City of Rochester
News Release
(Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023) – This morning’s fire at
1151 Hudson Ave. seriously damaged the building, which has been vacant for
nearly three decades. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
City building and fire officials have determined that the
two-story structure now poses a significant danger and will have to be razed in
the coming days.
“This is a very unfortunate outcome for an important and
historic building,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans.
The structure, built in 1931, was the second permanent
library constructed by the City. It is listed on the State and National
Registers of Historic Places and was included on the Landmark Society’s “Five
to Revive” list in 2013.
The library was closed in 1994 as branches were
consolidated. Over the years, the City has unsuccessfully pursued different
opportunities to have the property redeveloped.
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The City of Rochester Fire Department is committed
to fire safety, prevention and customer service, and reminds residents to
ensure all smoke alarms are in working order and to test them monthly, and to
develop and practice an emergency exit plan. In the case of a fire, people
should swiftly evacuate the building, stay out, and immediately call 911 from a
safe location. Any city residents who do not have working smoke or carbon
monoxide alarms should call 311, and the RFD will install one free of charge.
For more information, visit https://www.cityofrochester.gov/rfd.