Inside Downtown 2016

INSIDE

DOWN

TOWN

TOUR 2016

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH 5 :30P M- 8: 30P M

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1ST 11 A M- 4P M

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

WELCOME

WELCOME TO THE LANDMARK SOCIETY OF WESTERN NEW YORK’S 2016 INSIDE DOWNTOWN TOUR! Fourteen years ago the Landmark Society held a small membership event in downtown Rochester. At that time, some people were only starting to talk about a “rejuvenation” of downtown Rochester.

The success of this small event led our organization to host our annual Inside Downtown Tour. The size of the tour has grown immensely over the years. The thirteenth year for IDT is once again an opportunity to see how our incredibly significant historic architecture is being utilized for smart economic and social growth. Each year our downtown urban fabric changes and this tour showcases the latest and the best. We are able to illustrate in the most tangible way possible how historic resources are anything but static, being transformed into the most modern of spaces with such a respectful nod to the past. We highlight the financers, realtors, developers and

community leaders who passionately lead such a downtown renaissance.

This year you’ll even have a chance to meet downtown residents at the “Ask a Loft Dweller” table in the Warner Lofts Building and find out, one-on-one, what it’s really like to live downtown.

We at the Landmark Society have been stalwarts for downtown revitalization for many decades. It is quite gratifying to see hard work pay off and to be a small part of such momentous improvement.

The Landmark Society continues to play a leading role in advocating for the adaptive use of our historic resources. Repurposing historic buildings makes positive impacts on community development and economic growth, but it also creates a dynamic and exciting downtown that is both attractive and competitive.

We are glad to see that the vision of those “downtown pioneers” and The

THANK YOU! Many thanks to the volunteer Site Managers, Site Hosts and all Landmark volunteers who supported this tour. We couldn’t do it without you!

The Landmark Society is Grateful to the building owners as well as the residents that opened their spaces to us, including: Amudam Café Buckingham Properties Craft Café D4 Discovery H. H. Warner Lofts HIVE@155 Lofts HIVE@116 HIVE Properties Mark IV Enterprises Michaels-Stern Building Pike Stained Glass Studios Salem United Church of Christ Scotland Yard Pub SUNY Brockport Metro Center Tapas 177

...and the members of the Landmark Society!

2 | INSIDE DOWNTOWN TOUR GUIDE 2016

Landmark Society has been affirmed, and know you will enjoy experiencing the results as you visit the residences, businesses and cultural sites on this year’s tour. There is no better way to see how heritage, architecture and creativity merge to produce positive community results.

As always, thank you to the residents and building managers who have generously agreed to open their doors for tour goers. Thank you to all our volunteers and those attending the tour. By attending this tour, you will not only enjoy seeing some great spaces, but you will support The Landmark Society’s important work.

Finally, thank you to our tour partners and sponsors. It is this team effort that makes such a tour possible.

Wayne Goodman Executive Director, The Landmark Society of Western New York

TOUR COMMITTEE Chairperson: Randy Morgenstern, Morgenstern Group Christopher Brandt, Bero Architecture David Hunt, Community Resident Cindy Boyer, Landmark Society Director of Public Programs Carolyn Haygood, Landmark Society Community Relations Associate Cynthia Howk, Landmark Society Architectural Research Coordinator Tour Descriptions: Christopher Brandt, Cindy Boyer and Cynthia Howk.

TOUR MAP ON PAGE 15

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR VALUED SPONSORS!

TITLE SPONSOR

P L AT I N U M S P O N S O R S

TOUR

TICKETS Winn Development proudly sponsors The Landmark Society’s Inside Downtown Tour Washington Square and More!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH 5:30 to 8:30 pm

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1ST 11 am to 4 pm S I LV E R S P O N S O R S

ADVANCE TICKETS $26

Must be purchased by Thursday, September 29th.

Order online at www.landmarksociety.org

REFRESHMENTS SPONSOR

On sale at The Landmark Society 133 S. Fitzhugh Street M-F, 9 to 4 pm Parkleigh 215 Park Avenue

TICKET SPONSOR

Order by phone (585) 546-7029 x11 Landmark members may purchase discounted tickets directly from The Landmark Society only (online, phone or in person.)

