Renaissance Square Project

Will it solve our sprawl problem and be environmentally friendly? One of the largest development projects in Rochester's history-- the Renaissance Square.  Be sure to keep track of how your community is developing and become part of the process.  You can go to Renaissance Square and sign up for their newsletter.

Consisting of a community college campus, a below-grade transit center and a performing arts center with multiple performance spaces, Renaissance Square is the largest development project in the history of Rochester. Community and business leaders, elected officials and the public view this project as an opportunity to add to the quality of life in our community.  * Also, check the Democrat and Chronicles resources on the Democrat & Chronicle: Renaissance Square

Renaissance Square News

Resources for Renaissance Square

• DOWNTOWN: Ren Square's arts, money, and timetables - News & Opinion - Rochester City Newspaper The environmental review is behind schedule. Why? Part of it involves negotiation of an agreement by state historic-preservation people and the Federal Transit Agency. We have several historic properties that we're going to be touching or affecting in some way: the Edwards building, the Granite building, even Sibley's, because we are going to affect the skywalk that's currently going over to Sibley's. The historic-preservation office wants to have a clear understanding of what we're doing to ensure that those items are protected and preserved. (August 29, 07) Rochester City Newspaper
• County Executive Hopes "Renaissance Square" Will Enter Its Next Phase This Fall.  Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks is hoping that the Renaissance Square project for downtown Rochester will enter its next phase this fall. The project remains on the slow road to federal environmental approval. Project planners submitted an environmental review document to the Federal Transportation Administration this spring. The planners have been answering questions and providing clarification to federal officials since that document was submitted. It is a lengthy process that moves at its own pace according to Brooks. (August 17, 07) WXXI NewsRoom
• Rochester City Newspaper - REN SQUARE: MCC's all set, but other questions remain The county hopes to begin demolishing buildings at the Renaissance Square site in late summer or early fall, and the city has already begun to dismantle the Mortimer Street garage there. But some important issues haven't been settled, including what the operating costs will be and who will pay for them. (April 10, 07) Rochester City Newspaper
• Democrat & Chronicle: RenSquare design is a gleaming hub - Officials ready to move forward on fundraising - — An expansive, elevated park, an enclosed bus terminal and a towering cylindrical theater encased in steel and glass are part of a $230 million plan to reinvigorate Rochester's downtown. The plan is for Renaissance Square, proposed for East Main Street between North Clinton Avenue and St. Paul Street.- (October 12, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
• MSNBC - Public speaks out about bus terminal project The public got its first chance to talk about the Renaissance Square project Thursday night. Twenty-six people signed up to share their hopes and concerns for the multi-million dollar proposal.  (June 6, 2004) MSNBC - News Front Page
• Democrat & Chronicle: Renaissance Square friends rally County points to successes of similar projects across country. — When a major department store closed, Dayton, Ohio, was left with an abandoned building in the heart of downtown. But after a decade of talk, the community rallied to revive the area, raising $45 million in private money as part of a $130 million project to build a performing arts center and an 18-story tower for offices and condominiums. (May 28, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• Democrat & Chronicle: Brooks to look at bus center Mayor calls for more details on Renaissance Square project. — In the next few weeks, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks says she plans to convene an oversight committee for the grand Renaissance Square project in downtown Rochester. Mayor William A. Johnson Jr. said it can’t come soon enough. (May 21, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
• 13WHAM-TV || Rochester - Renaissance Square: If You Build It Where Will They Park? - Big plans for downtown Rochester now have leaders thinking about the big picture--plans for more loft apartments, more shopping, and the Renaissance Square Arts Center also bring up the issue of parking. Currently the city is working on a study to figure out the supply and demand. 13WHAM-TV || Rochester
