| The intersection of Main and Exchange boasts close access to the courts, County and City governments, and the Hall of Justice, and is considered the legal center of downtown. Our daily newspaper, the Democrat and Chronicle, is headquartered here. In addition, you can catch major concerts, performances, and sports events at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial.
To search for commercial office space, residential rental units, and a wide variety of service and amenities and entertainment options in the neighborhood, check out the
Four Corners entry in the Interactive Map.
History
The late 1800s saw a booming Rochester economy, and there was an explosion in downtown office construction driven by the competitive spirits of some of the area's business owners. At the Four Corners the results of that competition are still visible in the recently restored Powers Building and the opposing Wilder Building, located across the Main and State/Exchange intersection. Looking up, a visitor can still see the secretive last-minute addition atop the Powers Building - a decorative tower that at least temporarily left its owner, Daniel Powers, in command of downtown's tallest building.
Only a block away, the Times Square Building is a perfect miniature of a classic New York City art deco skyscraper with its spectacular "Wings of Progress" pinnacle (rumored to be one of the original models for the Chrysler Building). And no architectural tour of downtown would be complete without exploring the soaring, six-story marble atrium of the County Office Building, and City Hall's stunning central space.
Future
Four Corners recently enjoyed a major expansion of the former War Memorial, now known as the Blue Cross Arena. The Arena is home to the Rochester Americans hockey team, Rochester Razorsharks Basketball, Knighthawks professional lacrosse, and the Raiders indoor football team. Rochester Gas & Electric's Front Street riverside site has been cleared for development and features easy access to High Falls and St. Paul Quarter, as well as spectacular views. The Four Corners neighborhood continues to represent one of downtown's most solidly developed areas.
Festivals
Any depiction of life in downtown Rochester would be incomplete without a reference (in this case a hyperlink) to the innumerable festivals enjoyed by our residents. They include: the Rochester International Jazz Festival; the Corn Hill Festival (arts, crafts, and foods spread throughout this historic, riverside neighborhood); the Rochester/High Falls International Film Festival (held annually at the George Eastman House's Dryden Theatre and the downtown Little Theatre); the Image Out/ Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (hosted annually at the Little Theatre); the Clothesline Festival (artists from the region and beyond on the grounds of the Memorial Art Gallery); the Park Avenue Merchants Festival (another local favorite that covers Park Avenue from Culver to Alexander); the Lilac Festival (world famous for its hills and dales of lilac bushes, this Festival also boasts top-shelf music and shopping); the Rochester Music Festival (a reflection of the changing music scene, the Music Festival is ever-evolving); and the Cold Rush Winter Celebration. (The Cold Rush highlights the wide range of activities available across four seasons in our region). Want to get an even closer look at what's driving the excitement about downtown living? Join this year's Inside Downtown Tour! |
