{"id":2968,"date":"2011-11-18T18:30:07","date_gmt":"2011-11-18T22:30:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rochestersubway.com\/topics\/?p=2968"},"modified":"2012-03-31T13:42:37","modified_gmt":"2012-03-31T17:42:37","slug":"north-american-breweries-unveils-official-plan-to-demolish-historic-building","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rochestersubway.com\/topics\/2011\/11\/north-american-breweries-unveils-official-plan-to-demolish-historic-building\/","title":{"rendered":"North American Breweries (NYC) Unveils Plan to Demolish Historic Rochester Building"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"North<\/a>
\nThe following press release<\/a> was issued today by North American Breweries, the NYC investment firm that owns Genesee Brewery.<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 not because the new visitor center is being built on the land, but because the old buildings impede the view of High Falls.<\/p>\n

What the press release doesn’t mention is that one local group, the people behind the Garden Aerial Project<\/a> and the Greentopia Festival, expressed interest in these buildings three months ago. They want to renovate the old buildings and turn them<\/i> 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. ??<\/p>\n

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.<\/a><\/p>\n

Read between the lines (and drink responsibly)…<\/p>\n


\n\"North<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
Rochester, New York<\/b> \u2013 Officials at the Genesee Brewery today unveiled plans to create a destination for beer lovers that anchors development on downtown Rochester\u2019s Northeast side. Plans call for a $2.6 million restoration of an old packaging center built around the turn of the century. The Brewery will transform the 9,200-square-foot building into the Genesee Brew House, which will celebrate the storied history and experience of the Genesee brand. The proposal for the complex includes a working microbrewery with an adjacent tour and tasting area that offers a first-hand look and taste of the brewing process.<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

On the second floor, a 45-foot long bar will pay homage to Genesee Beer. Homemade gourmet sandwiches and pub-style food will be available at a counter. Indoor seating will accommodate 80 people, while an outdoor deck and rooftop patio will provide the most spectacular and uninhibited views of High Falls. Once completed, the Genesee Brew House will create another 10 jobs.<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

According to Janine Schoos, brand manager for Genesee Beer, the Genesee Brew House will help tell the story of a resilient company with a rich history that dates back to 1878. \u201cGenesee has withstood the test of time. The brewery survived Prohibition, the Great Depression, two world wars and countless eras in American history,\u201d said Schoos. \u201cToday, Genesee is regaining its standing in the beer industry. And it\u2019s winning over people across the United States. We want to tell that story.<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have an initial layout and theme developed but we\u2019re working on the individual elements,\u201d said Schoos. \u201cFor months, we have been collecting and organizing our history, artifacts and story so that we can tell it in a way that engages people. We will create a place that immerses people in our culture and helps them truly experience Genesee in a way that is memorable.\u201d<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

The Genesee Brew House is slated to open in early summer of 2012, pending approval of all applications, permits and licenses. \u201cWe hope to begin construction soon,\u201d said Schoos.<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

During the construction phase, the Genesee Brew House will create work for regional building trades and supportive service firms. The following local firms have been retained: Eric Mower and Associates; Hanlon Architects; Herrick-Saylor Engineers, P.C.; and Marathon Engineering. Upon full project approval, a local general contractor will be named. That contractor will oversee a unionized workforce of local laborers.<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

“The Genesee Brewery is an incredible part of our rich history and this exciting Genesee Brew House project will help ensure that the Brewery remains a vibrant part of our future,” said Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks. “In addition to revitalizing a section of Downtown, this project will positively impact our local economy through job creation, investments in existing infrastructure, and the attraction of tourists. This is a win-win for Monroe County and I thank North American Breweries for their continued commitment to our community.”<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThe plan to build a Brew House on the Genesee Brewery campus is further testament of the renewed success of the proud Genesee Beer brand, which is so closely tied to the history of our city,\u201d said Rochester Mayor Thomas S. Richards. \u201cThis is a welcome investment and one more sign that downtown Rochester is on the rise. I am grateful for North American Breweries\u2019 continued confidence in our city and am proud to support this project. I look forward to pouring the first pint.\u201d<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

The Project Hinges on Removal of Two Brewery-Owned Buildings<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

A complete and thorough assessment of all the buildings on the Genesee Brewery site was conducted to determine: their feasibility for restoration; useable space; and costs to stabilize the structures. After careful review, the Genesee Brew House development requires removal of two buildings on the brewery grounds. The buildings, which have been abandoned for more than a quarter century, are beyond reasonable repair and pose safety issues for hundreds of employees and visitors daily. The buildings have been for sale for an extensive amount of time. During that period, the buildings were also thoroughly evaluated by engineers, architects and dozens of developers. While numerous parties expressed interest in the buildings, there were no viable offers. Brewery officials and experts concluded that significant damage to the roof and infrastructure, among many other structural issues would require millions of dollars in repairs.<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThe buildings pose significant safety issues to our employees and potential visitors,\u201d said Rich Lozyniak, CEO of North American Breweries. \u201cThe roof has caved in, the structures are bad and they are beyond reasonable repair. We can\u2019t create a Brew House that will attract people to this area, without taking down these buildings.<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Beyond the structural issues, the vacant buildings attract criminal activity. \u201cPeople break into the buildings and squat there. It\u2019s typical to find drug paraphernalia and garbage all over the ground. A few months ago, two of our employees were mugged in that area. The buildings block the street view,\u201d said Lozyniak. \u201cWe want to make this a safe and beautifully developed area where people want to come. We hope this is a project that Rochestarians can get behind.\u201d<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Total Project Amenities<\/b><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

The Genesee Brew House project serves as a catalyst for cleaning up and developing the Northeast side of Rochester\u2019s High Falls district, an area that has been neglected for more than 25 years. This development project will:
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