Tag Archives: Tax Credit

From Eyesore to Opportunity: Partners Building

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Transforming Buildings & Neighborhoods

Recent discussions about the fate of the 120 year-old brewhouse at 13 Cataract Street got us thinking. Those in favor of demolishing the building say it’s an eyesore, beyond repair, and a haven for crime. With peeling paint, missing windows, and holes in the roof, certainly the iconic building has seen better days. And yes, crime does occur around the building; that is not an issue to be taken lightly. But will demolishing the building solve this problem?

If we demolished every “eyesore” in Rochester, would we have solved all the City’s problems? Or might we end up tossing the proverbial baby out with the bath water? Over the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting some of these former “eyesores” to show that almost any building can be rehabilitated, to demonstrate how this rehab can, in turn, transform a neighborhood, and to remind us all of opportunities that were almost lost.

Partners Building
192 Mill Street

The Partners Building on Mill Street. From Eyesore to Opportunity: a snapshot of adaptive reuse in Rochester N.Y.

The Partners Building on Mill Street. From Eyesore to Opportunity: a snapshot of adaptive reuse in Rochester N.Y.

Located in the Brown’s Race Preservation District, this six-story building has been a highly visible anchor in the city’s oldest industrial area since its construction in 1881. Originally a paper box factory, the brick structure features a distinctive, Romanesque style corner entrance highlighted with sandstone trim. After years of decline, the building was acquired by the Norry Company in 1999. Listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Places, the handsome structure was rehabilitated under the Federal Investment Tax Credit program for landmark designated, income-producing buildings. Working with the State Historic Preservation Office, architect James Durfee of the Rochester firm Handler, Grosso, Durfee Associates coordinated the project. The $6 Million rehabilitation included the installation of a new roof, all new utilities, and new elevators. The exterior brick was carefully cleaned and re-pointed. Window sash were repaired and new insulated glazing installed. The striking interiors created on the top three floors for the Wolf Group (now Partners + Napier) are the inspired work of F2 Design of New York City. Entercom Rochester now occupies the first three floors.

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Want to see more “eyesores” that have been turned into economic opportunities and assets for our neighborhoods and city? Visit our Success Stories page to see the full list.

Clarendon Stone Store

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The Landmark Society is working with a dedicated group of local citizens in the Town of Clarendon (Orleans County), to save the former Stone Store in the small hamlet of Clarendon. This unique Medina sandstone commercial building was constructed in 1836 and served as a general store and social gathering spot in the hamlet for almost 140 years before closing in 1975. The building was subsequently divided into apartment units. It has sat vacant since 2007 and is now owned by the Town. After considering demolition, on July 19, 2011 the Town Board granted The Landmark Society and the Old Stone Store Preservation Committee (OSSPC) one year to find a new owner who will rehabilitate this rare Federal style commercial building and bring it back on the tax rolls.

Together Landmark Society staff and members of the OSSPC have begun the process of getting the Stone Store listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This honorary designation will allow future owners to take advantage of the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit program as well as the New York State Commercial Tax Credit program. This will mean that a future owner can potentially take advantage of tax credits worth up to 40% of qualified rehabilitation costs. (The NY State Historic Preservation Office administers these tax credit programs—visit their website to learn more).

With a $500 donation from The Landmark Society to kickstart the project, the OSSPC raised sufficient funds from generous local donors to hire Bero Architecture PLLC of Rochester to conduct a site visit and prepare a brief report describing the condition of the building, suggested remedial work, potential restoration work and priorities. The report, prepared by John Bero, will be vital to the marketing of the property as it will give prospective buyers an objective evaluation of the current condition of the building and potential costs for rehabilitation.

Donors who have helped fund this service include: local businessman, Joe Sidonio; the Clarendon Historical Society; Clarendon-born Dr. Daniel Schiavone, who practices dentistry in Holley; and Mr.  & Mrs. Gerald Ward, formerly of Clarendon.  The Clarendon Fire Department has also assisted by pumping out the basement prior to Bero’s inspection and by providing use of the ladder truck to allow inspection of the roof. A most heartfelt Thank You goes out to everyone who has helped so far by donations of cash, time and expertise.

Stay tuned to our website and Facebook page for updates on the Clarendon Stone Store!