Downtown ROCs

IADC's Alta Vista project adds housing in downtown Rochester Alta Vista, a $35 million project by the Ibero-American Development Corp., brings 76 affordable and supportive housing units to downtown Rochester.

Residential density continues to grow in 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗥𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿. Not only do these developments address the housing crisis, they enable street-level retail, making it more attractive to live and work downtown. It's a "virtuous cycle" that's in full bloom right now.
vist.ly/4qnc6

An icon in Rochester’s Black community - Rochester Beacon Midge Thomas, who mentored countless young people and created spaces that provided intellectual and cultural opportunities for the community, died Jan. 8.

We miss you already Midge 💔
rochesterbeacon.com/2026/01/09/a...

It's been a wonderful year, and we can't wait to go even BIGGER in 2026. On this Giving Tuesday, we hope you'll considering contributing towards our mission to clean, beautify and activate downtown Rochester at roctheday.org/downtownrocs

Thank you! 🙏

What a year it's been!

Downtown ROCs November 2025 Update What we were up to this November in Downtown Rochester

Please enjoy our November update highlighting our efforts to clean, beautify and activate downtown Rochester...
www.downtownrocs.org/blog/our-nov...

Only ONE WEEK until Rochester Street Films: Walkable USA! Reserve your seat and join the discussion on the revitalization and long-term success of our urban core. reconnectrochester.org/programs/roc...

It's complete... and it's magnificent! Our first mural was an amazing experience and we thank artist Shawnee Hill for bringing this to reality! Thank you also to RocGrowth for helping make this project happen. This work of art stands as a loving tribute to Midge Thomas, 99, who lives right next door

Rochester during Fringe Fest 😮 Photo by Monica Mullen (IG: @Dronebymon) @rochesterfringe.bsky.social

We're pleased to announce a new partnership with Grace of God Recovery House. Today we brought over litter pickers and buckets so that the men can help keep St. Joseph's Park and the surrounding neighborhood clean. We're grateful for their service-minded spirit and enthusiasm for a better downtown.

Things are getting real with our new downtown mural! The lift is on site to help finish the job 😎

Downtown ROCs October 2025 Update What we were up to this October in Downtown Rochester

Please enjoy our October update highlighting our efforts to clean, beautify and activate downtown Rochester...
www.downtownrocs.org/blog/our-oct...

Mural being painted Monday in honor of 'Midge' Thomas ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The nonprofit Downtown ROCs has commissioned a new public artwork to honor longtime community leader Margaret “Midge” Thomas.The mural by local muralist Shawnee Hill is being painted...

We’re proud to bring the newest work of art to downtown Rochester. Come on out tomorrow (Wednesday) and watch Shawnee Hill continue her mural on the side of Abilene Bar and Lounge!
www.whec.com/top-news/mur...

Downtown ROCs October 2025 Update What we were up to this October in Downtown Rochester

Please enjoy our October update highlighting our efforts to clean, beautify and activate downtown Rochester...
www.downtownrocs.org/blog/our-oct...

It begins! #mural #ROC

New downtown mural to honor local leader Midge Thomas ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A new mural is being painted in downtown Rochester by a local artist, honoring long-time local activist and community leader Midge Thomas, who just turned 99 this September…

It's been a dream of ours to commission a downtown #ROC mural, so this is exciting new terrain. Thank you to RocGrowth and the @cityofrochester.bsky.social's Neighbors in Action (NIA) program for helping make this possible.
www.rochesterfirst.com/community/ne...

Did you know there is still a small portion of Front Street remaining in downtown Rochester? Today we took on the challenge of cleaning up this forgotten little area, clearing over 200 pounds of garbage and bringing our season total to well over 2,000 pounds. That’s a TON of progress… literally 🤣

Halfway through October and some of our "creations" are still as beautiful (or more beautiful) than when they were planted!

We found two more benches downtown that were in need of some TLC. So we stained and sealed them both. Here's one of them... Thanks Mario!

Every day is an opportunity to make our city a little better! This is today's contribution. #beforeandafter #placemaking

When it's 80+ degrees in October, you just have to get up to some "good trouble". So we're commissioning Mario to give the Downtown ROCs treatment to another couple of benches at East Ave and Chestnut.

Just a little taste of the inaugural “ROC in the Ruins” at St. Joseph’s Park this past Saturday. Here a little sip of “Genny Lite”. #ROCintheRuins

It’s always a little bittersweet swapping out the summer annuals for mums. But you can’t argue with the results!

This was the last photo taken before closing St. Joseph’s Church last night after a wonderful “ROC in the Ruins” event. Just looked at it for the first time this morning 😲

TODAY! From 3-7pm at St. Joseph's Park, one of downtown Rochester's coolest spaces. Free admission.

Admit it! You've been just itching to break out the jeans and hoodie and chillax with some good music and good vibes in the crisp Fall air. Well, we've got just the opportunity for you... and it's FREE!

ROC in the Ruins festival debuts Saturday - Rochester Beacon The new community festival featuring live music, food and activities will take place in St. Joseph’s Park downtown.

We hope you'll join us this Saturday afternoon for our first-ever "ROC in the Ruins" event at St. Joseph's Park from 3-7pm. Live music, games, crafts... FREE admission! And the weather is going to be perfect!!
rochesterbeacon.com/2025/10/01/r...

Downtown ROCs September 2025 Update What we were up to this September in Downtown Rochester

Please enjoy our September update highlighting our efforts to clean and beautify downtown Rochester...
www.downtownrocs.org/blog/our-sep...

👍🏼 Thumbs up to Christian Manfredi for helping clean up litter in Downtown Rochester, helping bring our summer total to over 1,500 pounds!

A little birdie told us there was a wedding at St. Joseph's Park today, so we decided to make sure the potters outside the entrance were refreshed with a couple of big, beautiful new mums.