Governor Hochul Announces Ceremonial Groundbreaking for Transformative West Main Gateway Project in Downtown Rochester
$5 Million in NYS Support Being Made Available Through the $300 Million Regional Revitalization Partnership Economic Development Strategy — Designed To Build Community Wealth, Foster Small Businesses and Build a Skilled Workforce
Interactive Map of Projects Advancing Along the West Main Street Corridor
Photo of the West Main Gateway Groundbreaking
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a groundbreaking was held for the West Main Gateway Project in the City of Rochester. Administered by OneROC, the project is designed to help revitalize the West Main Street Corridor from West Genesee Street to South Plymouth Avenue, a historically significant but long-underinvested area of Rochester. OneROC will administer the $10 million grant program, funded equally from the Regional Revitalization Program (RRP) and the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation. The fund will provide capital grants for building renovations, small business assistance grants for machinery and equipment, and public realm improvements. The building renovation assistance will provide grant awards for between $25,000 and $250,000 to cover up to 90% of eligible project investments over the next three years.
“The public-private Regional Revitalization Program initiative is serving as a model for cities across the nation, proving that this type of collaboration is truly a catalyst for transformative economic development,” Governor Hochul said. “By targeting the most underserved neighborhoods in these represented cities, New York State is lifting up and transforming disadvantaged communities, building a more equitable future for all New Yorkers.”
The groundbreaking took place on West Main Street in front of Rochester Jewels, a nonprofit mentoring organization serving girls in grades 4-12. Extensive roof and window repairs are set to begin at the property ahead of the winter season. The building is one of 22 projects advancing at various stages along the West Main Street corridor. The initiative is also supporting the buildout of a café while additional investment will enhance the façade of the recently re-opened Busy Bee diner. Other supported projects will include work at Morse Lumber, SewGreen Rochester—a nonprofit fiber-arts reuse and education center—along with a local auto shop, arts organization, funeral home, and insurance office.
Additionally, the Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood Association, Community Design Center of Rochester, and LaBella Associates are helping implement a community-driven planning process for public realm improvements along the corridor. Attendees also got a preview of the emerging vision for public art and amenities in the area as well as forthcoming projects that extend west to the Bull’s Head redevelopment. These projects are expected to leverage more than $3.3 million in additional public and private investment while building momentum throughout the corridor.
New York State is providing $5 million in support for the project, and the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation has offered another $5 million in capital and other expenses through the RRP -a $300M comprehensive economic development strategy and public-private partnership that maximizes impact and leverages additional investment for Rochester, Buffalo’s East Side, and Niagara Falls.
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