Downtown Rochester hotel closes to transition into UMR student housing

(ABC 6 News) – The DoubleTree hotel in downtown Rochester announced it will close its doors Monday in preparation for redevelopment into a new student housing facility for the University of Minnesota Rochester.

The award-winning hotel has been a downtown staple for those visiting Rochester since 2009.

Before becoming DoubleTree, the building operated as a Raddison hotel for many years. The decision to redevelop the successful hotel was not made lightly, by owner Andy Chafoulias.

“There were a lot of factors to consider in making this decision,” says Chafoulias. “I feel strongly in the value of repositioning the asset into student housing and the powerful and positive impact that it will have on the downtown core.”

Both the award-winning Pescara restaurant, as well as Café Steam, will remain open during the renovation. Both establishments will enhance the new 403-bed student housing facility, anticipated to open in Fall 2023. The DoubleTree by Hilton and Nova Restaurant Group has a longstanding and successful work history.

“I tremendously value the partnership that we have with Nova Group. They have been outstanding to work with. We are grateful for the elevated dining experience that the restaurant has provided to our hotel guests for many years. We look forward to watching them continue to serve the Rochester community and thrive downtown,” says Chafoulias. “I truly believe that three years from now, downtown Rochester will be greater and stronger than it has ever been, despite the current recession and inflation.”

The DoubleTree by Hilton will continue to host some onsite events until early 2023.

Additionally, the front entrance located on 150 S Broadway will remain as the access point for those attending events or seeking to dine at Pescara.