With all of this amazing summer weather lately, I’ve taken the opportunity to enjoy some long bike rides up and down the lower Genesee River Gorge. A few nights ago I made my way all the way up to the beach at Charlotte via Lake Ave and took the bendy turn onto Beach Avenue. Not too far beyond the Ontario Beach Pavilion I noticed the sidewalk diverges from the street, making a rather abrupt turn between some very handsome looking beachside homes. So, I followed it. And I left the city of Rochester far, far behind…
Archive: ‘Rochester Images’...
Off the Beaten Path: Rochester’s Beach Avenue
Monday, July 16th, 2012Tags: architecture, Beach Avenue, Charlotte Beach, hidden sidewalk, preservation district, Rochester, Rochester history, Rochester NY, secret sidewalk
Posted in Rochester Destinations, Rochester History, Rochester Images | 9 Comments »
Genesee/North American Brewery Demolition. Photos by Rick U.
Thursday, July 12th, 2012![Genesee Brewery, demolition of historic Cataract Brewhouse. [PHOTO: Rick U.- RocPx.com]](https://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/genesee-brewery-demolition-00.jpg)
I received a message yesterday from a RocSubway reader named Rick U. Rick wanted to share some of his images from Genesee Brewery’s (aka North American Brewery’s) demolition of the once historic Cataract Brewhouse. By now I’ve seen just about all I can stomach of this disaster. I mean, this is how we create jobs in Rochester? Building parking lots on historic buildings? BUT, putting all that aside, this series of images is quite exceptional. And these are just a sampling from a MUCH larger album which I’ve linked to at the bottom of this gallery. Take a look…
Tags: Cataract Brewery, Cataract Street, demolition, downtown Rochester, Genesee Brewery, North American Breweries, photography, Rick U., Rochester, rochester images, Rochester NY
Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images, Rochester News, Urban Development | 4 Comments »
Preservation v. Progress: Rematch on Main Street
Monday, June 25th, 2012
The church shown above sits vacant at 660 W. Main Street 
. It’s on the City’s list of historic buildings and potentially eligible for the National or State Register of Historic Places. Unfortunately the building’s owner is itching to demolish it… to clear the way for a new Dollar General store…
Tags: 660 W. Main Street, City of Rochester, demolition, Dollar General, Main Street, Rochester, Rochester NY, Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood, Westminster Presbyterian Church, zoning
Posted in Rochester Images, Rochester News, Urban Development | 8 Comments »
Cataract Brewhouse Demolition To Begin Monday, June 18
Thursday, June 7th, 2012![Cataract Brewhouse as seen from behind. [FLICKr PHOTO: _Yoshi_]](https://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/cataract_building_yoshi.jpg)
According to an anonymous source working closely on the Genesee Brewery project, demolition of the infamous Cataract Brewhouse is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 18…
Tags: Cataract Brewery, Cataract Street, Crystal Pix, demolition, downtown Rochester, Genesee Brewery, Rochester, Rochester NY
Posted in Rochester Images, Rochester News | 17 Comments »
Visualizing Ethnic Boundaries in Rochester
Monday, May 21st, 2012![This is a map of racial and ethnic populations (and divisions) in Rochester. It was created by Eric Fischer using 2010 Census data. Inspired by Bill Rankin's 2009 map of Chicago. [FLICKr: Eric Fischer]](https://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/rochester-ethnicity-map.jpg)
When I saw this image of Rochester I was immediately struck. Pointillism is a style of painting in which small, distinct dots of pure color are applied in patterns to form an image. Think of works by masters such as Van Gogh or Georges Seurat like A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatt 
. From a distance we see one thing. Upon closer inspection we may see something entirely different…
Tags: 2010 U.S. Census, Bill Rankin, Eric Fischer, ethnic makeup of Rochester NY, ethnic makeup of the united states, Georges Seurat, pointillism, race & ethnicity map, race in Rochester NY, Rochester, Rochester neighborhoods, Rochester NY, segregation
Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images | 2 Comments »
Countdown to Destruction
Sunday, April 29th, 2012![Doomed Brewery buildings as seen from Cataract Street from Saint Paul Street. The High Falls Historic District and Kodak Tower are in the background. [PHOTO: Crystal Pix, Inc.]](https://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/genesee-brewery-cataract-demolition-01.jpg)
As North American Breweries / Genesee Brewery are preparing to demolish the Cataract Brewhouse, we are preparing to capture the tragic event as it unfolds. Crystal Pix, Inc. (Fairport, NY) has graciously volunteered to document the development of the GardenAerial project, and as part of that story, the demolition of 13 Cataract will be immortalized as well… sadly.
Tags: Cataract Brewery, Cataract Street, Crystal Pix, demolition, downtown Rochester, Genesee Brewery, Hotel Rochester, Kodak Park demolition, Mike Battle, Rochester, Rochester NY
Posted in Rochester Images, Rochester News | 4 Comments »
From Eyesore to Opportunity: Rochester’s Cataract Brewhouse
Wednesday, April 4th, 2012
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? Over the past two weeks we’ve reviewed at some local eyesores …or rather, opportunities, nearly lost. Those include the Flatiron Building, Station 55, Hoyt-Potter House, Lehigh Valley Railroad Station (Dinosaur Bar-B-Que), Parazin Building, Partners Building, and the Powers Building.
