitalized Peace Plaza features a new fountain and splash pad as its centerpiece. The comprehensive upgrade included installing new electrical infrastructure to support events throughout the Plaza and along 1st Avenue SW. The lighting design transforms the space through multiple elements: ground-level illumination, decorative pole fixtures, integrated bench lighting, and fountain trough lights. Crowning the project is a dramatic canopy of lights suspended from 50-foot stainless steel poles, creating an enchanting atmosphere throughout

Heart of the City encompasses the core of downtown Rochester and the essence of Mayo’s Destination Medical Center. Designed to elevate both the patient experience and vitality of the city of Rochester, it creates active, engaging experiences for residents, visitors, and patients. 

PROJECT CHALLENGES

The project required extensive coordination given its location: 

• Heavy pedestrian traffic from Mayo Clinic patients and staff was maintained through a network of temporary, illuminated walkways, ensuring safe passage throughout construction while accommodating accessibility needs.
• Local retailers remained operational through careful staging and communication, with construction activities planned to minimize disruption to their businesses.
• Public events and seasonal activities were seamlessly integrated into the construction schedule, requiring detailed planning and flexibility.