Plummer Building

The Plummer Building is a 15-story hospital in Rochester featuring Art Deco architecture, marble surfaces, and bronze doors that reflect the period's design standards. A distinctive terra-cotta bell tower anchors the structure and serves as a visual landmark for the downtown area.

The structure was completed in 1928 as part of Mayo Clinic Hospital and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1969. This recognition honored its importance in advancing medical practice and shaping healthcare delivery standards.

The building displays carved reliefs with playful caricatures depicting various subjects—from Saint George battling dragons to references to the 1928 presidential election. These artistic details were unusual for a hospital and reflect a desire to blend medicine with creative expression.

Medical records traveled through pneumatic tubes that moved documents quickly between departments, streamlining workflow. Specialty departments distributed across different floors allowed staff to collaborate efficiently and coordinate patient care throughout the building.

A 56-bell carillon housed in the tower plays daily melodies that fill downtown Rochester and mark time for those inside and around the building. This daily music has become a recognizable feature for visitors and staff over the decades.

Location: Rochester

Part of: Mayo Clinic Hospital — Rochester

GPS coordinates: 44.02170,-92.46560

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:55