Governor Hochul Announces Ceremonial Groundbreaking for Transformative West Main Gateway Project in Downtown Rochester

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.

The partnership will maximize social and economic impact by co-investing in projects and programs aimed at improving economic conditions to benefit these communities' residents and businesses. It builds upon and accelerates collaborative, community-driven bodies of work that are already underway. New York has committed $200 million; Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, along with other philanthropic and corporate partners committed $80 million; and the remaining $19 million is coming from each city's local government.

The combined $80 million for Rochester includes major additional investments in the city's ongoing waterfront efforts, such as 'ROC the Riverway'; development of High Falls State Park; further support/expansion of a multi-faceted workforce training programs/facilities; and targets small business assistance along commercial corridors in that city's most disadvantaged neighborhoods.

City of Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said, "This investment reflects what's possible when government, philanthropy, businesses, and community organizations come together around a shared vision. We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul and New York State for their commitment to Rochester and to the West Main Street corridor. These partnerships are essential to moving our city forward, strengthening our neighborhoods, and creating lasting opportunities for Rochester residents and businesses."

The ongoing 'ROC the Riverway' collaboration with the city is aimed at the revitalization of the Genesee River downtown waterfront. To date, NYS has committed more than $100 million towards dozens of projects, several of which have been completed, including the Brewery Line Trail extension and Pont de Rennes Bridge renovation within the High Falls area. Groundbreaking is planned for later this fall on the 40-acre High Falls State Park in the heart of downtown - the centerpiece of the initiative.

In December of 2021, Governor Hochul announced that Rochester was a fifth-round winner of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initative. In December of 2022, she announced the five projects selected for investment. In May of 2026, the New York Department of State also announced the completion of the Harper's Corner project downtown, a $12.8 million mixed-use redevelopment project, supported by the DRI, that transformed four long-distressed commercial buildings into new workforce housing and affordable commercial space.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Dynamic projects like the West Main Gateway transformation demonstrate the importance of the Regional Revitalization Program, led by Governor Hochul and developed with our community partners. The initiative continues to support ideas that will maximize the impact of state investments, bringing new opportunities to marginalized neighborhoods, and serving as a model for inclusive economic growth."

State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, "The Regional Revitalization Program gives Rochester's West Main Street Corridor the investment it has long deserved. This initiative supports small businesses, economic growth, and workforce development, creating new opportunities for the entire community. Thank you to Governor Hochul for her continued partnership and commitment to Rochester's future."

Assemblymember Harry Bronson said, "The West Main Gateway Project represents what's possible when State and private partnerships collaborate with local organizations to bring funding, resources and opportunities to underserved communities. I am proud to have worked with my State Delegation colleagues and Governor Hochul, with the support of Mayor Malik Evans, to secure $10 million in Regional Revitalization Program funds that will connect the historic Susan B. Anthony Museum expansion to the surrounding community to uplift small businesses and neighborhoods through economic development. I also want to extend my gratitude to OneROC and the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation for supporting and sponsoring this transformative opportunity. I look forward to the next phases of the West Main Gateway Project."

Assemblymember Demond Meeks said, "These historic investments with public and private funding have the potential for significant impact in Rochester. I want to thank Governor Hochul, Empire State Development, and the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation for continuing to invest in our community, especially long neglected portions of our city. Revitalizing our downtowns and urban centers will benefit all of New York. Ensuring community-driven planning of development projects is a key component to long-term success. I chose the location of my District Office, in no small part to lead by example and contribute to the surrounding neighborhood. Our friends and neighbors need to know that their leaders are connected to, committed, and invested in the well-being of their neighborhoods and the partners in this project are doing that."

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, "The West Main Gateway project represents a transformative investment in one of Rochester's most historic neighborhoods, bringing new energy, new opportunities and new life to a corridor that has long deserved greater attention. By supporting small businesses, revitalizing properties and creating a more vibrant and welcoming streetscape, we are helping build a stronger downtown Rochester for generations to come. The Regional Revitalization Partnership demonstrates the incredible impact we can achieve when government, philanthropy and community partners work together to make meaningful investments in our neighborhoods. Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul for her continued leadership and unwavering support for Rochester and Monroe County."

OneROC President and CEO Joe Stefko said, "Empire State Development, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, and their fellow Regional Revitalization Partnership funders have demonstrated in Buffalo, and, in the Foundation's case, in Detroit, what becomes possible when public and private partners align around neighborhood investment in flexible and innovative ways. OneROC has led the strategy and coordination required to put that model into action along West Main Street, working closely with the Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood Association and guiding implementation with technical support from LaBella Associates. West Main has an extraordinary history, distinctive architecture, and committed business and property owners. These investments will strengthen the small businesses that make the corridor special and build on the energy and commitment already present throughout the neighborhood. We are grateful to SBANA, our funders and community partners, and the business and property owners investing in West Main Street."

Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Program Officer Eric Phamdo said, "West Main Street has long been an important part of Rochester's story, and this groundbreaking is a meaningful step toward its next chapter. We're proud to support a community-driven effort that invests in local businesses, strengthens the corridor and builds on the energy already growing in the neighborhood."

ESL Federal Credit Union Vice President/Director, Community Impact John Paul Perez said, "We're pleased to celebrate the West Main Gateway groundbreaking and the positive impact this project will have on downtown Rochester's future. At ESL, our Purpose is to help our community thrive and prosper. By building strong neighborhoods, we can create opportunities for local businesses and residents to flourish. We look forward to witnessing how this project will help business owners invest in their futures while also transforming the corridor into a more welcoming, vibrant destination. We're proud to support this work alongside partners who are also committed to Rochester's long-term success."

Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation CEO Jennie I. Schaff said, "West Main Gateway reflects what's possible when we invest in the people and places that give Rochester its character. These improvements will build on the neighborhood's strengths and support the businesses and organizations that bring it to life. We're proud to be part of this shared commitment to its future."

M&T Bank Rochester Regional President Steve Epping said, "At M&T Bank, we believe thriving neighborhoods are built through investment, collaboration and a shared commitment to creating opportunity. The groundbreaking of the West Main Gateway project is an exciting milestone for this corridor and a reflection of the dedication of so many organizations, community leaders and stakeholders. We're proud to support an effort that will strengthen the neighborhood, support local businesses and contribute to Rochester's continued growth for years to come."

KeyBank Corporate Responsibility Officer, Chiwuike Owunwanne said, "Revitalization efforts are most successful when they build on a community's existing strengths and create opportunities for residents and local businesses to thrive. The West Main Gateway project reflects that approach, and KeyBank is proud to support the partnerships and investments helping move this corridor forward."

About the Regional Revitalization Partnership (RRP)

The Regional Revitalization Partnership (RRP) is a $300M comprehensive economic development strategy and public-private partnership that maximizes impact and leverages additional investment for Buffalo's East Side, Niagara Falls and Rochester. This community-driven, collaborative strategy takes a holistic approach to economic development and is designed to build community wealth through multiple paths. The RRP was developed in collaboration with New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development (ESD) and is supported by ESL, Evans Bank, Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation, Five Star Bank, John R. Oishei Foundation, KeyBank/First Niagara Foundation, William & Sheila Konar Foundation, M&T Bank, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and partners in the cities of Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Rochester. RRP program implementation is led by the Center for Regional Strategies.

Accelerating Economic Development in the Finger Lakes

Today's announcement complements "Finger Lakes Forward," the region's comprehensive strategy to generate robust economic growth and community development. The regionally designed plan focuses on investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture‎ and food production, and advanced manufacturing.

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.