The Mayowood estate was once over 3,000 acres containing farms, gardens, and Mayowood Mansion - a 38-room country home designed by Dr. Charles Mayo. Three generations of the Mayo family lived at Mayowood, which was donated to the historical society in 1965. Currently, the mansion operates as a museum, but proposals suggest adapting it as a bed and breakfast or converting the entire estate into a country club with recreational activities, restored buildings, and community spaces.

1. Mayowood Historic District
Rochester, MN Lauren Walker
Natasha Sulaeman
History of Mayowood
Construction of Mayowood Mansion ca. 1910 Mayowood Mansion current design ca. 1936
The Estate
At its peak, the Mayowood estate was comprised of over 3,000 acres, eight working farms, a man-made
lake, a series of islands and several lush gardens, each inspired by a different part of the world.
Ivy Lodge - First residence of Dr. Charlie At the center was the expansive Mayowood Mansion; a 38 room country home of Dr. Charles Mayo’s Bierman house
own design, constructed of stone and reinforced concrete.
The Inspiration
Three generations of the Mayo family were raised on the Mayowood estate. Dr. Charles Mayo (Dr.
Charlie) and his wife Edith initially purchased a farm home, called Ivy Lodge, on the site for summer
use. The family would picnic beneath Dr. Charlie’s favorite oak tree, which inspired Dr. Charlie
to design a larger home around the tree, which remains on the patio to this day.
Site Context
Stone Barn
Mayowood Estate in relationship to Rochester, MN
Ivy Lodge
Aerial view of mansion
Bierman House
Mayowood Estate

2. Mayowood Historic District
Character Defining Elements
Unique Character
The defining characteristics of Mayowood Mansion are practically innumerable. The design of the mansion was origi-
nal to Dr. Charlie and the three successive generations of Mayos, each adding their own individual touches to the
house. There is no consistent style to the architecture or plan of the house, rather it is a unique interpretation of the
country-living mind set that architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright adopted. There is a story around every corner.
The Mansion
The Museum
When the mansion was donated to the Olmsted County Historical Society in 1965, they found the house suspended
in time. The family had vacated rather quickly, upon the deaths of Chuck and Alice, leaving clothes in the closets,
utensils in the kitchen, and food in the fridge. The county did not have to seek out period-appropriate furniture be-
cause the house was still full of the belongings of the family. Every piece was acquired by the Mayos and remains
there today.
The Music Room Living Room The Library
Mayowood Mansion: 42 rooms, 23,000 ft.2, cost $60,000 in 1911
Dr. Charlie’s Study The Dining Room 4600 ft.2 Ballroom

3. Mayowood Historic District
Re-use Proposals
Current State Mansion Re-use
Ballroom level: Secondary space Mayowood Museum Parking lot The Mayowood Inn
Picnic area
Community Areas
Second floor: Primary space
Fourth floor / ballroom
Preferred Guest Rooms
Economy Rooms
Mid-level Rooms
First floor: Primary space
• Upkeep on interior (cleaning, restoration) and grounds (gardening)
• Staff management and tours
• Advertising for mansion (brochures, displays, website)
• Cater to public schools for field trip opportunities
Second floor / bedrooms
• Create community areas that do not require a fee
Basement level: Secondary space • Offer small classes in ballroom area
Welcome/Check-in Area
Community Areas
Preferred Guest Areas
Museum Signage
Currently, Mayowood Mansion is tucked away amongst a vast wooded area. Without directions, there is little evi-
dence of its location in Rochester. Intending to increase the advertisement of the museum, we believe it would ben- First floor / living area
efit greatly from additional signage at crucial intersections on the route to the mansion.
Community Areas
Mayowood Mansion Re-purposed
If given the opportunity, we believe that the Mayowood Mansion could be successfully adapted for public use, while
maintaining its rich history. Its ample living space and numerous bedrooms provide an ideal situation for a historical
bed and breakfast. While replacing furniture that would be used to a greater degree, much of the decoration of the
mansion could remain. Installed in each room would be a display of pictures and artifacts that describe the original
state of the room and how the Mayos lived. Basement level

4. Mayowood Historic District
Re-use Proposals
Site Re-use
Mayowood Country Club
Dam house restored to supply kayaks for
lake and skis for the Nordic ski trail Green house and outdoor community gardens
Stone barn used for community events
Recreation Rentals
Greenhouse / gardens
Restored bridge
Stables restored for community use Stone barn event hall
Mayowood Lake
Community stables
Ivy Lodge rental cabin
Mayowood Inn / Country Club
Re-use site diagram
Mansion reused as B&B and community meeting space Ivy Lodge rented as cabin/guest house
Community rentals near dam house Re-landscaped islands
Nordic ski trail around Mayowood Lake
Restored stables Community gardens
Mayowood Site Re-use
In the event that the historic district of Mayowood needs to be adapted for re-use, we propose that the site be re-
stored to some of its original uses but adapted to bring the growing community together. Catering to the new housing
developments surrounding the site, the mansion could be re-purposed as an Inn, with the grounds acting as commu-
nity spaces. By restoring the out-buildings such as the stables and greenhouse, we could create a recreational area
where the residents of Rochester could ride horses, rent bikes and kayaks and tend to community gardens.
Picnic area in back garden Master bedroom in Mayowood Inn