Multi-Family Residential 270 East Ave

This 112 unit, five-story multi-family residential building was constructed as part of the recent City of Rochester Inner Loop Redevelopment project. The first level includes the building lobby, a community meeting space, and an enclosed parking garage for tenants. The upper-level apartments are a mix of studios, one bedroom and two-bedroom units. On the top level there is a tenant gathering space and a 750 s.f. roof deck. The apartments include allocated units for Seniors and Veterans.

The site is significant in both size and location, requiring extensive urban planning considerations. The design solution proposes a detailed and active façade at the corner of East Avenue and along the entire length of Union Street. At over 650 feet long, the site and building are broken into two pieces at a small public park to be used by residents, tenants and the entire neighborhood. At this location there is a pedestrian pass-through that connects Union Street and Pitkin Street at the former location of Vine Street.

This pass-through gives pedestrians direct access to restaurants, theaters and the local grocery store. The site also presented significant challenges due to existing subsurface conditions, complex easements and the need for a NYS variance related to firefighting distances. Each of these concerns was addressed through a design process that involved the developer, the city, the county and other various agencies.

Big Idea

Transform a key Inner Loop site into a vibrant residential community, adding housing and modern urban living in the heart of downtown Rochester