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…
Archive: ‘Urban Development’...
Signs of Progress in Irondequoit?
Monday, January 23rd, 2012Tags: 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
Posted in Rochester News, Urban Development | 4 Comments »
They Paved History and Put Up a Parking Lot
Friday, December 9th, 2011
![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
Posted in Interviews, Opinion, Urban Development | 11 Comments »
Imagine, Rochester’s Historic Brewery Square
Sunday, December 4th, 2011![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
Posted in Opinion, Rochester News, Urban Development | 11 Comments »
Help Save This Rochester Brewing Landmark
Saturday, November 19th, 2011
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
Posted in Opinion, Rochester News, Urban Development | 20 Comments »
North American Breweries (NYC) Unveils Plan to Demolish Historic Rochester Building
Friday, November 18th, 2011
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
Posted in Rochester News, Urban Development | 12 Comments »
Dear Genesee Brewery: Inspiration From Baltimore
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011![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…
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Tags: American Brewing Company, architecture, Baltimore, Genesee Brewery, Genesee Brewing Company, Humanim, Maryland, Rochester, Rochester Brewing Company, Rochester NY, Standard Brewing Company
Posted in Rochester News, Urban Development | 4 Comments »
Genesee Brewery to Demolish This Building
Tuesday, November 8th, 2011
![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
Posted in Rochester News, Urban Development | 48 Comments »
Inner Loop Officially ‘Dead Man Walking’
Friday, September 9th, 2011![An aerial view of Rochester on April 25, 1963. On the right is the cleared right-of-way for the final segment of the Inner Loop. [PHOTO: Local History Division, Central Library of Rochester.]](http://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/rochester-inner-loop-construction-01.jpg)
It’s no secret that I am wholeheartedly in favor of removing Rochester’s Inner Loop roadway which encircles downtown and chokes it off from the surrounding neighborhoods like an ever tightening noose. What we didn’t know until today was that City Council and Mayor Tom Richards feel the same…
Tags: Carla Palumbo, Carolee Conklin, Democrat & Chronicle, Democrat and Chronicle, downtown Rochester, highway, highways, I-490, infrastructure, Inner Loop, New York, Rochester, Rochester City Council, Rochester NY, transportation, WXXI, Zack Seward
Posted in Rochester News, Transit + Infrastructure, Urban Development | 5 Comments »
Irondequoit Square
Sunday, August 7th, 2011
Irondequoit is a pretty cool little town; surrounded by water on three sides and the City of Rochester to its south. Home of the HOG (House of Guitars), Sea Breeze Amusement, and Parkside Diner & Whispering Pines (officially the oldest miniature golf course in the USA). Of course there are also a few clouds that hang over this small-ish town of 52,000 soles – namely Medley Center and a pretty tired looking retail corridor in East Ridge Road. But put all that aside for a moment. Here comes a smaller project that could have a much bigger impact per square foot… Irondequoit Square. Click the image below for a larger view of the plan…
Tags: Cooper Road, development, development plans, House of Guitars (HOG), Irondequoit, Irondequoit Square, Medley Center, Mike Nolan, Parkside Diner & Whispering Pines Miniature Golf, Rochester NY, Sea Breeze, Titus Avenue
Posted in Rochester News, Urban Development | 36 Comments »
A New Intermodal Station For Rochester, New York.
Monday, May 16th, 2011
The folks at Reconnect Rochester have been busy. They’ve come up with a pretty nice concept for a new Amtrak/Greyhound/Trailways intermodal station. Share it around. Maybe we can get it built!
> Check it out at ReconnectRochester.org
Posted in Rochester News, Train/Railroad Stuff, Transit + Infrastructure, Urban Development | No Comments »
Johnny Knoxville Uncovers Detroit’s Beautiful Ugly Side
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
Johnny Knoxville may be a jackass but today he shows us that even ugly can be beautiful. In what is actually a 30 minute advertisement for Palladium Boots, Knoxville turns urban explorer and takes for an eye-opening ride through some of the hardest hit areas of Detroit…
Tags: Detroit MI, Eastown Theater, Heidelberg Project, Jackass, Johnny Knoxville, urban, urban explorers, urban revitalization
Posted in Transit + Infrastructure, Urban Development | 6 Comments »
72 Conkey: The Tide May Be Turning
Thursday, November 4th, 2010
I can’t put my finger on it but for some reason this little building in an all-but-forgotten part of our city has claimed a big spot in my heart. Maybe because it’s human nature to root for the underdog? Maybe I see the story of Rochester being played out as some sort of metaphor—it’s storied past and it’s uncertain future? And so we fight—with everything we’ve got—to turn the tide.
