Sunday, June 08, 2008

New website for Midtown redevelopment

The city has launched a new website to keep the public updated on the redevelopment of Midtown Plaza. The site includes an overview of Midtown's history and the plans for the site's future. Governor Spitzer, Mayor Duffy, and Paetec CEO Arunas Chesonis anounced on October 16, 2006 that the struggling Midtown Plaza will be torn down and Paetec will build its new headquarters on part of the site - with mixed-use development planned for the remaining portion of the site

The website also includes historic and current photos of Midtown, along with videos, documents, and a schedule for the project. Once construction gets started, a webcam will be installed as well.

Also last week, we learned some more details about Paetec's new building itself. Chesonis says that vertical windmills will be installed on the roof so the highrise can generate some of its own power. Local firm LaBella Associates, which is also involved in Renaissance Square and ESL's new headquaters, is working on a new master plan for the site, while Paetec has narrowed a search down to 2 architecture firms - both from out the the area but having a strong interest in working with other local firms in completeing the project.

Here are some of the major dates for the project:

May 28, 2008 - City of Rochester acquires Midtown Properties

June 5, 2008 - New website launched

June 30, 2008 - Xerox and Chase skyways close

August 1, 2008 - Midtown closes to the public (with exception of Clearchannel Radio in the Euclid Building and the RGRTA Bus Terminal)

September 30, 2008 - Midtown garage closes

December 31, 2008 - Clearchannel and RGRTA are moved out, all buildings vacated

June 2009 - Demolition begins, starting at Broad Street end & moving toward E. Main

November 2009 - "Paetec Parcel" cleared and shovel ready for new construction

September 2010 - Construction begins on Paetec Headquarters

November 2010 - Demolition of all Midtown buildings complete

2011 - Midtwon Garage reopens

2012 - Paetec Headquarters opens

This blog will continue to keep track of updates. For more information, go to the Midtown Rochester Rising link on the right.

No comments:

Post a Comment