Rochester Approves Major 215-Unit Apartment Development

Enclave Development Secures Zoning Approval for Market-Rate Apartment Project

Rochester has taken a significant step forward in addressing housing demand by approving a major land use amendment and zoning change that will enable North Dakota-based developer Enclave Development to construct a substantial market-rate apartment complex near downtown and Mayo Clinic.

On December 11, 2025, the Rochester City Council approved zoning changes from "Low Density Residential Infill" to "High Density Residential" for a 2.04-acre site at the southwest corner of East Center Street and Sixth Avenue Southeast, according to Finance & Commerce. This approval clears the path for Enclave to move forward with a four- to seven-story mixed-use apartment project containing between 175 and 215 market-rate units.

Strategic Location Drives Strong Market Fundamentals

The proposed site represents a premium location for residential development. Situated near Mayo Clinic's downtown facility and the Mayo Civic Center, the development benefits from transit-oriented positioning adjacent to existing multifamily projects including the 152-unit Riverwalk Apartments and the 29-unit Lofts at Mayo Park.

Edward Caples, planning supervisor for community development for the City of Rochester, confirmed that Enclave has indicated plans to "move forward with a four- to seven-story market-rate apartment project with between 175 and 215 units" if zoning approval was granted. The developer's next steps include holding neighborhood information meetings and submitting a detailed site development plan to the city.

Patrick Brama, senior developer with Enclave, told Rochester City Council that the company takes a long-term partnership approach rather than a quick development and exit strategy. "We want to be a partner long term," Brama stated, emphasizing that the same long-term commitment demonstrated in Enclave's recently completed First & Banks project will guide this new development.

Rochester's Housing Market Shows Tight Inventory and Strong Demand

Market analysis reinforces the viability of the project. According to The Mullins Group, a local real estate consultancy cited in Finance & Commerce, Rochester and Olmsted County "continue to witness strong growth trends" fueled in part by Mayo Clinic's $5 billion "Bold.Forward.Unbound." initiative.

The market study reveals a critical housing shortage:

• Nearly 7,000 rental units delivered over the past decade despite robust new construction
• Overall vacancy rate of only 3.1% in Olmsted County according to an Olmsted County housing study
• Rental market remains "tight" despite significant new supply
• Vacancy rates below 5% indicate "pent-up demand and the need for more housing options"

Matt Mullins, founder of The Mullins Group, noted that four projects with 387 total units are currently under construction or recently completed in Rochester. Over the past year, nearly 1,000 units—including senior, affordable, and market-rate housing—have been delivered in Rochester, with roughly 3,000 units proposed, planned, pending, or under review.

What This Means for Rochester Construction and Development

The approval signals Rochester's commitment to addressing housing demand as the region experiences sustained economic growth driven by Mayo Clinic expansion and related economic development initiatives. For contractors and construction professionals, this project represents one of several significant residential developments in Rochester's pipeline, offering opportunities in commercial construction, site work, and multifamily building operations.

The tight vacancy rate and pent-up demand fundamentals create a favorable environment for market-rate apartment development. The location near downtown and Mayo Clinic makes the project attractive to medical professionals, healthcare workers, and other Mayo Clinic employees seeking convenient housing.

Enclave's Track Record in Rochester

This new project builds on Enclave's successful entry into the Rochester market. The developer paid $5.9 million for the First & Banks development site in October 2023 and has successfully completed the 219-unit high-end multifamily project at 709 First Avenue Southwest, a redevelopment of a former YMCA property near Broadway Avenue, the Zumbro River, and Soldiers Memorial Field Park.

The developer's demonstrated commitment to quality development and long-term property management positions this new project for success in Rochester's competitive rental market.

Next Steps for the Development

Following the zoning approval, Enclave Development will:

• Hold neighborhood information meetings to gather community input
• Submit a detailed site development plan to the City of Rochester
• Work through permitting and design approval processes
• Prepare for construction following approvals

As Rochester continues to experience strong economic fundamentals driven by Mayo Clinic's ongoing investment and expansion, this development approval represents another positive indicator for construction activity and real estate investment in Upstate New York.