Mayo Clinic Finalizes Purchase of Assisi Heights Campus in Rochester

ROCHESTER — Mayo Clinic has closed a deal to acquire the Assisi Heights campus in northwest Rochester, a historic complex long associated with the Sisters of St. Francis.While state documents have listed the sale price at $15 million, Mayo Clinic officials say that figure is incorrect and did not disclose the corrected amount by the reporting deadline. The transaction formally closed on Jan. 16.

The purchase consolidates control of Assisi Heights at 1001 14th St. NW, with the Sisters of St. Francis who resided on the property guiding the transition. Mayo Clinic stated it will take on ongoing maintenance of the buildings and grounds, while the Sisters’ staff will remain employees of the order. The change in ownership will not, at this time, alter the property’s staffing or operations.

In a statement, Sister Tierney Trueman, Congregational Minister and President of the Sisters of Saint Francis, said the move reflects years of careful planning. “Assisi Heights will continue to be our home, and we are grateful to entrust its care to Mayo Clinic, an organization that has walked alongside us for generations. We have every confidence that the heart and spirit of this place will be preserved.”

Historically, Assisi heights housed 1,000 Sisters in 1962, a number that declined to 101 by 2026. Sister Marilyn Geiger, a member of the Assisi Heights leadership team, described the decision as a strategic step by the Sisters. “We asked Mayo to take duty for caring for the property, which allows the Sisters to focus on their life and ministry here.”

officials from Mayo Clinic emphasized that the transition will be seamless for the campus. Mayo Clinic will continue maintaining the Assisi Heights buildings and grounds, and staff on site will remain employed by the Sisters of St. Francis. The organization added that there are no planned changes to the historic features, green space, or overall character of the grounds as part of the deal.

Assisi Heights, modeled after the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy, was dedicated on Oct. 4, 1955. The site is renowned for its stone structures, stained-glass windows, statues and expansive landscaped areas, elements the parties say will be preserved under the new arrangement.

Geiger confirmed that protections are in place to safeguard the green space and past character of the property. The Sisters’ long association with Rochester’s Mayo Clinic dates back to the late 19th century, when Mother Maria Alfred moes and Dr. W. W. Mayo collaborated to establish care in the community after a devastating tornado in 1883.

Key Facts at a Glance

Implications for Rochester and Beyond

The deal signals a continuing partnership between a major medical institution and a historic religious order. By keeping maintenance responsibilities with Mayo Clinic while preserving staffing and historic features, Rochester gains a stable path for the campus’ future use without disrupting current operations. The arrangement also highlights a growing trend of safeguarding cultural heritage within health-care property transactions, ensuring that landmark sites remain connected to their communities while benefiting from modern stewardship.

As the Rochester area evolves, observers may watch for how Assisi heights integrates with Mayo Clinic’s long-term campus plans, potential community programs on the site and any future partnerships surrounding the property’s historic gardens and chapel.

What’s Your take?

What impact do you think this ownership shift will have on Rochester’s health-care ecosystem and the Sisters’ ongoing mission? could the site’s preservation inspire similar arrangements for other historic facilities?

Which historic sites should be prioritized for preservation in future property deals, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

For more context on the surgical and research leadership of Mayo Clinic, visit the institution’s official site.Mayo Clinic.