Rochester Reporter

The City of Rochester has been honored with three Project of the Year Awards by the Genesee Valley Branch of the American Public Works Association. The awards were presented at the 40th Annual Awards Banquet held on January 30, 2025.

In the Structures category, recognition was given for two projects: Austin Steward Plaza and Sister Cities Bridge. The plaza, previously known as Major Charles Carroll Plaza, was renamed in 2024 to honor Austin Steward, one of Rochester’s first prominent Black business owners. It offers scenic views of the Genesee River and serves as a pedestrian hub along the Genesee Riverway Trail. The Sister Cities Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that links Austin Steward Plaza with Genesee Crossroads Park Downtown. Renovations included making it fully ADA accessible and adding new lighting, flagpoles, railings, and structural upgrades.

Rochester also received accolades in Transportation Projects for improvements on South Avenue and Elmwood Avenue. These improvements involved reconstructing two city streets and creating a new cycle track along Elmwood Avenue.

In the Historic Restoration/Preservation Projects category, Rochester was recognized for its work on the Aqueduct District Street improvements project. This included street reconstruction and converting Aqueduct Street to a one-way southbound roadway and Bank Place to a one-way westbound road. Additional enhancements featured new sidewalks, curbs, hydrants, and lighting.

Two of these projects are part of ROC the Riverway program which includes over two dozen transformational projects along the Genesee River.

For more information about these initiatives, visit www.cityofrochester.gov/rtr.