Tags: Bret Garwood, City of Rochester, Clifford Avenue, Conkey Avenue, Jim Fraser, Jo Dickinson, Rochester, Rochester Fire Department, Rochester NY, urban renewal, urban revitalization
Posted in Rochester News, Urban Development | No Comments »
See What’s Possible at 72 Conkey
Sunday, October 24th, 2010![With a little help from Photoshop, I've taken a shot at illustrating how the storefront at 72 Conkey Avenue could look if the City gave local resident Jim Fraser a chance to apply his skills and vision to the property. [Illustration: Mike Governale]](http://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/72-conkey-avenue-after-cropped.jpg)
As an artist, I think I maybe I see things in the world around me that other people can’t or just don’t want to. I find myself squinting all the time; trying to imagine what could be. I can’t look at a paper cup without imagining what it might become if Jonathan Ive had his way with it. I know there are a lot of people who probably see 72 Conkey Avenue as nothing more than an eyesore; and then there are people like me who see something different. And that boys and girls, is why there’s Photoshop…
Tags: Bill Johnson, Bret Garwood, City of Rochester, Clifford Avenue, Conkey Avenue, Evergreen Street, Genesee Land Trust, Ibero, Jim Fraser, Jo Dickinson, photo, Photoshop, Project Hope, Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Rochester NY, urban renewal, urban revitalization
Posted in Rochester News, Urban Development | 5 Comments »
Help Save 72 Conkey — Part III
Thursday, October 21st, 2010
Yesterday the little boarded up Victorian house on Conkey Avenue caught the attention of Rachel Barnhart, reporter for WHAM 13 News. And for all of my ranting and raving on this site, I could never have told the story as eloquently as she…
Tags: Bret Garwood, City of Rochester, Clifford Avenue, Conkey Avenue, Evergreen Street, Ibero, Jim Fraser, Jo Dickinson, Project Hope, Rachel Barnhart, Rochester, Rochester NY, urban renewal, urban revitalization, WHAM
Posted in Rochester News, Urban Development, Video | No Comments »
Help Save 72 Conkey — Part II
Tuesday, October 19th, 2010![The Rochester Fire Dept. put these gaping holes in the roof of 72 Conkey 5 days after RochesterSubway.com readers emailed the City asking to please save this historic building. [PHOTO: Jim Fraser]](http://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/72-conkey-avenue-demolition.jpg)
If you responded to my plea last week and sent an email to Bret Garwood asking him to stop the demolition of 72 Conkey Avenue, I offer you my sincerest appreciation. As “coincidence” would have it, less than a week after that post on RochesterSubway.com the City Fire Department used the 1879 Victorian building to hold a training session. The photo above was taken on October 18. Now there are great big gaping holes where there was once a roof.
Is this really happening? I know Mr. Garwood received dozens of emails from RocSubway readers, members of Reconnect Rochester, and myself. I can’t help but ask myself is this act in response to those letters? Is the City reading our letters and giggling to themselves? Come to think of it, I didn’t receive a response to the email I sent last week… did you?
Tags: 19th Ward, Bret Garwood, City of Rochester, Clifford Avenue, Conkey Avenue, Evergreen Street, Genesee Land Trust, Genesee Street, Ibero, Jim Fraser, Jo Dickinson, Project Hope, Rochester, Rochester Fire Department, Rochester Jewish Orphan Asylum, Rochester NY, urban renewal, urban revitalization
Posted in Rochester News, Urban Development | 4 Comments »
You Can Help Save 72 Conkey Avenue
Wednesday, October 13th, 2010![Jim and Jo are in the process of saving and restoring 6 abandoned Rochester properties. They want to save this storefront on Conkey and Clifford Avenue. The City wants to tear it down. You can help. [PHOTO: heckeranddecker.wordpress.com]](http://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/72-conkey-avenue.jpg)
Jo and Jim are quite a remarkable pair. She is a retired school teacher. He works for a company that makes all kinds of machine parts, gauges, and valves. Together they represent nothing short of divine intervention for the City of Rochester.
