News Release - RFP Issued for Midtown Demolition and Site Preparation

City of Rochester/Empire State Development

News Release

(Tuesday, February 23, 2010) - Rochester Mayor Robert J. Duffy and Empire State Development (ESD) Chairman & CEO designate Dennis M. Mullen announced today that New York State has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Midtown Plaza demolition and site preparation contract.

“The asbestos abatement at Midtown is progressing on time and on budget,” Mayor Duffy said. “The RFP for the demolition phase is a major milestone on our way toward completion of the Midtown Rising Project. I want to thank Governor Paterson for his continued commitment to the revitalization of Rochester. The rebirth of our Center City is well underway with the transformation of Midtown.”

“The demolition contract is one of the most critical steps for Midtown, as this gets us to the heart of our redevelopment effort,” said Chairman Mullen. “We have spent considerable time and resources understanding the conditions of the site, the buildings and the infrastructure. This contract will set the stage for how that site will look; that is, what will come down versus what components will remain. This contract will also set in motion a parallel effort with the design and construction of new streets, garage improvements, open spaces and development sites. As a result, ESD will carefully review the qualifications, experience and costs from each bidder, as the work carried out in this contract will have the most significant impact on the Midtown site as we move forward.”

The RFP is the first step in the demolition process. The contract will be awarded in April. In an effort to keep everyone informed, the City and ESD will conduct briefings for the general public and stakeholders between the award and the actual commencement of work on the project.

The work shall consist of a limited amount of hazardous materials remediation and the demolition of the following Midtown Plaza structures:

  • Pedestrian Sky Bridge from Xerox Building (Broad Street)
  • Pedestrian Sky Bridge from Chase Tower (Clinton Avenue)
  • Pedestrian Sky Bridge from Sibley Building (Main Street)
  • B. Forman Building
  • Midtown Mall (partial demolition, Alternates #1 & #2)
  • Midtown Tower (partial demolition, Alternate #3)
  • Seneca Building (partial demolition)
  • Citizens Bank Building
  • Scheer Building
  • Wendy’s Building
  • McCurdy’s Building
  • Euclid Building
  • Service Tunnel (partial demolition)

The underground parking garage is to remain, along with the service tunnel remaining in service throughout the duration of the project. Demolition is to include removing and disposing of all building contents, subject to exceptions and limitations otherwise indicated to the contractor. In general, demolition shall include removal and off-site disposal of all structural elements, wall sections, ramps, fixtures, furnishings, roofs, piping, lighting mechanical systems, electrical systems, drainage systems, stairwells, elevators, escalators, building content, debris, appurtenances and other features.

All bids must be submitted by March 16. The Midtown demolition contract is expected to be awarded by the ESD Board of Directors at the April 15 board meeting.

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News Media: For more information, contact ESD Upstate Director of Public Affairs Katie Krawczyk at (716) 846-8200.

Midtown Rising is a redevelopment partnership that will position Rochester for its future by significantly shaping the rebirth of the downtown core through major public and private investment, job creation and infrastructure development. For more information on this development effort, visit midtownrochesterrising.com.