Minnesota Lawyer
The longtime head of the St. Paul Riverfront Corp. is leaving the urban design nonprofit to lead economic development and placemaking efforts tied to downtown Rochester’s massive build-out.
Starting in September, Patrick Seeb will steer one of the biggest redevelopment initiatives in the state as part of the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Authority. The multibillion-dollar project is expected to reshape Rochester’s downtown and generate an influx of commercial and residential development over the next 20 years.
Anchored by the Mayo Clinic, the Destination Medical Center is expected to expand the city’s workforce by 35,000 to 45,000 – a springboard for large-scale development, including a transit overhaul, alongside local and state officials. It is Minnesota’s largest-ever public-private partnership.
“Our goal was to find someone with a strong record of success in creating major private-public investment and Patrick comes to us with more than 30 years of stellar leadership experience,” said Jeff Bolton, chair of the economic development agency formed to oversee Destination Medical Center development.
Part of Seeb’s job will include attracting new investment to Rochester.
“The opportunity to help position Minnesota and Rochester on a regional, national and global scale is a challenge that I am excited to help bring to reality,” Seeb said in a statement. “I look forward to becoming an active member of this vibrant community.”
Seeb spent two decades at the organization, helping put contours around more than $4 billion in investments that flowed into St. Paul. He helped shape the St. Paul Design Center, a collaboration with the city, as well as the Central Corridor Design Center, which guided development linked to the Green Line light rail route.
In addition, Seeb has had a hand in several revitalization projects, particularly along the Mississippi River. Those efforts include upgrades to the Wabasha Street Bridge, Harriet Island and Landmark Plaza, among others.
“St. Paul is truly a better place thanks to Patrick’s leadership,” St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said in a statement. “Patrick and the Riverfront Corporation have been instrumental in the revitalization of St. Paul.”
Aside from his work at the Riverfront Corp., Seeb led the Grand Excursion, a four-state education initiative focused on the Mississippi River. He also served as deputy chief of staff to former St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman.
Seeb will continue to advise the Riverfront Corp. through the end of September. At that point, the group’s board of directors will outline plans for replacing him.
