New York Construction Report staff writer
Rochester is accelerating its transformation with a series of major infrastructure, housing and neighborhood revitalization projects totaling about $300 million, Mayor Malik D. Evans said in his 2025 State of the City address.
“We, not me, are moving Rochester forward together,” Evans said. “Our greatest resource is the people — and that includes the professionals designing, building and investing in Rochester’s future.”
Key highlights include:
$300 million in public and private investment
- Since 2022, Rochester has launched or completed more than 40 major infrastructure projects totaling $300 million, generating over 3,000 construction jobs citywide.
Bulls Head revitalization
- Supported by a $7.5 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant, Bulls Head is being redesigned with a new street grid and public infrastructure.
- $800,000 EPA grant is funding brownfield cleanup.
- ESL Federal Credit Union will build a new branch, anchoring the revitalized neighborhood.
Downtown historic restoration
- Redevelopment of the Alta Vista and Edwards buildings will include middle-income housing and commercial space with carbon-neutral updates.
- The Glenny Building has already been restored and converted into apartments.
- Core city services like the DMV, traffic court and Parking Bureau will remain on site in upgraded facilities.
Genesee Street reconstruction
The Genesee Street Improvement Project stretches from Scottsville Road/Elmwood Avenue to South Plymouth Avenue. Work includes:
- Full road and sidewalk reconstruction
- Water main and drainage upgrades
- New street lighting and pedestrian enhancements
- Completion is expected by late 2025.
Riverside Convention Center upgrades
The Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center is undergoing a $13 million renovation, including:
- A new Main Street entrance
- Façade improvements
- Modern restrooms
- Improved accessibility to the south riverfront terrace
- Funded in part by a $5 million New York State grant, with completion set for 2026.
Enforcement and housing quality
In historically redlined areas, the city is cracking down on poor housing conditions:
- New housing code inspectors added
- Automated compliance system launched
- Dedicated housing attorney appointed to take landlords to court
“From the beginning of 2022 through the end of this year, we’ll have started or completed more than 40 transformational infrastructure projects for a total investment of almost $300 million, creating more than 3,000 construction jobs,” Evans said.
