City Seeks Proposals for Sale and Redevelopment of Parcels

April 16, 2026 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – The City of Rochester is now accepting proposals for the sale and redevelopment of two City-owned residential parcels located in the Durand Subdivision and Hilmer’s High View Acres. Authorization to release the Request for Proposals (RFP) was granted by City Council on April 6. The initiative aims to return underutilized City-owned land to productive private ownership while advancing housing and neighborhood stability goals.

The RFP welcomes submissions from qualified individuals, nonprofit organizations and for-profit developers interested in purchasing and redeveloping the properties for residential use. Proposed projects should complement surrounding neighborhood character, improve housing quality and support long term property values and tax base growth-

Aligned with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, the RFP encourages development that expands owner-occupied housing opportunities, supports “missing middle” housing types such as duplexes or townhomes, provides attainable housing for workforce and moderate-income households and incorporates sustainable building and site design. To broaden participation, the RFP also includes provisions aimed at improving access for emerging and locally based developers.

“These redevelopment opportunities allow the City to partner with developers of all sizes to deliver projects that strengthen our neighborhoods and broaden housing options,” said Josh Johnsen, Senior Economic Development Specialist. “We look forward to seeing creative proposals that align with our Comprehensive Plan and support long-term community benefit.”

Proposals will be evaluated using a 100‑point scoring system that considers purchase price, development quality, feasibility, timeline, community benefits and developer capacity. The City may select the proposal that delivers the greatest overall public value, not necessarily the highest purchase offer.

Proposals are due by 4 p.m. on May 22 and a recommendation for the award of the contract is expected on June 15. Questions related to the project, should be directed to Brent Svenby (bsvenby@rochestermn.gov; 507-328-2003) and are due on May 1 by 5 p.m. Full details on this RFP, and the forthcoming questions and answers, are available on the City website.