Downtown Investment

The $2.5 billion invested in downtown Rochester since the year 2000
leaves no doubt that the center of the city is experiencing a real urban renaissance.

Jumpstarted by housing, downtown is undergoing a remarkable turnaround after decades of decline. Major private and public sector investments have been rebuilding the infrastructure, developing new amenities, and doubling the number of people living here, making it a transformative time for downtown. Highly enlightened local developers doing phenomenal work are breathing new life into gorgeous old buildings, and designing new structures to meet 21st century needs.

Downtown is being redesigned for enthusiastic urbanists, innovators and creatives, urban experience providers, and a young and growing workforce – in a city that values its diversity and takes pride in its many cultures and lifestyles. Now an organically growing Downtown Innovation Zone (DIZ), targeted investments are creating a high impact business incubation district in its core. It’s not an accident that downtown’s dynamic and frictional vibe is attracting young talent and companies.

The new downtown is always humming. With world-class institutions like the Strong Museum and Eastman School of Music, venues like Geva Theatre Center, Hochstein School of Music &Dance, Rochester Contemporary Arts Center, and Downstairs Cabaret, there are always exciting things to do. And we love our Red Wings, Amerks, Knighthawks, and Razorsharks.  But don’t forget the really big events that bring us all together – the Rochester International Jazz Festival, Rochester Fringe Festival, Fashion Week, and Midtown Eats!

When you add downtown’s astounding natural resources the Genesee River, 90-foot waterfall at High Falls, Corn Hill’s riverfront docks, cozy urban parks, and walking and biking trails – it’s no surprise that downtown is exploding with growth.