•  Citizens air ideas about RenSquare - Renaissance Square lead designer Moshe Safdie had his flight canceled from Boston, so he could not attend Tuesday's workshop. But about a dozen design team members took comments, which will be posted at www.Rensquare.org.  --(October 26, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  City Newspaper: News & Views: News articles: Designing a renaissance "Brilliant." That's how Heidi Zimmer-Meyer, president of the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation, describes the preliminary design for the most controversial part of Renaissance Square: the bus terminal. Architect Moshe Safdie unveiled his concept for Ren Square at a public forum last week. And while this stage really is "concept," not completed design, there was major news: Safdie and his design team have scrapped the idea of an underground terminal. (September 14, 2005) City Newspaper
•  Changes In Renaissance Square Project - (Rochester, NY) 09/08/05 -- Moshe Safdie, architect for the downtown Rochester's proposed Renaissance Square, revealed a new design for the project at a public planning meeting held Wednesday night. Instead of putting the bus terminal underground, it will be at street level. The terminal will be enclosed with walls and windows, but Safdie says the changes will make it easier to deal with exhaust, ventilation, and other logistics. 13WHAM-TV || Rochester
•  Underground terminal out in revised RenSquare plans - The Renaissance Square underground bus terminal is no more. Renaissance Square lead designer Moshe Safdie unveiled a conceptual design for the downtown project Wednesday evening that scrapped the original bus terminal plans and tackled head-on some questions skeptics had about the bus station. As well, Renaissance Square became better defined, portrayed in renderings as an airy, well-lit downtown project combining public courtyards, ground-level retail space, gardens and greenery with its three major elements — a Monroe Community College satellite campus, a bus terminal and a performing arts center. (September 8, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Congress OKs funds for Renaissance Square, roads — WASHINGTON — Rochester's Renaissance Square downtown development project will end up getting nearly $17 million under the final version of the federal highway bill passed Friday. Sens. Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., secured $10 million to design and build the transit center, which will include a new Monroe Community College campus and a performing arts center. (July 30, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Plans for bus depot are still flexible -— Renaissance Square planners say they are no longer committed to the concept that the bus terminal must be built underground. The station, which will remain as one of the three elements of the project, could also be constructed above-ground with a satisfactory design, key figures in the project say. Chief architect Moshe Safdie, a Boston-based urban planner, said Tuesday that he wants above-ground and below-ground proposals to be considered. Safdie visited Rochester on Tuesday as part of the first public session on Renaissance Square. (June 15, 2005) Democrat & Chronicle
•  Several more firms chosen for $230M downtown project — Local officials today announced the selection of several engineering, construction and architectural firms chosen to work on the $230 million downtown Renaissance Square project. Boston-based Moshe Safdie & Associates has been tapped as the lead architectural firm; the company will begin work immediately on developing a work plan for the project. (March 29, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  House OKs bill aiding area roads, Renaissance Square - WASHINGTON — Rochester-area transportation projects would receive more than $46 million in federal funding under a six-year highway bill the House passed Thursday. The bill includes $8.5 million for Renaissance Square in downtown Rochester. (March 11, 2005) — Democrat and Chronicle
•  City Newspaper: Turning Main Street’s vital corner When Renaissance Square is built --- and more than half of the needed $230 million in funding is already lined up --- it will have an immeasurable effect on Rochester's downtown. For good or ill, the project will alter the character of downtown's architecture. (March 8, 2005) City Newspaper
•  Will project spark a renaissance downtown? - City and county officials see, in Renaissance Square, the chance to revive a section of downtown that they say has been a deterrent to development. The area "has been kind of a wasteland for a while with Midtown (Plaza) diminishing, as well as (the North Clinton Avenue) corner with nothing going on at all," said City Council President Lois Giess. (March 6, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Seattle Design Firm Interests Renaissance Square Developers - ROCHESTER, NY (2005-02-07) Rochester and Monroe County officials are sorting out proposals from more than 100 companies that are interested in designing the massive Renaissance Square project. The Development Corporation chartered to manage the 230-million dollar project put out a request for proposals at the end of 2004.
•  WXXI: Brooks Expects Renaissance Square Money (2005-01-11)  - ROCHESTER, NY Governor George Pataki didn't mention the Renaissance Square project in his State of the State message, but Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks is hoping for more than a mention when the governor releases his executive budget next week. About 52 million dollars more. (2005-01-11) Public NewsRoom
