![High Falls, c.1900 [IMAGE: Part of 'Revisiting Rochester' exhibit]](http://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/revisiting-rochester-high-falls.jpg)
A new exhibition celebrating Rochester’s heritage encourages us to honor and preserve our past as we seek to revive our city for the future. Beginning February 3, a collection of digitally-enhanced images of Rochester during the Progressive Era will be on display at Joe Bean Coffee Roasters [map 
] throughout the entire month of February.
New Gallery Exhibit: Revisiting Rochester
February 2nd, 2012Posted in Events, Rochester Destinations, Rochester Images, Rochester News | 3 Comments »
Tags: Joe Bean Coffee Roasters, Kind of the Hill, Mike Battle, old photos, old photos of Rochester, Rochester, rochester images, Rochester NY, The Simpsons, vintage views
Rochester is Passed Up for Lego Space Landing
January 25th, 2012Posted in Rochester News | 9 Comments »
![Two teenagers from Toronto, Ontario sent this Lego man into space riding a weather balloon. One really tiny step for Lego man; One giant leap for mankind. [PHOTO: via Toronto Star]](http://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/lego-space-man-1.jpg)
Two teens from Toronto, Ontario did the unthinkable a few weeks ago. They launched a Lego man into space and recorded the whole thing! And get this, Rochester should have been the Lego man’s landing spot…
Tags: Asad Muhammad, Lego JFK, Lego space man, Mathew Ho, Newmarket, Ontario, Peterborough, Toronto, weather balloon space photos
Signs of Progress in Irondequoit?
January 23rd, 2012Posted in Rochester News, Urban Development | 4 Comments »
I dropped by the Irondequoit Planning Board meeting Monday night because there were two very interesting matters on the agenda. One of those was Irondequoit Square (or I-Square) which we covered here last August. The other involved an all-but-forgotten friend, Chase-Pitkin…
Tags: Chase-Pitkin, Cooper Road, development, development plans, Irondequoit, Irondequoit Square, Mike Nolan, Saint Paul Boulevard, St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Stones Learning Center, Titus Avenue, Wegman's
Greentopia Film & Little Theatre Present, ‘Urbanized’, February 2.
January 21st, 2012Posted in Events | 2 Comments »
The very same people responsible for Rochester’s Greentopia Festival are expanding the Greentopia brand this year to include a series of film screenings. My heart skipped a beat when I learned they’ll be bringing Gary Hustwit’s Urbanized to the Little Theatre for a one-night-only event featuring a panel discussion afterwards. I’ve been waiting for this movie to hit Rochester for months. Now I won’t have to travel to someone else’s city to see it!
Tags: Gary Hustwit, Greentopia Festival, Joni Monroe, Little Theatre, Mike Governale, Richard Perrin, Urbanized, Wayne Goodman
What to the Slave is the 4th of July?
January 15th, 2012Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images | 4 Comments »
![An engraved portrait of Frederick Douglass, noted African-American abolitionist. Douglass was an active abolitionist in the Rochester area and a sought-after lecturer after the Civil War. After his home on South Avenue was destroyed by fire in 1872 he moved to Washington, D.C. [PORTRAIT BY: Ritchie, Alexander Hay, 1822-1895.]](http://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/frederick-douglass-portrait.jpg)
On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day we are hopefully reminded of the inspiring actions and many speeches by an individual who dedicated his life to the pursuit of freedom and basic human rights—not just for one group, but for all people.
Of course, in Rochester we also remember other individuals who made tremendous contributions to this ongoing effort… Susan B. Anthony for women’s rights and suffrage. And Frederick Douglas (depicted above) for the abolition of slavery.
