Rochester Reporter

Mayor Malik D. Evans announced today that the City of Rochester's West River Wall Improvements at the North Star Commons project has received the American Public Works Association’s (APWA) Public Works Project of the Year award. The project was recognized in the category of Structure Projects valued between $5 million and $25 million at a conference held in Atlanta this week. This recognition highlights the project's impact on community infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the many people who were involved in this transformative project,” said Mayor Evans. “These improvements have significantly enhanced the ability for people to connect to the Genesee River in ways that were impossible before and have substantially contributed to the revitalization and beautification of our Downtown. We owe a great deal of thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul and our legislative delegation for their continued advocacy for the City of Rochester.”

The West River Wall Improvements project was a collaborative effort involving multiple entities, including the City of Rochester, New York State Canal Corporation (NYSCC), New York State Department of State (NYSDOS), Rochester Gas and Electric, and the Corn Hill Neighborhood Association. The project was featured in APWA magazine's July issue.

Key aspects of the project included rebuilding part of the West River Wall along the Genesee River between Ford Street Bridge and Corn Hill Landing. The initiative restored flood protection and improved riverfront access, linking adjacent neighborhoods. Approximately four acres along the western bank of the Genesee River were reclaimed, featuring a naturalized shoreline, lawn areas, an enhanced Genesee Riverway Trail, a central public plaza, a raised table intersection for pedestrian safety, and an ADA-accessible boat launch.

See more: Roc the Riverway