City of Rochester
News Release
Four projects will transform former highway site in Downtown Rochester
(Friday, Sept. 16, 2016) — Rochester Mayor Lovely A. Warren today announced the selection of four projects that will be recommended to redevelop parcels along the former site of the Inner Loop highway in Downtown. The Projects recommended are from Home Leasing, the Strong Museum and Morgan Development in partnership with Christa Construction. A fifth site will be maintained as a temporary urban green space until the other projects are developed, at which time it will be reviewed for possible development.
“Our city is in the midst of a rebirth and these exciting projects will not only keep the momentum we already see going, but they will also be transformative in their own right,” said Mayor Warren. “These projects are about reconnecting Downtown with the neighborhoods surrounding it, creating much needed construction jobs, bringing long-term jobs to our residents and contributing to the energy and vibrancy that is returning to our Center City. These positive projects represent so much more than just redevelopment, they hold the promise of jobs and prosperity for our city and it is my hope that this job creating potential will particularly benefit those citizens in our poorest neighborhoods who most need them.”
“The Inner Loop project is one more example of how Governor Andrew Cuomo and New York State are working collaboratively with Upstate cities to build economically transformative transportation infrastructure,” said New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll, “Redeveloping the Inner Loop is reconnecting the City of Rochester, improving the quality of life for everyone who lives and works there.”
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, “The $16.5 million federal transportation grant I helped secure in 2013 to finally make the Inner Loop fill-in a reality is now unleashing new private sector investment. By transforming what had become a sunken concrete moat that had cut off neighborhoods, residents, and—most importantly—investment and development from spilling over into Downtown, we are creating an economic development game-changer. Developers and investors all say the same thing: this is an area of Rochester where they want to invest, and I’m glad to see its first fruits are ripe.”
“The approval of the Inner Loop Project plan is great news for the Rochester community, and an important step in the region’s redevelopment efforts,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “This plan will help create jobs and attract more investment in the community. I was proud to support the federal funding that helped pay for the Inner Loop Project, and I will continue to support similar efforts around New York to help more urban redevelopment projects come to life.”
“The Inner Loop redevelopment is a shining example of the potential awaiting our city and its residents,” said Loretta Scott, President of Rochester City Council. “Job creation and neighborhood renewal are two main priorities for the City Council, and I look forward to learning more about the Administration's recommended projects through the review process that the City Council will conduct.”
The Mayor is recommending the following proposals for City Council approval:
• Parcel 1 be awarded to Home Leasing for sale and development of 49 affordable housing units comprising 45 apartments and four townhouses. All 49 units will be affordable to households earning between 50 percent and 90 percent of the area median income.
• Parcel 2 be awarded to the Morgan/Christa team for sale and development of 117 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, approximately 26,000 square feet of retail/office space and underground parking for residents and businesses. Christa Construction has committed to move its office operations to the City of Rochester if approved by City Council.
• Parcel 3 be maintained as temporary urban green space until the other projects are developed, at which time the best possible use of the space can be evaluated with the completed redevelopment of these other parcels being taken into consideration.
• Parcels 4 and 5 be awarded to the group comprising the Strong National Museum of Play, Indus Hospitality Group and Konar Properties. They propose the expansion of the Museum, construction of a parking structure for 1,200 cars, construction of a hotel of at least 120 suites (which will include an indoor water feature as part of its pool and spa); construction of 201 units of housing and a mix of urban retail spaces.
The proposals being accepted are subject to continued discussions with the developers regarding varying topics ranging from verification of project costs, project timelines, design and site layout, and technical studies of the sites, among other things. The sale of land to each of the developers is subject to City Council approval and these recommendations will be forwarded to City Council for their review, consideration and action.
“Reconnecting neighborhoods to Rochester’s Downtown is critically important to ensure a vibrant future for all of our citizens,” said Assemblymember David Gantt. “The potential for jobs that will come from the Inner Loop redevelopment is a critical part of our effort to ensure that we are investing in the future and trying to connect those most in need of employment with a job.”
“Today marks yet another exciting step forward toward realizing our vision for Downtown’s revitalization,” said Assembly Majority Leader Joseph D. Morelle. “These four new projects will breathe further life into our city and expand economic opportunities for all people who call Rochester home. Together, in partnership with our local, state and federal partners we will continue to advance projects and programs that ensure a brighter future for the city of Rochester.”
“As the Inner Loop project moves forward, we can all celebrate because it will mean real jobs for our neighbors and it will reconnect our city’s neighborhoods with its Downtown,” said Assemblymember Harry Bronson.
“I am excited to see the Inner Loop project moving forward with its final redevelopment, which will mean additional construction and permanent jobs for our community and local workforce,” said NYS Senator Joe Robach. “This is an exciting time for the revitalization of the city of Rochester, and this project is a key component to our efforts”
“From the beginning, the Inner Loop project has been a partnership between the City of Rochester, state and federal governments,” said NYS Senator Rich Funke. “There is no limit to what we can accomplish by working together and this project and the job-creating potential within it proves just that.”
An additional proposal was submitted by DHD Ventures but was not selected.
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