One speech in particular, given by Douglas on July 5, 1852 in Rochester, is arguably one of the most momentous oratories in American history. It’s one that helped set the stage for the transformation of America from a country that was, in Abraham Lincoln’s words, “half slave and half free” to one which was at least on its way to guaranteeing the “blessings of liberty” to all men (and eventually women)…
Tags: anti-slavery, civil rights, Corinthian Hall, Corinthian Street, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass, Isaac and Amy Post, Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, Rochester NY, Sophia Street, Susan B. Anthony, underground railroad, What to the Slave is the 4th of July?
Cataract Brewery Architect Died 77 Years Ago Today
January 10th, 2012Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images, Rochester Subway | 13 Comments »
A new web site, SaveCataract.com , and a mountain of information on Rochester’s endangered Cataract Brewery building has surfaced this week… The accomplished life (and death) of its architect… Original architectural drawings… And new documents submitted by North American Breweries to the Zoning Board (see the section called Offers to Buy Cataract). Ready? Let’s dive right in…
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: A.C. Wagner, American Brewing Company, Anheuser-Busch, architecture, Bavarian Brewing Company, brewery architect, Cataract Brewery, Genesee Brewery, Genesee Brewing Company, High Falls, Highland Brewery, Joel Helfrich, Kalmback and Geisel, KPS Capital Partners, Liberty Brewing Company, Merchants Ice Company, New England Brewery, New England Fruit Company, North American Breweries, Rich Wagner, Rochester NY, Standard Brewing Company, Steigmaier Brewery
Rochester’s Miniature Polar Express
December 20th, 2011Posted in Train/Railroad Stuff, Video | 2 Comments »
If you’re looking for something to do with the kids while they’re off from school for the holidays, grab your conductor hats and head out to the Garden Factory [map]. They’ve got a 60′x20′ model railroad on display thru the end of the month that you won’t want to miss.
Tags: David Rouse, G scale, Garden Factory, holidays, miniature, model railroad, Peter Todd, train, trolleys
A Drive-Thru Rochester
December 11th, 2011Posted in Video | 14 Comments »
A few weeks ago I was driving home from my downtown office and happened to have my camera with me. Not sure why but I thought it be interesting to see what I’d capture if I left it on my dashboard for the ride. Now don’t try this at home—distracted driving is not cool. I’m a professional… idiot that is.
Anyway, the results I thought were pretty cool. And it got even cooler with some quick editing and quadruple speed playback. Throw in a mirror effect and some of that dope-ass hip hop music all the kids are listening to… and now we’ve got something worth sharing.
So go ahead—turn down the lights, pump up the volume, and hit it full screen. Let me know what you think in the comments.
Tags: ad, automobile, dashboard camera, downtown Rochester, drive, hip hop, rapper, Rochester, rochester music video, Rochester New York, Rochester NY, Rochester Subway, rochestersubway.com, urban
Subway Santa’s Sweet Sack of Stuff
December 10th, 2011Posted in Subway Gifts | 2 Comments »
![Subway Santas [Flickr Photo: t_a_i_s]](http://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/subway-santas-t_a_i_s.jpg)
Subway Santa is a little late to the party this year. The lack of snow this holiday season has wreaked havoc on his internal clock. We’ve got just two weeks left for Christmas shoppers—even less for Hanukkah. So let’s cut the bull and get right to it. Last year we were inspired by these crafty Rochester Subway gift ideas. This year, Rochester Subway Santa has two more goodies for you.
Tags: Black Radish Studio, gift idea, Gift Shop, holidays, Rochester, Rochester NY, Rochester Subway, Rochester Subway map, Rochester Subway Poster, subway gifts, tokens, transit tokens
They Paved History and Put Up a Parking Lot
December 9th, 2011Posted in Interviews, Opinion, Urban Development | 11 Comments »
![Genesee Brewery. [Flickr Photo: _Yoshi_]](http://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/genesee-brewery-sign-yoshi.jpg)
The following thoughts were submitted by Joel Helfrich:
The spate of recent articles in the D&C regarding local construction projects also means that there will be a great amount of demolition of older buildings and historic properties. Take, for example, the recent decision to demolish the Cataract Brewery buildings in High Falls. The cost to demolish the properties alone—estimated at $800,000 to $1 million—is more than twice the amount for which Genesee Brewery was recently selling the two Cataract Brewery buildings and a large parking lot. That same amount could be used to install a new roof and windows, “button up” the building, and abate the lead paint, within the older “gem” brewery building. Although the oldest Cataract building is currently a “liability” in the words of a developer who recently toured the property, it could actually act as the driver for redevelopment. Historic Preservation Tax Credits, coupled with city, county, state, and federal monies, could pay for at least 30-40% of construction costs, and potentially way more if the City took on the lead abatement costs and Genesee Brewery and its owner, KPS Capital, acted as an investor or partner in redevelopment.
