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 the Austin Steward Plaza and Sister Cities Bridge projects. Previously known as Major Charles Carroll Plaza, Austin Steward Plaza was renamed in 2024 to honor one of Rochester's first prominent Black business owners, Austin Steward. The redesigned plaza 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 and Genesee Crossroads Park Downtown. Renovations included creating an ADA-accessible link across the Genesee River, alongside new lighting, flagpoles, railings, and structural upgrades.

The city also received recognition in Transportation Projects for enhancements made on South Avenue and Elmwood Avenue. These improvements involved reconstructing two streets in Rochester and adding a new cycle track along Elmwood Avenue.

In Historic Restoration/Preservation Projects, acknowledgment was given for the Aqueduct District Street improvements project. This project involved street reconstruction, converting Aqueduct Street to a one-way southbound roadway and Bank Place to a one-way westbound route. It also included new sidewalks, curbs, hydrants, and lighting.

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