Downtown developments considered

More developments are coming to downtown Rochester. Four area-developers have submitted plans for development at a site across from the Eastman School of Music. DeWolff Partnership Architects LLP, Graywood Properties, Mark IV Enterprises and Visions Hotels LLP have ideas ranging from $20 million to close to $100 million.

A selection committee reviewed the plans for a third time since August Tuesday afternoon. They have decided to go back to the developers to get more specificity on each project and conduct an environmental study in that area.

The property is being sold by the Cultural Center Commission, and as far as one committee member is concerned, the possibilities are ‘wonderful.’

“Each of them has a separate attraction,” said Jim Vazzana.

Three of the four plans include apartments, condos or townhouses as well as ideas for office space, retail shops and theaters. And one proposal calls for a 120-room hotel. These are all ideas the committee is considering.

“(We’re looking at) the design of the building, the façade and underground parking,” Vazzana said.

The parking lot is the last parcel of the land the cultural center commission has to develop. Committee members say they are taking their time to make a decision, so they can do what is right for downtown.

“(We want) to make sure we are on the same page with the developers that what they show us they're going to build, they're going to build,” Vazzana said.

Committee members and city residents say they hope no matter what is built, it will provide tax dollars, jobs and even more class to the downtown area.

“I think Rochester is a great old city,” said Cindy Wu, “and we should keep the culture going.”