Tickets Days of the Tour ($30, if not sold out) Salem United Church of Christ, 60 Bittner Street Tickets on sale 30 minutes before tour start times

PUT THE SMART PHONE AWAY, PLEASE!

Please respect the privacy of the tenants. NO PHOTOGRAPHY PERMITTED inside the apartments.

Thank you!

LANDMARKSOCIETY.ORG | 3

LANDMARK SOCIETY

FAQ’S

You might not know much about us.

Or, maybe you’ve come on the house tour, seen our website or our magazine Landmarks, or noticed a quote from one of us in the newspaper when building preservation issues come up. But you’re still not sure – so here are the Frequently Asked Questions, answered at last!

Mission?

What is The Landmark Society?

(taking a deep breath:) We help to foster adaptive reuse of older buildings, host an annual preservation conference, advise homeowners about rehabilitation, conduct historic resource surveys and publish award winning publications. We train and inform local government on urban planning and design strategies, and we champion the value of embodied energy in a green environment. We are stewards of over 37 properties via covenants as well as operating the Stone-Tolan House Historic Site and the historic Ellwanger Garden. We offer a host of other events besides the house tour to inform and delight participants.

We are a private, nonprofit, membership based organization that has been affecting Rochester’s community since 1937. “Private” means we are not funded directly by the government, nonprofit means that everything we earn goes to support our advocacy and education activities, and membership based means member dues provide a major portion of our revenue.

1937 – Are you really that old?

Yes! We’re older than the country-wide organization, the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Rochester has a great history of supporting historic preservation.

Can Anyone Join?

Yes – we welcome and depend on all sorts of members, from those who want to get involved hands on, to those who are simply happy to support our mission and preservation activities. We even have a new group called the YUPs – Young Urban Professionals (don’t miss their s’mores bar at St Joseph’s Park on Saturday during the tour!)

Our mission is to protect the unique architectural heritage of our region and promote preservation and planning practices that foster healthy, livable, and sustainable communities.

How do you do that?

Wow. Does it really make a difference?

Yes! Abandonment of architectural treasures is all too common in many places, but here in Rochester we helped achieve the preservation of East Avenue, Mt. Hope, Corn Hill and many other beautiful neighborhoods. We even successfully lobbied in the 1960’s to change inappropriate zoning and helped create upstate New York’s first ordinance protecting historic buildings. Now, we identify and protect the next wave of historic resources of the recent past, as well as advocating for tax credits.

RAFFLE! 4 | INSIDE DOWNTOWN TOUR GUIDE 2016

We work to help our community understand that historic preservation is planning, not freezing buildings in a past time zone. It’s about wise use of resources, improving the local economy and community identity, and enjoying and understanding how our environment affects our quality of life.

How can I find out more?

Visit our website at www.landmarksociety.org ; sign up for our weekly emailed newsletter, or – join us! We’d love to have you as part of the team at whatever level works for you. There’s information and a special offer at the tour headquarters.

Inspire. Encourage. Advocate.

JOIN. Make a positive impact.

Proceeds of this event (and all of our activities) support our mission to protect the unique architectural heritage of our region and promote preservation and planning practices that foster healthy, livable, and sustainable communities.

TheLandmarkSociety landmarksociety landmarksociety

Don’t forget to get your free raffle entry – pick it up at tour headquarters! Win tickets to our preservation jubilee on December 4th, gift cards to local restaurants and more!

ABOUT THE

NEIGHBORHOOD

This Fall we’re focusing on the St. Paul Quarter, but really making it a “fat quarter.” You may know that’s a quilting term for a piece of fabric wider than a normal straight quarter of a yard of fabric. Our tour will be on the “fat” side, as we incorporate a few wonderful stops outside of the traditional Quarter boundaries, within walking distance. What better way to define a tour in Rochester’s former garment district?

In the early 1800s, St. Paul Street was lined with single-family homes.

By the late 19th century it was an industrial neighborhood, with factory buildings and offices for garment and shoe manufacturers, as well as other trades. The garment industry was one of the biggest employers in Rochester, and by the 1890’s we were the 4th largest manufacturer of men’s clothing in the country.

