Topics

All the controversy over whether or not to demolish the 120 year-old brewhouse at 13 Cataract Street got us thinking. Those in favor of demolishing the building say it’s an eyesore and a haven for drug dealers; even prostitutes. So, just remove the building and our problems go away.

Right?

But if we demolished every eyesore in Rochester, would we have solved all the City’s problems? Or might we end up tossing the proverbial “baby” out with the bath water? For the next two weeks we’ll take a look at some local eyesores …or rather, opportunities, nearly lost.

Partners Building
192 Mill Street

Located in the Brown’s Race Preservation District, this six-story building has been a highly visible anchor in the city’s oldest industrial area since its construction in 1881.
Originally a paper box factory, the brick structure features a distinctive, Romanesque style corner entrance highlighted with sandstone trim. After years of decline, the
building was acquired by the Norry Company in 1999. Listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Places, the handsome structure was rehabilitated under the
Federal Investment Tax Credit program for landmark designated, income-producing buildings. Working with the State Historic Preservation Office, architect James Durfee
of the Rochester firm Handler, Grosso, Durfee Associates coordinated the project.

The $6 Million rehabilitation included the installation of a new roof, all new utilities, and new elevators. The exterior brick was carefully cleaned and re-pointed. Window sash were repaired and new insulated glazing installed. The striking interiors created on the top three floors for the Wolf Group (now Partners + Napier ) are the inspired work of F2 Design of New York City. Entercom Rochester now occupies the first three floors.

Here’s the “eyesore”…

And here is the “opportunity” we nearly lost…

Thanks to Caitlin at The Landmark Society for the “before” photo and the great information!

How You Can Help…

Speak out against the demolition of 13 Cataract Street. and show your support for a larger vision—Rochester’s Brewery Square.

And attend the public hearing on April 4 at 8pm and sign up to speak in favor of preserving 13 Cataract for future development and reuse.

Tags: adaptive reuse, Entercom Rochester, F2 Design, From Eyesore to Opportunity, Handler Grosso Durfee Associates, High Falls, James Durfee, Mill Street, Norry Management Corp., Partners + Napier, Partners and Napier, Partners Building, Rochester, Rochester NY, Wolf Group

This entry was posted on Monday, April 2nd, 2012 at 8:33 am and is filed under Rochester History, Rochester Images, Urban Development. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.