See, Rochester has a ‘list’. On that list are 200 properties, residential and commercial, that have been given the death sentence. These buildings are on the City’s Demolition List
Tags: Bret Garwood, City of Rochester, Clifford Avenue, Conkey Avenue, Evergreen Street, Genesee Land Trust, Ibero, Jim Fraser, Jo Dickinson, Project Hope, Rochester, Rochester NY, urban renewal, urban revitalization
Posted in Rochester News, Urban Development | 14 Comments »
Councilmember Carla Palumbo: “We Have a Transportation Plan”
Friday, October 8th, 2010Can I just say I love WXXI, public radio, and the Bob Smith Show. One day the topic might be the economy or politics; the next might be how to avoid lead poisoning. His guests are always relevant and the conversation is always thought provoking. Also, what other show (besides Wease) can a guy from a blog called RochesterSubway.com call and actually be put on the air?
Yesterday, Councilmember Carla Palumbo was Bob’s guest and the topic was the Mortimer Street Bus Terminal. Most of the callers denounced the project for it’s poor placement or lack of inter-connectivity with other modes of transportation. I wanted to try to move the conversation forward—beyond just this one project.
Take a listen to the show and pay special attention to Carla’s answer to my question at around 45 minutes in…
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Tags: Bob Smith Show, bus station, bus terminal, Carla Palumbo, city council, Councilmember Palumbo, mass transit, mass transportation, Mortimer Street, public transportation, Rochester City Council, RTS Transit Terminal, transit, transportation center, Transportation Plan, WXXI
Posted in Interviews, Transit + Infrastructure, Urban Development | 10 Comments »
Think Before You Defend Rochester’s Inner Noose
Tuesday, July 20th, 2010
A recent story in the City Newspaper, “Glamming Rochester’s Gateways”
One letter
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Tags: Alaskan Way, Buffalo, City Newspaper, downtown Rochester, FDR Drive, highway, highways, I-490, infrastructure, Inner Loop, James R. Boehler, Kensington Expressway, New York, Rochester, Rochester NY, Seattle, transportation
Posted in Opinion, Rochester News, Transit + Infrastructure, Urban Development | 13 Comments »
Beyond the Motor City — at the Dryden Theater, June 28
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
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On Monday June 28 at 7:00pm you are invited to a FREE screening of PBS’s eye-opening film, BLUEPRINT AMERICA: BEYOND THE MOTOR CITY. The documentary is touring cities across America to raise questions—and seek answers—about the future of transportation in America. Can we build the “infrastructure of tomorrow” today? Can the cash-strapped and car-dependent cities of the so-called Rust Belt become new models for fast, clean, public transit? The links and similarities between Rochester NY and Detroit MI are glaringly obvious—and I think you owe it to yourself to see this film.
Tags: America, Beyond the Motor City, Detroit MI, documentary, Dryden Theater, Empire State Future, film, infrastructure, mass transit, mass transportation, movie, New York Museum of Transportation, PBS, Reconnect Rochester, Rochester, Rochester NY, Rochester Rail Transit Committee, Rochester Trolley & Rail Corporation, RRCDC, transit, video
Posted in Events, Transit + Infrastructure, Urban Development | 1 Comment »
Councilmember Carolee Conklin: “No” to Bus Terminal
Sunday, May 16th, 2010
Last week members of City Council voted 8 to 1 in favor of a resolution supporting a new RGRTA bus station on Mortimer Street. The single vote against the plan came from Councilmember Carolee Conklin, who said the plan is “a 19th Century solution to a 21st Century problem.” RochesterSubway.com has obtained the following memo from Conklin to Mayor Duffy. In it she explains in detail why she is opposed to RGRTA’s proposal…
Tags: Adam McFadden, bus terminal, Carolee Conklin, city council, Clinton Avenue, hub-and-spoke system, Jackie Ortiz, Main Street, Matt Haag, Mortimer Street, Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA)
Posted in Rochester News, Transit + Infrastructure, Urban Development | 8 Comments »
