Rochester Downtown Development Corp. Spotlights Downtown Rochester’s 2024 Economic Wins
February 13, 2025
For Immediate Release
Contact: rddc@rddc.org
Rochester Downtown Development Corp. Spotlights Downtown Rochester’s 2024 Economic Wins
ROCHESTER, NY — Rochester Downtown Development Corp. (RDDC), the non-profit organization whose mission is to promote economic vitality in the heart of downtown Rochester, is pleased to share a summary of 2024’s downtown economic wins.
Downtown Rochester welcomed Fortune 500® company Constellation Brands to their new global headquarters in the historic Aqueduct Building, bringing 300 employees to the downtown core. Other businesses who opened downtown include Tipping Point Communications, Haley & Aldrich, and UltraPhil – with more on the way. Additionally, many companies reinforced their commitment to downtown, including MVP Health Care, and SWBR, who moved into the Seneca Building and Sibley Square, respectively.
2024 saw the opening of 12+ new retail establishments within the heart of downtown Rochester. Notable additions serve as street-level amenities in new or recently converted mixed-use buildings, including Patron Saint, Legacy Wine Bar, Orange Glory, Elevated Sol, G&G Steakout II, Birdie’s Social, and Farmhouse Table. Restaurants, coffee shops, and event spaces are finding momentum as more people choose downtown Rochester. In total, more than 325,000 square feet of downtown commercial real estate found new occupants in 2024*. Data obtained from Placer.ai demonstrates an increase in downtown activity as well. In 2024, the number of people living, working, or visiting totaled 1.7 million – up 6.25% since 2019.
The rehabilitation of the Ellwanger & Barry Building and The Edmond (formerly known as The Gannett Building) brought 158 residential units downtown west of the river in 2024. Additionally, three significant residential construction projects broke ground last year: Alta Vista at St. Joseph’s Park, Center City Courtyard, and Park Square II. Renovations started on Andrews Terrace (526-units); and work also began to renovate Harper’s Corner at the prominent intersection of Main Street and Clinton Avenue, bringing 21,000 square feet of active uses to Main Street in 2025. Together, ground-up construction and renovation projects that began in 2024 will ultimately result in 1,025+ new or freshly renovated residential units in the downtown core – with more projects in the pipeline.
Last year, RDDC produced 24 free outdoor events which were attended by nearly 22,000 community members and featured 135 local businesses. Looking ahead, RDDC’s 2025 programming will include a variety of events and activities – both new and returning – to further activate downtown and ROC the Riverway spaces. Stay tuned for future details and announcements!
*Based on data from Costar and RDDC survey, 2025
About the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation
RDDC is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 1977 whose mission is to drive economic vitality in Downtown Rochester. RDDC accelerates downtown development by positioning and marketing the assets that attract businesses and investment, and it catalyzes innovative ideas that make downtown a more vibrant and inclusive community.
