This article was scraped from Rochester Subway. This is a blog about Rochester history and urbanism has not been published since 2017. The current owners are now publishing link spam which made me want to preserve this history.. The original article was published April 02, 2012 and can be found here.
All the controversy over whether or not to demolish the 120 year-old brewhouse at 13 Cataract Street
got us thinking. Those in favor of demolishing the building say it's an eyesore and a haven for drug dealers; even prostitutes. So, just remove the building and our problems go away.
Right?
But if we demolished every eyesore in Rochester, would we have solved all the City's problems? Or might we end up tossing the proverbial "baby" out with the bath water? For the next two weeks we'll take a look at some local eyesores ...or rather, opportunities, nearly lost.
Partners Building
192 Mill Street
Located in the Brown's Race Preservation District, this six-story building has been a highly visible anchor in the city's oldest industrial area since its construction in 1881.
Originally a paper box factory, the brick structure features a distinctive, Romanesque style corner entrance highlighted with sandstone trim. After years of decline, the
building was acquired by the Norry Company
in 1999. Listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Places, the handsome structure was rehabilitated under the
Federal Investment Tax Credit program for landmark designated, income-producing buildings. Working with the State Historic Preservation Office, architect James Durfee
of the Rochester firm Handler, Grosso, Durfee Associates coordinated the project.
The $6 Million rehabilitation included the installation of a new roof, all new utilities, and new elevators. The exterior brick was carefully cleaned and re-pointed. Window sash were repaired and new insulated glazing installed. The striking interiors created on the top three floors for the Wolf Group (now Partners + Napier
) are the inspired work of F2 Design
of New York City. Entercom Rochester
now occupies the first three floors.
Here's the "eyesore"...
And here is the "opportunity" we nearly lost...
Thanks to Caitlin at The Landmark Society for the "before" photo and the great information!
How You Can Help...
Speak out against the demolition of 13 Cataract Street. Send an email to the Brewery and City Hall
and show your support for a larger vision--Rochester's Brewery Square.
on April 4 at 8pm and sign up to speak in favor of preserving 13 Cataract for future development and reuse.