Many of those building survive to this day offering a variety of architectural styles. Rich detailing can be seen in such buildings as the

Beaux Arts style Granite Building, located at the foot of St. Paul Street, and the Romanesque/Gothic H.H. Warner Building, which has a unique façade of cast iron and brick.

Other significant works within the neighborhood include Our Lady of Victory Church by Andrew Jackson Warner, and the former Rochester Chamber of Commerce Building by Claude Bragdon.

Today, the features constructed for practical factory needs are appreciated in a whole new way.

Wide arched windows to admit natural light onto the factory floor now provide residents unparalleled views day and night. Interior cast iron support columns give unique architectural accents to apartments.

Brick walls left unpainted in the work rooms are now valued for their rich patina in the living rooms. You’ll have the chance to judge for yourself, as generous tenants open their doors to you at buildings including the newest kid on the block, the HIVE@155 Lofts.

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INSIDE DOWNTOWN TOUR 2016

TOUR STOPS Tour Stop #1

Tour Headquarters Note: Enter the red doors for ticket sales and restrooms; enter main sanctuary doors to tour the church

Salem United Church of Christ

60 Bittner Street (formerly Franklin Street) Year Built: Church - 1873-’74; education building - 1929 Architects: Charles Coats (church); Gordon & Kaelber (education building) Architectural Style: 19th-century Romanesque Revival Look on the exterior: The main façade facing Franklin Street is rich in architectural detailing. Note the round arches, limestone trim, and square towers with tile roofs (the tall spires were removed from the towers in 1929). The exterior of the church was substantially renovated

by Gordon & Kaelber during the 1929 construction of the Education Building/ Parish House, during which time much of the stone embellishment typical of the German “Rundbogenstil” version of Romanesque Revival design was removed from the 1870s church building.

You’ll enjoy knowing: Originally founded

by German Protestants in 1832, this congregation was formally organized as the “Vereinigte Evangelishce Kirche” or United Evangelical Church. Many of the church’s 19th- century historic documents are in German and they maintained Germanlanguage services into the 20th century. In the mid-20th century, the congregation became affiliated with the United Church of Christ.

Don’t Miss on the inside: The magnificent church sanctuary seats over 1,000 people and features exceptional stained glass windows, decorative plaster, side and rear balconies, and a historic pipe organ. Church members will host your visit here. .

As Tour Headquarters you will also find pre-ordered tickets to pick up, tickets

6 | INSIDE DOWNTOWN TOUR GUIDE 2016

Salem United Church of Christ and Tour headquarters for sale (if not sold out), additional tour programs, information on The Landmark Society, and restrooms.

St Joseph Park

NE corner of Pleasant Street and North Clinton Avenue Note: The Park will be self-guided on Friday and will stay open until dusk. On Saturday The Landmark Society’s YUPs (Young Urban Preservationists) will host several activities in the park. Stop by and be surprised!

Year Built: 1843; bell tower added in 1909 Architects: original church – not

determined; bell tower: Joseph Oberlies; building rehabilitation as a park: Handler/ Grosso Architects.

Architectural Style: 19th –century Romanesque Revival Look on the exterior: Rounded arches everywhere – the three entrances, the windows, even at the top of the bell tower.

You’re seeing Roman arches – a prominent feature in a Romanesque Revival structure.

You’ll enjoy knowing: Built in 1843 by German immigrants, a disastrous 1974 fire destroyed it. This was the “mother church” for nine other German Catholic parishes

in our area. The original church campus included a rectory, convent, school and large orphanage, as well as a walled garden. In the mid-20th century, a new school (now The College at Brockport) was built and featured business courses for high school-aged girls. After the 1974 fire, community leaders rallied to restore this irreplaceable feature of the Rochester cityscape. The Landmark Society of Western New York became the owner and developed the park with courtyard and fountain in 1980. Subsequent street realignments resulted in Franklin Street’s removal in front of the building and a plaza created on that site. Recently the Landmark Society completed a renovation that’s reopened this quiet downtown space to the public for daily visitation and special events.

