Attend the Zoning Board of Appeals  Hearing
Thursday, November 29
Arrive by 10:30-11 AM (hearing begins at 9:30 but case is 7th on the agenda)
City Hall – 3rd floor, City Council Chambers

Background

The church building at 660 West Main Street in the city of Rochester was constructed c.1870 and was originally home to the Westminster Presbyterian Church. In 1914, it became the home of the Liederkranz Club who occupied it until about 1974. Most recently, the church was owned and used by another religious congregation. The congregation sold the property in 2011 and it has sat vacant and largely unmaintained since that time. Under the City of Rochester’s Zoning Code, 660 West Main is a Designated Building of Historic Value (DBHV).

City Code prohibits the demolition of a DBHV, however, property owners can apply for a variance from the code to allow demolition. The Zoning Board of Appeals considers such applications.

The current owner has filed an application for demolition and proposes to replace the historic building with a new single story commercial building that will be leased to a Dollar General.

Our Position

The Landmark Society supports the many residents and property owners in the immediate area of the church who oppose demolition. Here’s why (read our complete comments as submitted to the Zoning Board here):

1. Significance as a Designated Building of Historic Value
   Recognizing the historic, cultural, and architectural significance, as well as its importance to the West Main streetscape, the City of Rochester’s Zoning Code has already established that the building can not and should not be demolished. The property owner fails to meet any of the six criteria outlined in Section 120-195 of the City Code that would allow for demolition of a DBHV.
2. Community Impact & Streetscape
   Demolition and replacement with a building of far inferior quality and design would be a detriment to the streetscape and the surrounding community, particularly in light of ongoing and successful revitalization efforts that are occurring on either side of 660 W. Main. With growing interest in downtown and walkable urban neighborhoods, it is simply a matter of time before investment and demand spread to this section of West Main.
3. Building Condition
   Contrary to the reports submitted by the property owner, the building appears to be structurally sound and capable of being adapted to a new use.
4. Redevelopment & Adaptive Use Potential
   While a significant rehabilitation is needed, there is no reason the building could not be adapted to a new use. Although a Dollar General may not be the ideal use for this location, placing such a store inside an existing historic building that relates to the streetscape and surrounding buildings would serve the city of Rochester much better than a generic new building. It does not appear that the owner has fully explored reuse potential.

While we acknowledge that not every historic building can or should be saved, we believe that in the case of 660 W. Main, the condition of the building, the concerns of the neighborhood, and the successful revitalization occurring just east of this property, make reuse a realistic option that merits further consideration.