Northeast Neighborhoods - Marketview Heights

Public Market vegetables

Northeast Quadrant - Marketview Heights (North and South)  

Marketview Heights Association (MHA),  a not-for-profit community service organization was formed in 1976 as resident driven advocacy group. MHA made significant contributions to improving the quality of life for the MVH community. Today, The Marketview Heights Association (MHA), a HUD approved counseling agency provides counseling and education for first time home buyers and owners along with Foreclosure Prevention Services. It also works to find home repair grants for area homeowners and promotes the sale of rehabilitated vacant property to first time homebuyers.

Private sector developers have also spotted the potential of this area and are driving changes of their own. An old factory on Railroad Street has recently been re-introduced to the neighborhood as Station 55, a blend of lofts and retail space. 

Alongside these organizations, residents have a long history of working to enrich the community. In 2000, South Marketview Heights (Central Park divides the southern and northern portions) residents transformed an old vineyard on Hempel Street into a bountiful 2 acre community garden of grapes and vegetables. In the northern portion, several community gardens offer ample harvests on North Union Street. Residents looking to get more involved with their community can look into joining one of the many block clubs, including Garson, Peck, Fourth, Hayward, and Fairplace (GP4H), which is one of the oldest block clubs in the city. The block club has been active since 1970’s. The installation of the Playground at Peck and Fourth Streets was one of the main accomplishments of GP4H Block Club.  Another active block club is PAC (Prince, Alexander, Champeney, and Kennilworth Streets). The block club was established as a block club in the early 80’s. The block clubs in south Marketview are still active and involved with the quality of life where they live.

Hempel Street Vineyard

The Collective Action Project

Marketview Heights Collective Action Project,  PathStone Corporation, (formally Rural Opportunities), .initiated the Collective Action Project (CAP) in 2005 to engage and revitalize the community. The group developed the North Union Street corridor plan. The Plan was to enhance North Union Street, the gateway to the Public Market.

Together the group created a neighborhood resource center at 144 Weld Street, five community gardens, and an annual summer block party. In addition, the neighborhood is abuzz with change from enhancements on the North Union Street Corridor at the Rochester Public Market and plans to upgrade 160 properties along six streets under the City’s Focused Investment Strategy (FIS). Plans to add 74 units of affordable housings and thirteen single-family units are in action after receiving City Council’s approval in December 2014.

The City of Rochester identified the Marketview Heights neighborhood as one of four Focus Investment Strategy sites. In 2014 the Gateway projects were completed. Adopted in 2014, this community-driven revitalization plan outlines a series of recommendations designed to tap into the tremendous potential of this neighborhood.  The plan addresses land use, housing, beautification of the public realm, and public safety.  In particular, the plan presents strategies for redevelopment of the Lewis Street area, a key location near the Rochester Public Market.  The city has begun implementation of the plan in 2015 with examination of alternatives for transforming neighborhood alleyways and consideration of different development scenarios around Lewis Street.

City of Rochester Public Market, since 1905, the area's most prominent landmark has been the historic Rochester Public Market. The original market was founded in 1827 at another location, making it one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the country. Now open year round, the eclectic and historic market welcomes 2.4 million visitors annually to find fresh fruits and vegetables and much more. Catering to all, shoppers can find everything from exotic specialty goods to affordable produce bolstered by our nationally-recognized EBT token program. Other items sold here include household good and supplies at the Community Garage Sales and Super fleas, perennials, annuals and other plants at the Flower City Sundays, artwork and much much more. Thanks to an $8 million grant, future renovations at the market include a new Winter Shed, a new covered outdoor shed, new food stand structures, and increased access to parking... Stay up to date with special events at the market! 

Station 55

Settlement houses

Historically, Northeast Rochester was a main hub for new immigrants and four settlement houses have operated for over a century. Currently, Lewis, Genesee, and Eastside settlement houses operate collectively under the name Community Place of greater Rochester to address the needs of the community more effectively.

Settlement houses play an important role in the City of Rochester, providing a central location for city residents to access vital services and resources they may need.

Additional Information

If you would like additional information on this neighborhood, please contact the Northeast Quadrant Neighborhood Service Center:

500 Norton Street
Rochester, NY 14621
(585) 428-7660
Email:  John.McMahon@CityofRochester.Gov