Don’t Miss on the inside: The bell tower and side walls of the church nave were retained and stabilized to create the courtyard and park you see today. The elegant cast iron railings from the church rectory were restored and used as part of the raised podium inside the courtyard. Be sure to see the prominent interpretive plaques that include information and historic photos of the church and site over the past 170 years.

Check out the new benches made by Staach and Weld Works.

Michaels-Stern Building 87 North Clinton Avenue

Note: Please use the Pleasant Street entrance under the dark awning Year Built: 1893/ Addition in c.1905 Architect: Nolan, Nolan, and Stern Architectural Style: Beaux-Arts / Romanesque Look on the exterior: The elegant detailing and proportions distinguish this building from its neighbors. The quoining at the corners, heavy classical entry portal, and CONTINUES ON PAGE 8 LANDMARKSOCIETY.ORG | 7

TOUR STOPS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 decorative floral flourishes seen at the frieze just below the sixth story are typical of Beaux-Arts style. When built this building was cutting edge drawing direct inspiration from the Beaux Arts style buildings seen at the 1893 Colombian Exposition in Chicago.

The design of the building is strictly symmetrical, including its side elevation.

The three bay addition at the rear that breaks its perfect symmetry was added around 1905.

You’ll enjoy knowing: Established by Henry Michaels and his son-in-law Morley Stern, Michaels-Stern & Company was a pioneer and national leader in ready-to-wear clothing. They were one of Rochester’s most successful clothing manufacturers and were in operation from 1875 until 1972.

The architecture firm Nolan, Nolan, and Stern was a short-lived partnership (18931897) who designed a handful of prominent buildings in Rochester including the former Commerce Building (1896) at the corner of South Avenue and Main Street.

The Michaels-Stern Building is the only significant building of theirs to survive.

Don’t miss on the inside: A private apartment will be open for touring, as well as the Outfit Collective workspace.

The Outfit Collective is a brand new collaborative space that has developed on the fourth floor of The MichaelsStern building. Inspired by its ties to Rochester’s historic garment industry, the OC hosts 9 organizations who currently share the space in a concerted effort to bring positive changes to the downtown area. Stop in and say hi to learn who’s involved and enjoy snacks, drinks, and good conversation on how we all, together, can make downtown a better place to live and work. As you leave the building through the Clinton side lobby, note the Michaels-Stern logo in the floor.

Tour Stop #4 Our Lady of Victory and St. 8 | INSIDE DOWNTOWN TOUR GUIDE 2016

The Michaels-Stern Building

Joseph’s Church

210 Pleasant Street Open Friday evening and Saturday afternoon from 1 to 4 pm Year Built:1868 Architect: A. J. Warner and Fr. Hippolyte DeRegge Architectural Style: French Renaissance Revival Look on the exterior: The design of this church was directly inspired by the 17th Century religious architecture of its congregation’s homeland in France and Belgium. A. J. Warner with the assistance of the congregation’s dedicated priest created this regionally unique design. The distinctive broken pediment gable flanked by the pair of flared pinnacles, blind arch panels, statue niche and corbelled arched panels are typical of the French Reniassance Revival style church it was inspired by, most notably the St. Carolus Borromeuskerk Church of Antwerp, Belgium.

Be sure not to miss looking at the exterior of the Rectory, built in 1885, with its more Victorian Gothic detailing.

You’ll enjoy knowing: The Our Lady of Victories congregation was a predominantly French speaking branch of St. Mary’s Church, Rochester’s first Catholic congregation. The laying of the cornerstone of the church in 1868 was the first official

obligation of Bishop Bernard McQuaid the first leader of the newly formed Rochester Catholic Diocese. Since that time it has remained an anchor and haven to the countless immigrant Catholics working and living in the neighborhood.

In 1970 the Church was slated for demolition in order to widen Pleasant Street. Parish members, community leaders, academics and the Landmark Society joined together and successfully saved the church, getting it designated as a City of Rochester Landmark later that year.

Soon after Our Lady of Victory became a refuge for parishioners from St. Joseph’s Church which had been destroyed by fire, and became officially known as Our Lady of Victory/St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church.

