Rochester Approves $20 Million to Redevelop Terrence Building
The city is set to demolish the long-abandoned Elmwood Avenue site to make room for a new mixed-use project.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Commercial
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The Rochester City Council has unanimously approved $20 million in grant funding to demolish the long-abandoned Terrence Building on Elmwood Avenue. This move paves the way for the site to be transformed into a new mixed-use development.
Why it matters
Abandoned since 1995, the structure has become a local eyesore and a recurring site for vandalism. Redevelopment aims to revitalize the property and eliminate safety concerns for the surrounding Elmwood Avenue neighborhood.
The city has secured $20 million in grant funding to move forward with the demolition of the Terrence Building on Elmwood Avenue. The property has sat empty for over three decades, creating ongoing maintenance and security issues.
The players
Rochester City Council
The local legislative body responsible for municipal zoning, urban development, and oversight of public grant projects.
The details
The project will transition the site from a derelict, abandoned asset into a modern, mixed-use space. By clearing the old structure, the city expects to reduce the neighborhood blight caused by the building, which has served as a magnet for vandalism for years.
Timeline
The Terrence Building has been abandoned since 1995.
The City Council approved the redevelopment funding on October 20, 2026.
The Home Front
This project aligns with the broader urban strategy of adaptive reuse, which seeks to convert long-vacant commercial properties into productive, tax-generating space. It marks a significant departure from the site's status as a dormant, neglected asset since 1995.
Residents near Elmwood Avenue should prepare for upcoming site activity and potential traffic shifts once demolition schedules are set. Homeowners in the area may also want to monitor upcoming public planning hearings to see how the new development will influence local property value.
The takeaway
Replacing derelict, long-abandoned eyesores can improve community safety and local property appeal. Residents should track official city announcements for upcoming site clearance dates to plan for potential street impacts during the demolition phase.
Further reading
For more on local business development, visit Commercial.
Live Poll
Should your local government prioritize funding for the redevelopment of long-abandoned buildings in your area?
