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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.

Teoronto/Smith Block
364-392 State Street

Part of the Teoronto Block between State and Mill Streets, these buildings survive as a rare example of early Rochester commercial and small-scale industrial architecture
and as a reminder of the early community of Frankfort , which abutted Rochesterville to its south. This row of three-story buildings was developed gradually from 1844-1868, and its fortunate proximity to the economic powerhouse of Kodak Headquarters across the street ensured the success of numerous businesses until vacancies took over toward the end of the twentieth century and the buildings were boarded up and sat vacant for about 15 years.

In 2010 the Urban League of Rochester rehabilitated the properties as phase II of the Mills at High Falls . Funding for the $6.8 Million project was partially provided by state and federal historic tax credit programs. A total of 21 units for low-income families and residents with physical disabilities, as well as market-rate lofts and apartments are now fully occupied.

Here’s the “eyesore”…

And here is the “opportunity” we nearly lost…

Thanks to Caitlin at The Landmark Society for the great information! Thanks to Barkstrom & LaCroix Architects for the photos!

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, From Eyesore to Opportunity, High Falls, Mill Street, Rochester, Rochester NY, State Street, Teoronto/Smith Block

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012 at 12:45 pm 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.