Don’t miss on the inside: Much of the interior, although appearing to be the original 1868 design, is largely a 1912 recreation following a catastrophic fire. The original elaborate hand-painted stenciling and carved walnut pews are visible in a historic photograph taken before the 1912 fire. The most striking feature is the triple vaulted ceiling with “aisles” of groins vaults terminating at decorative pinnacles to either side of a central barrel vault. The original hand painted and stenciled stained glass windows list names of prominent parishioners each with different religious iconography at the top of the windows.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 10

Preservation An investment that benefits us all

We salute the work of The Landmark Society of Western New York

Hugh Hamlin Senior Vice President–Wealth Management Financial Advisor 585-218-4542 hugh.a.hamlin@ubs.com UBS Financial Services Inc. 400 Linden Oaks Rochester, NY 14625 ubs.com/fs ©UBS 2016. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member 7.11_Ad_3.75x5_RA1230_JanL IS1600021 Exp. 1/5/17 FINRA/SIPC.

LANDMARKSOCIETY.ORG | 9

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Tour Stop #5 Smith-Gormly Building 180 St. Paul Street

Please use the side entrance facing Andrews Street, and take elevator or stairs to the second floor to suite 203, Pike Stained Glass Studio.

Year Built: 1888/1904 Architect: Charles Ellis Architectural Style: Romanesque Look on the exterior: This six-story, brick structure with terra-cotta decoration and red sandstone cladding on the first two stories of the façade is in a class of its own when compared to its other factory neighbors. Grand two-story-high stone arches supported by stone pilasters march across the façade. These arches are repeated in brick and with large bas-relief terra cotta capitals on the sixth floor.

You’ll enjoy knowing: Begun in 1869 by Nathan Stein and Levi Alder as Stein & Adler, Stein-Bloch and Co, grew to become a nationally recognized manufacturer of boys and mens clothes. They were the first Rochester clothing manufacturer to have centralized sewing shops, and were the first to harness the power of the Genesee River to power their sewing machines.

Their level of quality and refinement was so high, that President Andrew Johnson made a point to always wear Stein-Bloch suits.

The architect, Charles S. Ellis was the younger brother of famous artist and architect Harvey Ellis. The Ellis brothers were in partnership with one another until 1885, when Harvey left to establish an architectural career in the Midwest for several years.

Due to their great success, Stein-Bloch and Co. doubled the size of their building on St. Paul St, continuing the original 1888 Ellis design to the north another sixtysix feet in a mirror image of the original.

Unfortunately years later the original 1888 wing of the factory would be demolished, leaving the 1904 building seen today.

In 1934 following Stein-Bloch and Co’s

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Who says you can’t have a garden downtown? merger with Fashion Park Clothing the building was sold to another clothing manufacturer, Smith Gormly Company.

After the downturn of the clothing industry, the building was redeveloped as residential loft space in 1977 by developer John Summers Don’t miss on the inside: Pike Stained Glass Studio is opening for a full tour.

This 3rd generation leaded glass studio creates and repairs stained and leaded glass windows. Owner and director Valerie O’Hara and her staff create and repair large-scale stained and leaded glass windows in a 4,000-square-foot studio, naturally lighted by large, clear windows on three sides of the space. The studio was founded by William Pike, O’Hara’s great uncle, who moved here in 1908 after working for Louis Comfort Tiffany Studios in New York City. You will see stainedglass windows in all stages of design and production.

Tour Stop #6 Hive@155 Lofts

155 St. Paul Street and the former 169 St. Paul Street Year Built: c.1880 / 1888 Architect: Unknown / Oscar Knebel Architectural Style: Queen Anne / Romanesque

Look on the exterior: 155 St. Paul St. is hard to miss with its distinctive threetone paint scheme. Note the elaborate roof cornice with brick corbelling beneath and the series of terracotta tiles inset to the façade, both typical of Queen Anne style design. The two-story stone and brick arches and broad brick pilasters running to the top of the wall of 169 St. Paul St. are key Romanesque Style elements. Be sure to note the decorative cut brick and alternating smooth and rough ashlar voussoirs forming the arches.

