City of Rochester
News Release
(Thursday, Mar. 5, 2020) – Mayor Lovely A. Warren was
joined by state and community partners to break ground on the new Rundel
Library North Terrace this afternoon. The Terrace is part of the ROC the
Riverway initiative, a series of 30 riverside projects which, when complete,
will create a seamless connection along both banks of the Mighty Genesee River.
“The Rundel Library North Terrace is an important
cornerstone of the ROC the Riverway Initiative, which is fulfilling the
community-building and job-creating potential of the river that runs through
the heart of our city,” Mayor Warren said. “It will be an exciting addition to
the Rundel Memorial Building, a beautiful and unique community resource which
stands at the juncture of the Genesee River, the old Erie Canal bed and the
Johnson &Seymour Millrace.”
The North Terrace will create the opportunity for outdoor
library rooms, cafe spaces and space for enhanced programming. It will connect
to the new riverfront promenade spaces to the south and north.
The new terrace will open up dramatic new views of the
river and rapids south of Court Street.
The Rundel Library North Terrace project is one of 13
transformative projects announced by Governor Cuomo in August of 2018 that are
receiving funding through the regionally designed Finger Lakes Forward Upstate
Revitalization Initiative.
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and
President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, “The ROC the Riverway
initiative is already tapping the potential of downtown Rochester's Genesee
River waterfront and is poised to drive tourism, economic momentum and
encourage private investment that will keep the Finger Lakes moving
forward."
The Rundel Library North Terrace is an $8.1 million
project, receiving $2 million through the Dormitory Authority of the State of
New York (DASNY), secured by State Assemblyman David Gantt. Another $900,000 in
support was secured by State Senator Joe Robach through the New York State
Education Department.
Additional funding for the project is being provided by
RG&E will provide up to $178,027 in economic development funding toward
installation of new façade lighting, replacements, and associated electric
infrastructure upgrades.
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News Media: For more information, contact Press Officer
Jessica Alaimo at 428-7135.