Tags: architecture, Genesee Brewery, Genesee Brewing Company, High Falls, Joel Helfrich, KPS Capital Partners, North American Breweries, Rochester, Rochester Brewing Company, Rochester NY, Standard Brewing Company
Imagine, Rochester’s Historic Brewery Square
December 4th, 2011Posted in Opinion, Rochester News, Urban Development | 11 Comments »
![A view of what could one day be Rochester's Historic Brewery Square and entrance to the GardenAerial trail (right). [RENDERING: RochesterSubway.com]](http://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/cataract-rendering-empty.jpg)
Rendering of renovated buildings and GardenAerial trail
I realize that sometimes it’s a bit difficult to see the potential in something. Especially when that “potential” is hidden beneath layers of mustard yellow paint, rusty corrugated siding, and 25+ years of plain old tired…
![The original panorama photo set used to create the rendering of Brewery Square. [PHOTO: RochesterSubway.com]](http://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/cataract-rendering-original.jpg)
The way things look now (click for larger views)
Why, just the other day Howard S. Decker, FAIA said, “Beauty is in the Eye of the Beer Holder.” Mr. Decker is former Principal of DLK Architecture (Chicago) and former Chief Curator of the National Building Museum (Washington DC). He knows a thing or two about buildings, and places that are worth saving for future generations. His highly experienced eyes see the potential in 13 Cataract Street and the neighborhood it lives in.
But what about the rest of us? How can we be sure this building is worth the money and effort it will take to bring it back to life? What is the alternative to demolition? And will we lose our Brewery Visitor Center if we don’t tear this other building down??
Let’s start with an excerpt taken from a document filed by the Landmark Society in 1984 with the New York State Parks and Recreation Division for Historic Preservation…
Tags: architecture, Cataract Brewing Company, Dorraine Kirkmire, GardenAerial, Genesee Brewery, Genesee Brewing Company, High Falls, Highline, KPS Capital Partners, Michael Psaros, New York City, North American Breweries, NYC, Rochester, Rochester Brewing Company, Rochester Historic Brewery Square, Rochester NY, Standard Brewing Company
Help Save This Rochester Brewing Landmark
November 19th, 2011Posted in Opinion, Rochester News, Urban Development | 20 Comments »
On Friday officials at the Genesee Brewery unveiled plans they say will “create a destination for beer lovers that anchors development on downtown Rochester’s Northeast side.” Before we get too excited, let’s think.
![The building as it was in 1899. [PHOTO: Rochester Public Library]](http://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/genesee-brewery.jpg)
North American Breweries says their planned “Genesee Brew House…will celebrate the storied history and experience of the Genesee brand” and that they want to “tell the story of [this] resilient company with a rich history that dates back to 1878.” But to do this they will demolish this building; the centerpiece of Rochester’s historic brewing district, built 1899.
Tags: architecture, Genesee Brewery, Genesee Brewing Company, High Falls, KPS Capital Partners, Michael Psaros, North American Breweries, Rochester, Rochester Brewing Company, Rochester NY, Standard Brewing Company
North American Breweries (NYC) Unveils Plan to Demolish Historic Rochester Building
November 18th, 2011Posted in Rochester News, Urban Development | 12 Comments »
The following press release was issued today by North American Breweries, the NYC investment firm that owns Genesee Brewery.
