Inner Loop North Mobility & Development Strategy Rochester, New York
Services Provided
Downtown & Multimodal Planning / Engagement / Urban and Public Realm Design / Development Planning
People Involved
Chris Hermann, Sean Hare
Typology
Urban District, Development
Collaborators
Nelson/Nygaard, Highland Planning
Plan Document
Shaping a bold vision for a new district on the north side of Downtown Rochester with a focus on equity, community building, and placemaking
The Inner Loop North freeway is the remaining portion of Rochester’s downtown circulator highway that is subject to be removed, reclaiming more than 30 acres for downtown neighborhoods, a reconnected urban fabric, and long-term revitalization over the next several years.
The study is focused on creating a strategy for development opportunities, open space improvements, and mobility enhancements along this corridor following this radical transformation. The project has involved coordination with a multi-disciplinary team, a parallel engineering design process for the Inner Loop North’s transformation, and multiple citizen and stakeholder committees.
The future of the corridor will include a wide variety of uses, open spaces, multi-modal improvements and key placemaking interventions. However, the challenge of this project comes from competing interests and viewpoints on what exact uses and improvements should be made. MKSK is envisioning preferred concepts for development opportunities, open space and mobility improvements across the corridor. The concepts balance sensitivity to existing contextual uses and urban form, stakeholder sentiment, and market potential. The final plan will also include implementation strategies with an emphasis on land disposition strategies, combating gentrification, and ensuring equity in transportation, public space, and new development.
“Removing the Inner Loop North is about much more than changing a transportation system, it is an opportunity to repair the urban fabric and reconnect neighborhoods that have been divided for generations. Our work focuses on turning more than 30 acres of reclaimed land into a framework for equitable development, better mobility, meaningful public spaces, and long-term community benefit. The goal is to ensure that this transformation creates opportunity for the people and neighborhoods that are already part of Rochester’s story.”
- Chris Hermann, FAICP, Principal, Urban Planner, MKSK
West Sub-Area: Central Avenue & State Street
Central Sub-Area: Cumberland Street & Paul Street
Central Sub-Area: Franklin Square Park & Cumberland Street
East Sub-Area: Gibbs Street & Delevan Street
