The Berkman

The Berkman is a mixed-use luxury apartment community located at the intersection of 2nd Street NE and 14th Avenue SW at the Gateway District leading into downtown Rochester, MN. The property features 350 market-rate apartment homes, as well as 24,000 sf of commercial (retail/office) space. Early construction activities began in late summer 2017 and the project expects to be complete in mid-2020.

The property, designed by Minneapolis’ well-known ESG Architects, acts as a catalyst to further the transformation of the 2nd Street Corridor into a greener, vibrant, pedestrian-friendly “Live-Work-Play” district. The 13-story tower will strategically step-down into rental townhomes which provides a smooth transition into the residential neighborhood South of the site. The Berkman will bring a sophisticated, intelligent living experience second to none. Residents will live a lifestyle that mixes casual comfort with a bit of glamour. With a prime location and abundant amenities, these luxury apartment homes provide upscale elegance in a historic neighborhood setting.

On the ground level, the property is envisioned to feature restaurant and retail spaces surrounded by a vibrant pedestrian friendly streetscape along 2nd Street SW. In addition, the 2nd floor will provide additional office and retail spaces. Given its close proximity to St. Mary’s Hospital and situated on a high transit-oriented corridor, the Berkman is expected to attract a large number of tenants employed with Mayo Clinic and will appeal to guests from around the world. The impressive list of community amenities that Berkman will offer its residents include a 3rd story rooftop pool, fire pits, grilling stations, and an indoor sauna. Residents will enjoy unique work-from-home suites and private entertainment spaces. A state of the art 24/7 fitness center promotes healthy living; a heated, 4-season outdoor dog oasis and spa appeals to pet-lovers.

The building is named after Daisy Louis Berkman Plummer, who was the wife of legendary Mayo Clinic physician Dr. Henry Plummer. Daisy Berkman ran a small laboratory to test patients’ blood in the early days of the Mayo Clinic before marrying Dr. Plummer in 1904. A dedicated pianist, she founded what would evolve into the Rochester Symphony & Chorale Orchestra. She was also known for hosting weekly baked bean dinners on Sunday evenings for the doctors at Mayo Clinic. The project achieved LEED BD+C: New Construction Silver certification in December 2020. SIG provided LEED Consulting, Fundamental & Enhanced Commissioning, and Energy Modeling for this project.