•  Legislators seek to revive Renaissance aid — ALBANY — In an unexpected move, the state Assembly on Monday will try once again to put back in the budget about $1.7 billion in spending cuts that Gov. George Pataki issued last summer, including $18 million for the Renaissance Square arts center in Rochester. (January 8, 2005) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Renaissance Square funds in flux - Questions abound on federal aid for $230M multiuse project. — Monroe County officials are basking in the aftermath of last week's announcement that they could receive the largest infusion of federal cash ever for the Renaissance Square project. The $12.1 million for the biggest construction project in Rochester's history moves Renaissance Square backers closer to their ultimate goal of securing $230 million in public and private funds. (November 25, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Possible bidders eye Renaissance Sq. plan - — Close to 200 people, representing firms across New York State, descended on downtown Rochester this morning to learn more about the future of the Renaissance Square project. The crowd ranged from architects to acoustical experts, all considering whether they should bid to become part of the team that would design the $230 million project. (November 18, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Renaissance Square Project Partners Announce Issuance of RFP for Design Services - County Executive Maggie Brooks says this is the first step towards making Renaissance Square a reality... http://www.monroecounty.gov/org1.asp
•  Renaissance Square proposals sought -— Elected officials are ready to seek proposals for some design aspects of the downtown Renaissance Square project. A news conference is scheduled this morning to announce that proposals will soon be solicited for the project. In particular, the proposals will seek bids for architectural and engineering services.  (November 1, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Democrat & Chronicle: Designers sought for Renaissance Square A national search is on to find experts to design the largest public project in Monroe County's history. Local officials announced Monday that they're now seeking five firms to serve as the chief consultants for the $230 million Renaissance Square downtown project. The firms would oversee design and architecture, as well as mechanical and electrical engineering. (November 03, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
•  City Newspaper: Whose Renaissance? After nearly 10 years of costly studies and deliberations, the Performing Arts Center project is no longer a city-county venture. Since it's now being discussed as part of the whole Renaissance Square concept, the PAC falls under the oversight of the Renaissance Square Corp., a subsidiary of the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transit Authority. RGRTA Director Mark Aesch is also executive director of Renaissance Square Corp. (APRIL 28, 2004) City Newspaper
•  Rump Group endorses Renaissance Square Project A group of prominent local business and higher education leaders, known as the "Rump Group," is throwing their support behind Rochester's Renaissance Square project. Renaissance Square is a community development project that would integrate a downtown college campus with a transit center and performing arts complex in the heart of downtown Rochester. In a letter sent to Monroe County's state and federal delegations, the Rump Group pointed out the economic impact that this project will have on the region as well as the support the project has received thus far: Westside News Inc.
•  Reynolds Wins $7 million for Renaissance Square Project U.S. Representative Thomas M. Reynolds, R-Clarence, was in Rochester today, where he and Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks officially announced an additional $7 million in federal funding scheduled for Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority's (RGRTA) Central Bus Station. The newest earmark of federal funds for the project came as part of the Transportation Equity Act, which was overwhelmingly approved by the House of Representatives. "This is great news for our area and our economy," Reynolds said. "This funding will create real jobs in Rochester, as well as revitalize the downtown area." Reynolds designated the funds as part of more than $22 million he secured for the region. The new bus terminal will incorporate indoor waiting areas, customer service, a police substation, food services, banking facilities, convenience stores, and possibly a day care center. The project is a cooperative effort, involving RGRTA, the City of Rochester, and Monroe County. --6 April 2004  Representative Thomas M. Reynolds, 26th District of New York
•  New York State Senator | 55th Senate District | Jim Alesi | Archived Press Releases Senator Alesi (R,C - Perinton) today joined Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno and other members of the Rochester Area Senate delegation to announce today that the state Senate has committed its total support to the Renaissance Square project. --  Friday, July 9, 2004 - New York State Senator | 55th Senate District | Jim Alesi
