Rochester City Council examines future of the historic Chateau Theatre

ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – UPDATE: Rochester City Council examined the future of a historic piece of downtown during Monday’s study session.

Council members looked at limitations of Rochester’s Chateau Theatre and what it could potentially become.

The study was presented by Experience Rochester. Experience Rochester found sound, lighting, and staging technology are outdated and there is a need for a regular food and beverage service in order to make the Chateau more active.

Experience Rochester is asking Rochester City Council to consider an annual investment of $300,000 to create more experiences, support visitors, and enhance the Med City for residents.

“There is not really a whole lot coming back from like a dollar figure here. What else can be done with that facility,” Joe Ward from Experience Rochester said. “That is what really energized us to come up with different ideas. How can we use this to continue to create growth and vibrancy here in Rochester.”

The council is looking into different ways to engage the public concerning the future of the theatre. The city is looking into listening sessions and roundtables with downtown businesses and tourism partners.

Monday’s meeting was a study session, meaning no action was taken.

The Rochester City Council will look at the future of a historic piece of downtown when it meets in a study session Monday.

The council will take up an operational study on the Chateau Theatre.

That study identified limitations the facility currently has in serving the community, including limited ADA-accommodations and restrooms, and exit capacity that limits how large an event can be.

The study also found that sound, lighting and staging technology have since become outdated and a need for a regular food/beverage service.

The council is now looking into different ways to engage the public concerning the future of the theatre, including listening sessions and roundtables to meeting with downtown businesses and tourism partners.

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