There are several exciting new developments coming to the Rochester community! Here are a few highly anticipated projects that you should keep an eye out for.

 

Joseph A Floreano Riverside Convention Center Updates

As part of the ROC The Riverway initiative, the convention center is currently getting a major revamp. Notable renovations include a Main Street addition, an exterior LED display panel to showcase events, the addition of landscape planters, ADA accessibility improvements to the south terrace along the riverfront, new gender-neutral restrooms on the first floor, critical repairs of the exterior building, and other site upgrades.

The Convention Center is continuing to host events while these improvements are underway!

The All-New Arbor Loft & Arbor Midtown Venues

The newly renovated Arbor Loft offers a European-inspired event space that merges high-class sophistication with the charm and character of the beloved old Arbor Loft.

Arbor Midtown was originally constructed in 1926, and the new event space maintains much of that 1920s charm while also offering a modern-day, elegant aesthetic perfect for any up-scale event.

The West Main Street Revamp

Earlier this year, The City of Rochester launched a $10 million revitalization effort targeted at restoring the historic West Main Street area. With funding from OneROC, the Regional Revitalization Partnership, the city of Rochester, and Monroe County, the project will direct $6 million toward local businesses and $4 million toward public initiatives.

Upcoming High Falls State Park

A new state park will be created at High Falls and the Genesee River Gorge in Downtown Rochester following Rochester Gas and Electric’s initial decontamination of the sites. The current plan includes 40 acres of open space starting at High Falls and moving 3/4 mile north along both sides of the Genesee River.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

The Jefferson Rd. hotel is currently undergoing renovations focused on meeting spaces and guest rooms. The improvements are expected to wrap up in the summer of 2025.

Harper’s Corner: East Main Street & North Clinton Ave Revamp

The four vacant buildings at the northwest corner of this highly trafficked intersection in Downtown Rochester will receive significant upgrades and be rehabilitated into 4 commercial spaces and 11 apartments.

Historic Edwards Building: 26 – 34 St Paul Street 

This long-vacant building will be receiving a well-deserved rehabilitation along with the creation of a district geothermal cooperative under the adjacent parking lot. This revamp will add approximately 114 new housing units as well as ground-floor commercial space.

Downtown SmART Streets

Reconnect Rochester has recently launched the SmART Street initiative in an effort to make Rochester’s downtown streets safer for pedestrians. This project implements complete street design in the form of seasonal curb extension murals to improve pedestrian safety and beautify Rochester’s downtown streetscape.

Pont De Rennes Bridge Rehabilitation Project

Construction on the Pont de Rennes Bridge has officially wrapped up and the new and improved bridge is now open to the public. In addition to structural repairs, funds were used to create a beautiful new public space along the bridge.

 

Learn more about new developments in the Rochester area here and be sure to keep an eye out for future news on these projects!