•  City Newspaper: Renaissance Square’s a pig in a poke Late last week, Pataki said he would veto the budget approved by the state legislature earlier this month. There's a move afoot to override his veto, but that's iffy. And among the things at risk now: $18 million for Renaissance Square in downtown Rochester.  (AUGUST 25, 2004) City Newspaper
•  Democrat & Chronicle: Brooks to look at bus center Mayor calls for more details on Renaissance Square project. — In the next few weeks, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks says she plans to convene an oversight committee for the grand Renaissance Square project in downtown Rochester. Mayor William A. Johnson Jr. said it can’t come soon enough. (May 21, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Democrat & Chronicle: Bus-site push intensifies — Tuesday, July 01, 2003 — Rep. Thomas Reynolds on Monday pledged to lobby Congress for the remaining money needed to start a downtown bus terminal - despite opposition from Democratic lawmakers. The Erie County Republican is the latest to put public pressure on Sens. Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton to support the $58.5 million terminal. Both of New York’s Democratic senators have been reluctant to come aboard and step over Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-Fairport, who vehemently opposes the project. (July 1, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Democrat & Chronicle: Push for downtown transit center revs up RGRTA will 'marshal every resource' to get project built — The Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority plans a major push this year to obtain all the money it needs to build a long-debated transit center downtown. The promotion will include a new television and radio campaign, continued lobbying of congressional and state leaders, and speeches before local groups such as Rotary Clubs and chambers of commerce. (January 17, 2003) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Democrat & Chronicle: Gantt throws a switch in transit debate — Mayor William A. Johnson said he hasn’t abandoned plans for a downtown transit center, despite the recent defection by his powerful Democratic colleague, Assemblyman David Gantt. But Johnson warned that the transportation agency overseeing it needs to produce better cost estimates. The Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority stressed that it has repeatedly apprised him of the project. (December 4, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle
•  Combined bus-train station gains ally - It could be bad news for the future of a downtown bus terminal. The local transit authority has lost a strong ally in its fight to build the center. Assemblyman David Gantt says he now backs plans for a combined bus-train station. It`s a 180° turn from his prior position supporting the bus-only facility. So what does it mean for the future of the terminal? (December 2, 2002) MSNBC Local News
•  Democrat & Chronicle: Dems renew calls for combined bus-rail terminal — A group of Democratic politicians and community leaders on Wednesday afternoon called for the construction of a combined bus terminal and train station -- instead of building two separate facilities. (August 21, 2002) Democrat and Chronicle

Resources on the Renaissance Square Project:

•  Renaissance Square An innovative community project that combines a transit center, an urban college campus and a performing arts center—Renaissance Square will forever change the face of downtown Rochester. Consisting of a community college campus, a below-grade transit center and a performing arts center with multiple performance spaces, Renaissance Square is the largest development project in the history of Rochester. Community and business leaders, elected officials and the public view this project as an opportunity to add to the quality of life in our community. Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks has made the development of a performing arts center a number one priority. And Mayor Bill Johnson for many years has worked to strengthen downtown Rochester. Following their lead and working together we can create hundreds of new jobs, strengthen our economy and improve the quality of life for our citizens.

•  PFABBS: People For A Better Bus Station The mission of PFABBS is threefold. First we want to stop the current Rochester Renaissance Square project, as it is being presented to the public, until our concerns are adequately addressed. Northwest Corner, Main St. and Clinton Ave.. These are the pre-Civil War buildings slated for demolition. Second, we intend to dramatically increase the Public participation in the planning process: The Public Comment period that began November 25 with the meeting at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center and ended 20 days later on December 15 (with the RGRTA Rochester Central Bus Station plan available at only 4 locations) was inadequate. There has been no public forum on the revised plan, now called the Rochester Renaissance Square project.