Tonight the Preservation Board and Planning Commission will hear public comments and decide whether or not 13 Cataract will join the ranks of the reborn, or go the way of Rochester’s Bragdon Station and others.
Tags: adaptive reuse, Cataract Brewery, Cataract Brewing Company, Cataract Street, From Eyesore to Opportunity, High Falls, Rochester, Rochester NY
Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images, Urban Development | 2 Comments »
From Eyesore to Opportunity: Rochester’s Teoronto/Smith Block
Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012
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.
Tags: adaptive reuse, From Eyesore to Opportunity, High Falls, Mill Street, Rochester, Rochester NY, State Street, Teoronto/Smith Block
Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images, Urban Development | No Comments »
From Eyesore to Opportunity: Rochester’s Powers Building
Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012
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.
Tags: adaptive reuse, Eagle Hotel and Tavern, Four Corners, From Eyesore to Opportunity, Hamlet Scrantom, Main Street, Main Street Four Corners, Powers Banking House, Powers Building, Rochester, Rochester NY, State Street, Value Properties
Posted in Architecture, Rochester History, Rochester Images, Urban Development | 6 Comments »
From Eyesore to Opportunity: Rochester’s Partners Building
Monday, April 2nd, 2012
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.
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
Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images, Urban Development | No Comments »
From Eyesore to Opportunity: Rochester’s Parazin Building
Friday, March 30th, 2012
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.
Tags: adaptive reuse, Ben Kendig, Browns Race, From Eyesore to Opportunity, High Falls, Mill Street, Parazin Building, Rochester, Rochester NY, Selye Fire Engine Company, Triphammer Mill, WXXI
Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images, Urban Development | 1 Comment »
From Eyesore to Opportunity: Rochester’s Lehigh Valley RR Station
Thursday, March 29th, 2012
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.
Tags: adaptive reuse, Carpe Diem nightclub, Court Street, Dinosaur Bar B Que, From Eyesore to Opportunity, John Stage, Lehigh Valley Railroad, Lehigh Valley Railroad Station, Max Farash, Rochester, Rochester NY
Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images, Urban Development | 3 Comments »
From Eyesore to Opportunity: Rochester’s Hoyt-Potter House
Wednesday, March 28th, 2012
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.
Tags: adaptive reuse, Bero Architecture, Corn Hill Neighbors Association, Fitzhugh Street, From Eyesore to Opportunity, Hoyt-Potter house, Landmark Society of Western New York, Rochester, Rochester NY, Rochester Public Market
Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images, Urban Development | 11 Comments »
From Eyesore to Opportunity: Rochester’s Station 55
Tuesday, March 27th, 2012
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.
Tags: adaptive reuse, Costanza Enterprises, From Eyesore to Opportunity, Railroad Street, Rochester, Rochester NY, Rochester Public Market, Station 55
Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images, Urban Development | 12 Comments »
From Eyesore to Opportunity: Rochester’s Flatiron Building
Monday, March 26th, 2012
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.
Tags: adaptive reuse, Flatiron Building, From Eyesore to Opportunity, Paul Kramer, Rochester, Rochester NY, University Avenue
Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images, Urban Development | 6 Comments »
Demolition of 13 Cataract. A Timeline of Events.
Tuesday, March 13th, 2012![A stage where 13 Cataract brewhouse used to be? Not sure if this is serious or not. [RENDERING: Eric Mower and Associates]](https://www.rochestersubway.com/images/photos/genesee-visitor-center-stage.jpg)
Yet another press release from the Brewery today. They are clearly on the defensive and changing their story every day. Now they say, “the building at 13 Cataract Street will NOT be replaced with a parking lot. See the attached rendering.”
I’m sorry, I just can’t take this rendering seriously. It looks like an episode of South Park unleashed on our streets. But hold on… if the Brewery wanted to put a stage in the place of the historic 13 Cataract building, why did their plans show a parking lot? Is this rendering real; or clever marketing spin? I think the answer lies somewhere in the Zoning Board’s January 19th decision.
Boy oh boy, this Brewery story is getting complicated. So let’s review the events that led to this horrific rendering issued yesterday. Here’s a timeline:
Tags: Cataract Brewery, Genesee Brewery, North American Breweries, Rochester, Rochester NY
Posted in Rochester Images, Rochester News, Urban Development | 5 Comments »
New Gallery Exhibit: Revisiting Rochester
Thursday, February 2nd, 2012![High Falls, c.1900 [IMAGE: Part of 'Revisiting Rochester' exhibit]](https://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.
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
Posted in Events, Rochester Destinations, Rochester Images, Rochester News | 5 Comments »
What to the Slave is the 4th of July?
Sunday, January 15th, 2012![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.]](https://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?
Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images | 4 Comments »
Cataract Brewery Architect Died 77 Years Ago Today
Tuesday, January 10th, 2012
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…
(more…)
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
Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images, Rochester Subway | 21 Comments »
1930’s Postcard Decoded
Thursday, October 20th, 2011
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
Posted in Rochester History, Rochester Images | 1 Comment »
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