Mayo Clinic

Pedestrian Subway Level Renovation

Doctors and visitors walk in and sit in a subway level corridor near the Siebens Cafeteria. Warm wood tones, enhanced lighting, detailed ceiling panels, and artwork bring joy to the space
People eat in the Mayo Clinic food court known as the Garden Cafe. The double height space features clerestory windows and was formerly an outdoor courtyard
Wood framed pocket alcoves with comfortable leather couches and green walls create places of respite for people on the Mayo Clinic Rochester campus
A person uses one of the Mayo Clinic subway pedestrian ramps. The ramp has a slight elevation and is framed by changing video boards with artistic graphics of nature
People eat together in the Siebens Cafeteria. An enormous glass skylight brings the city into the space
Patients check in for their appointments at the Hilton Atrium Desk C. Several check-in stations ease patient flow and wide open spaces with overhead skylights welcome people into the waiting area
People walk through the Hilton Atrium and use the open grand staircase. Brightly colored blue, yellow, and gray furniture is available
Doctors and staff in white coats walk down a staff corridor. Mayo Clinic's values are boldly stated on the wall: Innovation, Integrity, Compassion, Teamwork
Comfortable leather seating and a small fireplace create a homelike feeling in the Wanek Family Concourse
High end finishes lead the way through an elevator lobby to a colorful piece of abstract art in the Mayo Clinic pedestrian subway

Mayo Clinic

Pedestrian Subway Level Renovation

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic and BWBR completed the phase one renovation of the downtown pedestrian subway system in Rochester. The interior improvements lighten and brighten the experience for Mayo Clinic visitors and staff, creating more attractive areas for people to connect, rest, and recharge. More contemporary and appealing design, wheelchair-friendly flooring, and clear navigation makes it easier for patients and caregivers to get where they’re going.

Additional project features incorporate Mayo Clinic’s values, an upgraded Siebens Patient Cafeteria, and an enclosed courtyard with café and seating. Overall, the renovations enhance the comfort and convenience of patients, families, and staff.

  • Wanek Family Concourse | A fireplace and donor recognition are complemented by new lounge seating, lighting, and finishes.
  • Mayo Building-Hilton Subway and Courtyard | Projects include enclosing an existing outdoor courtyard at the Hilton Building for year-round use to provide a café with seating.
  • Damon Subway Entrance | This area features updated restrooms by the elevators, added seating, and new lighting and finishes that improve wayfinding.
  • Siebens Cafeteria and Subway | The new Skylight Commons includes dining and lounge seating with updated amenities such as coffee stations and tableside foodservice.
  • Hilton Atrium and Desk C | The atrium finishes brighten and enhance the patient waiting experience. Visitors are welcomed to the space with a new check-in kiosk zone and there are reduced wait times with the improved flow, zoning, and traffic patterns.

Size: 63,000 sq. ft.

Components: Major pedestrian subway system renovation; lighter, brighter finishes that enhance wayfinding; improved flow, zoning, and traffic patterns to reduce wait times and congestion; accessibility updates

Completion: 2021

Pete Smith (retired)
Steve Berg
Dan Badilla
Shida Du
Laura Flynn
Kevin Gamelin
Lucas Glissendorf
Jeff Griesinger (retired)
Allen Hoglund (retired)
Mark Jasmin (retired)
Kyle Lunke
Miranda McNamara
Mike Owen
Danny Sim