History Plummer Building

1922 postcard showing building design before addition of bell tower.

the design collaboration between henry stanley plummer , franklin ellerbe established model future generations of new clinic , hospital buildings. new 1928 mayo clinic building physical manifestation of mayo partners (dr. , charlie mayo, dr. stinchfield, dr. graham, dr. judd, dr. henry plummer, dr. millet, , dr. balfour) desire create first integrated private group practice.

when building complete tallest in state, until construction of foshay tower in minneapolis, , remained tallest building in rochester until 2001 when nearby gonda building completed.

it topped distinctive terra-cotta trimmed tower contains 56-bell carillon. carillon played daily, , music can heard throughout downtown. tower lit floodlights every night , centerpiece of city s skyline. ray corwin, of ellerbe , round, designed building s decorative elements. corwin responsible design of decorative elements found in chateau theatre , oakwood cemetery gate.

the plummer building among more 200 structures designed ellerbe firm in rochester. architect of record other mayo buildings including 1914 red clinic building, 1922 mayo institute experimental medicine building, 1954 clinic building, , 2002 gonda building, rochester methodist hospital.

its 4000-pound (1,800 kg) ornamental bronze doors stand open, symbolizing eternal willingness accept in medical need. have been closed commemorate notable events in mayo or national history.