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MOMENTUM
CONTINUES FOR DOWNTOWN INNOVATION ZONE
"Our most creative institutions, firms, and workers
crave proximity so that ideas and knowledge can be transferred more quickly and seamlessly."
"Innovation districts have the unique potential to spur productive, inclusive and sustainable economic development."
Excerpts taken from "The Rise of Innovation Districts" - The Brookings Institute
The launch of the nomenclature and website related to Rochester's
Downtown Innovation Zone (DIZ) was more about capturing what was already happening organically. Rochester is attracting significant young talent for the first time in years, and is becoming a crucial force in the rebuilding of the center city.
RDDC launched Phase II of the DIZ website February 2016 with a host of partners including RG&E, the City of Rochester, High Tech Rochester, and RIT's Center for Urban Entrepreneurship. This website has become the official online hub and portal for over 100 innovation and creative class enterprises. The DIZ website makes it easy to search workspace, living space, secure funding, get support, and more!
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SNAPSHOT: $857 M. BEING INVESTED DOWNTOWN
Several projects took leaps forward, including:
Tower280
Tower280 has come out of the gate strong. Several units have been leased to residential tenants, and Bergmann Associates and the restaurant, Branca, will both call Tower280 home in the near future. Tower280 is also lighting up the skyline with their various LED lighting colors. Did we mention they have a dog park too?
Ready to move in? We thought so.
The Metropolitan
Formerly known as Chase Tower,
The Metropolitan certainly sounds like a more fitting name. Gallina Development launched a
brand new sleek website and rebrand for the 392 foot tower, and has already started renovations on the entrance loop, lobby, and the 17th & 18th floors. The layout of the Metropolitan will be as follows:
Seeing as how the top floors already boast gorgeous views and an urban vibe, we can't wait to see what else is in store for this project. Our guess is that it'll be quite substantial.
Click the above image to see a building tour of
The Metropolitan
CGI Communications, Inc.
Not only has CGI firmly planted their roots in downtown Rochester -- but they are committed. Late last year it was revealed that CGI was expanding their headquarters, adding 200 employees, and purchasing the gut-rehabbed Gateway Centre and Atrium buildings. Check, check, and check. In addition, CEO Bob Bartosiewicz is putting his personal collection of cars directly on Main Street. He, along with several others, are determined to increase street vitality along Main Street. Per the City of Rochester, it is estimated that parking on Main Street will be completed in 2017.
[photo credit: CGI Communications, Inc.
See the above sketch enlarged
here]
The Sibley Building
Sibley's has taken another step forward. Earlier in May,
developers announced that they have closed on $71 million in financing to begin renovations. These renovations will begin the process of adding 96 apartments as well as office space and street-level retail.
D&C Headquarters
The Democrat & Chronicle moved to 245 E. Main Street from their former location at 55 Exchange Boulevard. Click here to see their new digital workspace. Their move represents a $12.6 million dollar investment.
Downtown investment is fast paced, and in high gear. Be sure to use the
Investment Map on
rochesterdowntown.com to view details about all of the development projects RDDC is tracking in 2015.
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ROCHESTER TO HOST
"Summit on the New American City" JUNE 7th
An urban renaissance in underway in mid-sized cities across the U.S., driven by new partnerships among business, university and city leaders. Downtowns are growing again, and a new urban economy is taking shape driven by the engines of an innovation economy.
Hosted by our own Mayor Lovely Warren, it builds on prior editions in Kansas City, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Seattle.
Speakers will include leaders from Allentown, Pennsylvania; Greensboro, North Carolina; Akron, Ohio; Fremont, California; Jackson, Mississippi and, of course, Rochester.
With so many cities going through major reinvention and transition, there is much we can learn here in Rochester.
If you work for an NGO, sit on an NGO Board, or are a Young Professional (under 35), you qualify for a discounted rate. Please contact
[email protected] for further information.
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SEVEN NEW FOOD TRUCKS DEBUT
Food trucks are also on the move. Literally.
Seven new food trucks are coming on board to Rochester. In addition, "four [established] food trucks have added a second truck to allow themselves to be two places at once: Le Petite Poutine, The Meatball Truck, Wraps on Wheels, and Tuscan Wood-Fired Pizza." (D&C, 4/24/16)
Meet the seven new food trucks on the scene:
All food trucks are pretty active on social media, but you can also track them down by visiting,
Where That Food Truck.
top photo: D&C
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JAZZ, ANYONE?
2016 Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival & Free June Jazz Combos at the Library
1,500 musicians. 325 shows. Likely, you already have your calendar marked from June 24 to July 2 for the
2016 Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival. This year's guests include Grace Potter, Erykah Badu, Chris Botti, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, and more. Just like you, we look forward to the festival every year, and love how each year just gets better and better.
But, did you know that there are free June Jazz Combos leading up to the Jazz Fest? Yup. Totally free.
Thanks to the
Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library
, three free Jazz Combos will be held from 12:00 noon - 1:00 pm -- perfect for downtown employees on their lunch hour! Don't miss out. Details below.
READ MORE:
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GET UGLY WITH UGLY DUCK COFFEE
Ugly Duck Coffee opened recently in the East End neighborhood at 89 Charlotte Street. In just the few weeks that the coffee shop has opened up shop, they have been wildly successful. Prior to opening their doors, Ugly Duck gained a strong following with their pop-up coffee cart around Rochester, and their well-known hashtag, #getugly.
Despite being located amid detour signs, the Charlotte Square development, and the Inner Loop project, several customers flocked to their "soft opening", and we think you'll want to check them out too. Welcome to downtown, Ugly Duck Coffee!
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm*
*extended hours coming soon
Having a corporate event? You can
book Ugly
, too.
bottom photo: D&C
READ MORE:
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| ROCHESTER TWILIGHT CRITERIUM RETURNS TO ROCHESTER
Have you heard? The
Rochester Twilight Criterium - which draws a crowd of over 25,000 - is returning again this year on August 13th! The event has grown to be an international success, and is expected to generate $1.2 million in economic impact for the region. For the first time, the event will also include a Gran Fondo to support Golisano Children's Hospital.
We are so grateful to Scott Page and Full Moon Vista Productions for bringing this dynamic event back to Rochester. The race is fast, free, and family-friendly -- and stupendously exciting. It is reputed to be the best competitive urban cycling course in the world!
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RDDC WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS
RDDC is thrilled to have the following new members join the organization:
Interested in learning more about RDDC membership?
Click here
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JUNE 2016 EDITION
IN THIS ISSUE:
-DIZ Momentum Continues
-Investment Roundup
-Office Space Market Survey Released
-Seven New Food Trucks Debut
-Jazz, Anyone?
-Get Ugly with Ugly Duck Coffee
-Twilight Criterium Returns
-RDDC Welcomes New Members
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Rochester Downtown Development Corporation
100 Chestnut St., Suite 1910, Rochester, NY 14604
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About
@round downtown
@round downtown is an e-newsletter resource sponsored by Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC). In this publication you will find news and information about everything downtown, including:
- Development projects and trends that are changing the face of downtown
- Useful links to downtown news and resources on our website and social media
- Upcoming events and festivals and business comings & goings
- RDDC business and social events
- And much more!
Invite your friends and colleagues to join this email list by clicking here:
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