In brief, they plan to renovate an old packaging building, turn it into a visitor center, and level two of the last remaining original buildings in the heart of Rochester’s historic brewing district. The press release claims that the new visitor center “hinges” on the demolition of these historic buildings – not because the new visitor center is being built on the land, but because the old buildings impede the view of High Falls.
What the press release doesn’t mention is that one local group, the people behind the Garden Aerial Project and the Greentopia Festival, expressed interest in these buildings three months ago. They want to renovate the old buildings and turn them into office space and a visitor center in partnership with the brewery. I was told North American Breweries turned them down because the money wasn’t right. So it looks like they will spend $600,000 to demolish the buildings instead. ??
This press release comes at the perfect time for North American Breweries. I learned today that they are planning to submit their application on Monday to demolish 13 Cataract St.
Read between the lines (and drink responsibly)…
Tags: architecture, Genesee Brewery, Genesee Brewing Company, High Falls, North American Breweries, Rochester, Rochester Brewing Company, Rochester NY, Standard Brewing Company
Dear Genesee Brewery: Inspiration From Baltimore
November 9th, 2011Posted in Rochester News, Urban Development | 4 Comments »
![The recently renovated and beautifully restored American Brewery building in Baltimore, Maryland. [Flickr Photo: Prêt à Voyager]](http://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/american-brewery-baltimore-1.jpg)
RochesterSubway.com will be 3 years old this January and recently it welcomed it’s 100,000th visitor. While the bulk of this web traffic is local, the website gets a fair amount of visits from every corner of the country. And those visitors are very important. Case in point, Norm from Baltimore, Maryland. Norm read our story about Genesee Brewery wanting to demolish the old Standard Brewing Company Building and he sent us some inspiration from his home town…
Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: American Brewing Company, architecture, Baltimore, Genesee Brewery, Genesee Brewing Company, Humanim, Maryland, Rochester, Rochester Brewing Company, Rochester NY, Standard Brewing Company
Genesee Brewery to Demolish This Building
November 8th, 2011Posted in Rochester News, Urban Development | 48 Comments »
![Genesee Brewery getting set to demolish this building. That would be a great loss. [Flickr Photo: Zeus-the-Ferret]](http://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/genesee-brewery-Zeus-the-Ferret.jpg)
RocSubway has word from good sources this afternoon that Genesee Brewery will submit an application today to demolish this building at the eastern end of the High Falls pedestrian bridge at 13 Cataract Street. This will likely be going to the Zone Board hearing on Dec 15. Obviously, if true, this would be a great architectural and historical loss for Rochester. If you know anyone with deep pockets, now is a great time to buy!
Tags: architecture, Genesee Brewery, Genesee Brewing Company, High Falls, Rochester, Rochester Brewing Company, Rochester NY, Standard Brewing Company
Art is All Around Us
November 5th, 2011Posted in Opinion, Rochester News | 15 Comments »
If there’s one thing the Great Recession can teach us, it’s that one need not pay an admission fee and tip toe through the great white halls of the Memorial Art Gallery to be able to enjoy fine art. Rochester’s streets are a hotbed of modern artistic expression. All too often we dismiss street art as thoughtless vulgarity or worthless scribble. I say it depends on the frame; and the lens.
Throw on a French beret and grab your monocle. We’re hitting the streets and public spaces of Rochester to broaden our understanding of what art is…
That Night in the Subway Tunnel: “We felt we were being followed”
October 29th, 2011Posted in Rochester Subway, Rochester Subway Stories | 3 Comments »
Last Halloween I posted a ghastly warning about the abandoned Rochester subway tunnel. That warning was sent to us by a reader who claimed he knew people who once lived and died in the tunnel, and that he now feels a strong “spiritual pressure” whenever he returns there.