You’ll enjoy knowing: 155 St. Paul St. was built speculatively for rent by Rev. Robert Sproull immediately adjacent to his congregation’s Reformed Presbyterian “Covenanter” Church where 169 St. Paul St now stands. Rev. Sproull was pastor of the congregation from 1863-1880, at which point he moved to New York City. In 1887 the congregation sold their church to Michael Kolb for $15,000 and moved to a vacant Methodist Church on Alexander Street. Michael Kolb was one of Rochester’s most esteemed tailors during the late nineteenth century. Only fourteen years after building their Romanesque style headquarters, Michael Kolb and Son was bought by the Hickey Freeman Company in 1902.

Don’t miss on the inside: Construction has recently been completed joining the two buildings into one larger complex

of affordable true loft style apartments.

Although the residents are just moving in, several have agreed to make their brand new homes available to you. Two apartments will be open, including one with the enviable location of being on the second floor of the Michael Kolb building featuring a monumental arched window. A model apartment will also be open to view.

Tour Stop #7 HIVE@116

116 St. Paul Street Please enter via the covered driveway to the back courtyard.

Year Built: 1914 Architect: William Morrison (builder) Architectural Style: Beaux-Arts / Chicago Style Look on the exterior: The classical design language of the Beaux Arts style with the heavy cornice and cast stone trim is combined with the streamlined and simpler geometric forms typical of the Chicago style. The arrangement of the windows with the pair of double-hung sash to either side of a larger fixed picture sash is a signature Chicago Style design motif.

You’ll enjoy knowing: The building was rented for a number of various commercial enterprises including to W. A. Requa, a wholesaler of cutting edge electrical kitchen appliances during the 1910s. From 1937 until 1999 this building was home to Harry Forman’s Clothing Store. Soon after the store’s closing the building was purchase by Randy and Dan Morgenstern and redeveloped as a mixed use building with their private home on the third floor. In the process of restoration, 90 windows were replaced with energyefficient versions and interior wood sash, in keeping with historic preservation guidelines.

Don’t miss on the inside: Plan to spend some serious oooh and aaah time here. A charming one bedroom apartment and an expansive penthouse are open for you. The CONTINUES ON PAGE 12

The HIVE@116 LANDMARKSOCIETY.ORG | 11

TOUR STOPS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 penthouse is over 4,000 square feet, and is a gallery as much as a home. Dedication to supporting local artists is evident everywhere, from the works displayed to the special paint applications designed and crafted in consultation with the owners.

Original wood floors and tin ceilings have been lovingly restored throughout the penthouse. The major living space is open, divided by furnishings into living, dining, kitchen, and office areas. A walled room behind the kitchen area creates a generous pantry and a curving wall separates the master bedroom from the main area. The original 3rd floor elevator door has been repurposed as a door to their media room.

The one bedroom apartment also showcases the original narrow-board, hardwood floors, refinished and varnished to keep a piece of the building’s history and to provide the warmth of wood in the apartment. Another historic artifact is an original metal fire door that has been decoratively painted and given a new role.

To eliminate noise from the floor above, a new, insulated ceiling was installed and is suspended on wires from the original ceiling to keep the living space super quiet.

Tour Stop #8 Warner Lofts (H.H. Warner Building) 82 St. Paul Street Year Built: 1882 Architect: Louis P. Rogers, New York City Architectural Style: Late 19th-century Neo-Gothic with Romanesque Revival details Look on the exterior: the spectacular and unique cast-iron façade includes ornate Gothic and Neo-Classical arches.

The Berea stone details include the letter “W” (for the original owner) on the fourthstory pilasters.

You’ll enjoy knowing: A renowned example of cast-iron architecture, this seven-story building was constructed for one of Rochester’s most colorful entrepreneurs, patent-medicine king, H.H.

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Some of the artwork you’ll enjoy on the tour.

Warner. The building included the offices, marketing, shipping and production facilities for his over-the-counter “snake oil” medicinal empire. Bankrupt in the 1890s, Warner sold the building, which continued to house small businesses into the 20th century. The Present Company, a local catalogue company, was here in the mid/late 20th century.

Vacant in recent decades, the building was acquired in 2009 by Mark IV Enterprises and developed into residential and retail spaces.

ceiling throughout the building.

