Southwest Quadrant - Neighborhoods United
Neighborhoods United is a small area in Southwest Rochester, rich in history and potential. Its borders extend to Silver Street on the north, Jefferson Avenue on the east, West Main Street on the south, and York Street on the west. On smaller streets, such as Silver Street, community activists tend to the block by doing things such as helping neighbors mow their yards and planting flowers. Together they build a community that helps Neighborhood United live up to its name.
The DePaul community-support organization, a well-known local non-profit agency that specializes in assisting individuals with special needs, is constructing Bullshead Common, a mixed-use housing project that promises to further energize the area. The project is part of $12 million federal stimulus grant that includes the Brown Street Apartments, which will bring a a 24-unit complex of affordable one bedroom apartments. Facing West Main Street, DePaul is building the 14-unit Main Street Community Residences. This 24-hour staffed residence hall provides housing for individuals with special needs. Completing the campus is Halstead Square, which will provide single-room residence housing for 75 adults.
In the 19th century, Neighborhood United was home to one of America’s first great celebrities, William Frederick “Buffalo Bill” Cody, and his family. During his time in the house at 8-10 New York St., the former Pony Express rider, Army scout and U.S. Medal of Honor recipient perfected his Wild West Show. Cody’s son Kit Carson Cody is buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Another nearby historical spot was the farm of a distant relative of Susan B. Anthony, Asa Anthony, who aided escaping slaves through the Underground Railroad.
An early industrial leader in Rochester is also recognized at the Matthew P. Brown memorial site at the corner of Brown Street and Jefferson Avenue. Here a small plaque honors Brown, who in 1812 bought 200 acres beside Genesee River’s High Falls. Brown and his brother Francis built a thin canal, or race, that pulled rushing river waters up the bank and over wheels that powered the mills and factories that eventually helped Rochester earn the moniker “Flour City” and become the nation’s first boom town.
Today the site hosts a sculpture created by former East High School art teacher Calvin Hubbard, whose art studio once stood on Brown Street. This site was made possible through the efforts of Neighborhoods United residents who want to remind passersby that theirs is a family neighborhood.
Additional Information
If you would like additional information about this neighborhood, please contact the Southwest Quadrant Neighborhood Service Center:
923 Genesee Street
Rochester, NY 14611
(585) 428-7630
Email: Charles.Reaves@CityofRochester.Gov