renaissance, n., ren-uh- sahns - a renewal of life, vigor, interest, etc.;
rebirth; revival

To those who know Rochester from years
back, Main and Clinton was the epicenter of
the community right up through the 1960s.
But like many cities in America, urban
sprawl has set in.

Today, our epicenter is practically
abandoned, and that attitude radiates
strongly throughout the area.

There is a solution. It has already been met
by community enthusiasm. It is the largest
development project in Monroe County’s
history. And here and now, we are bringing
a great vision into sharper focus…one that
will soon become reality.

An exciting joint development project that
combines a transit center, an urban college
campus and a performing arts center in the
heart of our city. It will recreate downtown
Rochester and enhance our community’s
economic, educational and cultural vitality.

SCORES OF CITIZENS ATTEND
APRIL 24 PUBLIC WORKSHOP

On Thursday, April 24, 2008, we held a Public Workshop on Renaissance Square. The following reflects the messages shared that evening and the four concepts developed:

WHAT THE PUBLIC SAW
Four different design concepts. A design concept is a schematic drawing of how three different elements of Renaissance Square could fit on the building site. It is not an artist's rendering or a model. The construction site is the northside block of East Main Street between St. Paul Street and Clinton Avenue.

WHO THE PUBLIC TALKED TO
The architects working on the project – the Associates – are local architects who have been involved with Renaissance Square since the beginning, and are working toward a final preliminary design. They are taking a vision created by architect Moshe Safdie and weaving it into the fabric of the local community. These nationally and internationally known Rochester architects are SWBR, Bergmann & Associates, LaBella & Associates and DeWolff Partnership & Associates.

WHAT WE ASKED OF THE PUBLIC
Comments and suggestions. The Renaissance Square planners believe every public project is improved by public participation.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THEIR COMMENTS
They'll be considered with others and evaluated by the architects as they work toward a final design. Is there an example of public comment changing a design so far? Yes. The original Safdie design would have required tearing down the Mortimer Street parking garage. The public told us they wanted the garage retained because downtown parking is tight. It's now back in all four plans.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FOUR CONCEPTS

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