This is also the place to get all your downtown living questions answered.

“Ask a Loft Dweller” will be a set up in the back lobby near the safe, staffed by residents who can tell you what it’s really like to downsize from suburbia, live the urban lifestyle, or anything else you want to know.

Don’t miss on the inside: As you’re

(Former Chamber of Commerce Building) 55 St. Paul Street

waiting in the foyer, note the original Cutler Mail Chute in the front lobby.

Three apartments are open, including two that have never been toured. They’re all 2 bedroom units. Once you‘ve toured them, inspect the back lobby to see the 1880s safe, replete with hand-painted decoration. You’ll also see the reoccurring theme of load-bearing cast iron columns, maple floors and “wavy” brick vaulted

Tour Stop #9 SUNY Brockport Metro Center

PLEASE NOTE: Open Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm only.

Year Built: 1916; 1925-’26 west addition Architect: Claude Bragdon (1916); Gordon & Kaelber (addition) Architectural Style: Early 20th-century

Neo-Classical Look on the exterior: The 1916 building appears to have been influenced by the Doge’s Palace in Venice. Originally surrounded by multi-story buildings, the restrained limestone exterior features a bracketed entrance hood, large casement windows and a roof balustrade. The decorative bronze, bracketed balcony is reminiscent of detailing seen on Bragdon’s magnificent 1914 New York Central Railroad Terminal, built nearby on Central Avenue (demolished 1965). .

You’ll enjoy knowing: The Chamber of Commerce served as a networking, administrative, and central core for Rochester area businesses for decades.

Designed by Rochester’s most innovative early-20th-century architect, the 1916 Chamber of Commerce building is famous for its architecture and infamous for the politics surrounding the design!

The construction was funded by George Eastman, as part of his public building legacy in Rochester. Eastman wanted the interior to be restrained, but Bragdon intended the “Great Hall” to feature extensive painted decoration, for which Bragdon was noted. Eastman’s wishes prevailed and the painted decoration was never completed. The supposed “feud” over this led Bragdon to close his practice in Rochester and soon move to New York City to pursue stage design. Following the creation of the Rochester Business Alliance in recent decades, the building was sold for use as SUNY Brockport’s Metro Center, housing the college’s classrooms, administrative and faculty offices.

Don’t miss on the inside: Much of the 1916 interior remains intact, including decorative column capitals, abstract organic ornament in columns and arches, arched ceiling banding and air circulation vents. All of the woodwork is quarter-saw oak. A grand staircase with elaborate balustrade is located at the end of the central hall. In the late 20th-century, the “Grand Hall” was divided into two, separate floors.

HUNGRY/THIRSTY? Craft Café, 234 Andrews Street. Complimentary light refreshments Friday evening. Sandwiches, salads and more to purchase Saturday.

Scotland Yard Pub 187 St Paul, open during all tour hours – show your ticket for a10% discount.

Tapas 177 at 177 St Paul, open during all tour hours.

Amudam Café, in the Michaels-Stern lobby, open during all tour hours.

SAVE THE DATE TO CELEBRATE!

THE LANDMARK SOCIETY'S

ANNUAL JUBILEE

“Celebrating Preservation 50: NYS” Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 4th, 2016 at 5.00pm Harro East Ballroom • • • •

Special award presentations Music for listening and dancing pleasure Complimentary wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres Exciting silent auction experiences

Advance sales only – tickets available November 1st more details this autumn at www.landmarksociety.org

ASK A

LOFT DWELLER

Wondering what it’s like to live downtown? Here’s your chance to find out, person to person. An informal chat station will be staffed by downtown residents in the back lobby of the Warner Lofts (Stop#8) Drop by and chat with them, and find out about transitioning from suburbs to city, downtown lifestyles and more!

This space will be a an occupied apartment by the time you tour it.

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PARKING

Free in the Kovalsky Carr lot, Cook Iron Store lot, and on street after 6 pm Friday and all day Saturday.

GENESEE CROSSROADS GARAGE, MORTIMER STREET GARAGE AND PUBLIC SURFACE LOTS MAY CHARGE A FEE.

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