Jeffrey’s not the only one who feels these strange vibes from the subway tunnel. RochesterSubway.com often receives stories like these from people who claim to have been followed, or chased, out of the defunct subway. Though rarely do we get to see physical evidence of the ghoulish bouncer.
Last week Aaron Killeen sent in this mysterious photo (shown below) and gave a spine-tingling account of a night inside the Rochester subway, which he says he and his friends will not soon forget…
Tags: Aaron Killeen, abandoned tunnel, ghost subway, Halloween, haunted subway tunnel, Jeffrey Smith, paranormal, Rochester, Rochester NY, Rochester Subway, Rochester Subway story, Rochester Subway tunnel, spirits, urban explorers
1930′s Postcard Decoded
October 20th, 2011Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images | 1 Comment »
I’ve had this postcard in my collection for a few years now and it’s one of my favorites for a couple reasons. It’s late 1920′s (or early 30′s) and depicts the brand new (at the time) Broad Street and Rochester subway tunnel. The Rundel Library is not shown where it normally would be (to the right of Broad Street) because it hasn’t been built yet. But I also love this card because of the handwritten message on the back. It’s always been very mysterious to me — because it’s in German!
Rich Rolwing, a RochesterSubway.com reader, recently emailed me and very excitedly offered to translate the message. And so the mystery has finally been solved! Here it is, as written in 1938 from Karl (presumably visiting Rochester from Chicago)…
Dear Frank:
Thank you for your letter and also that letter from Foley. Noch immer nichts gehoert f.P. Vielleicht heute oder morgen. Lass dir dann gleich wissen. Waren gestern beim einen Park picnicen. Paul hat jetzt Vacation diese und naechste Woche. hat immer noch Halsweh. sonst alles schoen auch Beer.
Thank you for your letter and also that letter from Foley. Noch immer nichts gehoert f.P. Vielleicht heute oder morgen. Lass dir dann gleich wissen. Waren gestern beim einen Park picnicen. Paul hat jetzt Vacation diese und naechste Woche. hat immer noch Halsweh. sonst alles schoen auch Beer.
Gruss. Karl.
And the English translation…
Tags: aqueduct, Erie Canal Aqueduct, Genesee Aqueduct, old photos of Rochester, prohibition, Rich Rolwing, Rochester, Rochester history, rochester images, Rochester NY, Rochester Subway, vintage postcard
The Biggest Day for Transit in Rochester Since 1927
October 19th, 2011Posted in Events, Transit + Infrastructure | 2 Comments »
A few weeks ago I posted this letter to RocSubway readers asking them to join me and Reconnect Rochester in casting a symbolic vote for the future of public transit in Rochester. Those votes will be cast tomorrow, on Critical Mass Transit Day. Thank you to the hundreds of people who asked us for pins and pledged to ride. With your help this could be the biggest day for Rochester’s transit system since the Rochester subway opened in 1927. I believe it already is.
Prohibition in Rochester
October 2nd, 2011Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images | No Comments »
![The Doud Saloon on Front Street in the late 1800s. [PHOTO: Local History Division, Rochester Public Library.]](http://rochestersubway.com/images/photos/doud-saloon-rochester.jpg)
A much anticipated documentary on the prohibition era will air Sunday night on WXXI. Ken Burns and Lynn Novick tell the story of “the rise, rule, and fall of the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution” which outlawed alcohol and tossed everything we thought we knew about America upside down.
The following is an excerpt from a 1992 edition of Rochester History magazine, edited by Ruth Rosenberg-Naparsteck, City Historian…
Tags: American Brewing Company, Bartholomay Brewery Co., Cataract Brewing Company, Clarissa Street, Doud Saloon, Frankfort Tavern, Front Street, Genesee Brewing Company, Ken Burns, Lynn Novick, prohibition, Rochester, Rochester Brewing Company, Rochester history, Rochester NY, Ruth Rosenberg-Naparsteck, Standard Brewing Company, temperance movement, Wehle Baking Company
