Plummer Building | Rochester MN

The Plummer Building is a historic medical facility located in Rochester, Minnesota, USA.

It serves as a central administrative and educational hub for the Mayo Clinic.

Visual Characteristics

The building is constructed primarily of Indiana limestone. It features a Collegiate Gothic architectural style with a prominent central tower. The structure stands approximately 10 stories high, with intricate stone carvings and arched windows.

Location & Access Logistics

The Plummer Building is situated at 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, in the downtown area. It is approximately 0.5km west of the Rochester city center. Parking is available in the nearby Mayo Clinic parking ramps, such as the Siebens Ramp and the Guggenheim Ramp. Public transport options include Rochester Public Transit bus lines that stop at the main Mayo Clinic campus entrances.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Plummer Building began in 1927 and was completed in 1928. It was designed by architects Ellerbe & Company. The building was originally intended to house administrative offices, research laboratories, and educational facilities for the Mayo Clinic.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can access the building's lobby and public areas. The building is primarily an active medical and administrative center, with limited public access to specific floors. Guided tours of the Mayo Clinic campus, which may include exterior views or specific historical exhibits within the building, are available.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available in public areas of the Mayo Clinic campus. Limited shaded areas are present around the building's exterior. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong within the building and surrounding campus. Food vendors and dining facilities are located within the adjacent Mayo Clinic buildings.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for exterior photography is during daylight hours, particularly in the morning when the east-facing facades receive direct sunlight. The building is accessible year-round during standard business hours.

Facts & Legends

The building is named after Dr. Henry S. Plummer, a pioneering physician at the Mayo Clinic who developed early methods for organizing patient records and medical information.

Nearby Landmarks

• Guggenheim Building (0.1km East)
• Siebens Building (0.2km Southeast)
• Mayo Civic Center (0.4km North)
• Rochester Art Center (0.6km Northwest)
• Soldiers' Field Veterans Memorial (1.2km Southwest)