The Lofts at Mayo Park is located on the Zumbro River, at the intersection of Rochester’s downtown core and an established single family residential neighborhood. The 29-unit multi-family residential project needed to resolve the varied conditions and scales of its context.
Each elevation takes a slightly different approach to the contextual response. The neighborhood facade has recessed balconies and private patios at grade that open directly to the sidewalk. On the river facade, projecting balconies provide panoramic views of the river and downtown while animating the riverfront façade. Along the park edge, the partially below-grade lower level acts as a plinth, extending beyond the levels above to create an outdoor patio or “front-porch” with views of the park, river and downtown. A large setback to the north creates a community stairway and garden, providing the neighborhood direct access to the riverfront.
The Lofts at Mayo Park is the first building in the neighborhood to embrace the riverfront and thus has two front doors, providing residents access to both the riverfront and residential neighborhood. The hope is for this project to become a catalyst and inspiration for future projects to re-embrace the riverfront.