Ronald McDonald House and Mayo Foundation

Ronald McDonald House – Rochester Expansion

Overall view of the main shared living area, with homey furniture and a fireplace.
Shared open living space with floor to ceiling windows that let in daylight and views to the neighborhood.
Exterior view of the Ronald McDonald House-Rochester addition.
Focus on the shared living area's central fireplace.
Shared kitchen area, adjacent dining seating, and access to quiet play rooms.
Focus on the shared kitchen area with four open food prep stations and warm wood paneling.
The children's indoor large motor room with toys and floor to ceiling windows that feature a heart accent.

Ronald McDonald House and Mayo Foundation

Ronald McDonald House – Rochester Expansion

Rochester, Minn.

Top Projects of 2019, Finance & Commerce, Minnesota

Housing and serving the hearts, minds, and families of children undergoing life-changing health treatments, Ronald McDonald House is a normalizing solace during difficult times. An expansion to the House in Rochester, Minn., nearly doubles the space available for families arriving from around the world to receive Mayo Clinic care.

Every design element contributes to a sense of home, complemented by the benefits of a built-in community. A balance between shared amenities and private guest rooms allows families to recuperate and recharge as needed. Floor to ceiling windows grace both the exterior and interior, letting natural light brighten the warm tones throughout the facility, including the new living-room-like front entry. Shared kitchen, laundry, fitness, and indoor and outdoor play areas bring a touch of comfort back into temporarily uprooted lives.

Size: 50,800 sq. ft. (42,000 sq. ft. addition; 5,000 sq. ft. renovation; 3,800 sq. ft. plazadeck)

Components: 28 new guest rooms, including extended stay suites; shared kitchen; a plazadeck above the parking garage is used as a playground and gathering area for guests; the kids’ large motor skills room is visible from the adult fitness room; expanded reception, lobby, and support spaces; new “backyard” areas include basketball court, outdoor seating, and homelike garden landscaping

Completion: 2019

Pete Smith (retired)
Jennifer Stukenberg
Craig Peterson
Mark Baumhover
Jenny Bussey
Jeff Griesinger (retired)
Allen Hoglund (retired)
Nan Langevin
Dave Leighly
Brittany Simonson