THE TERRACED RIVER COMMONS
Introduction
The Terraced River Commons is a comprehensive urban revitalization proposal for the High Falls district in Rochester, New York. Responding to decades of industrial decline, fragmented infrastructure, and limited riverfront access, the project reimagines the Genesee River corridor as a connected civic landscape that integrates ecology, recreation, housing, employment, and public space. Through a system of cascading terraces, pedestrian connections, and ecological restoration strategies, the design reconnects surrounding neighborhoods to the river while transforming underutilized land into a vibrant, year-round destination. The proposal celebrates Rochester’s industrial heritage while creating a resilient and inclusive framework for future urban growth.
Site
Address: 709 South Clinton Avenue,
Rochester, NY 14620
Current use: 999 Market is a grocery/neighborhood market/bodega type
storefront, with deli items, subs, wings, etc.
Cross street nearby: Gregory Street
The area is a mix of residential homes and commercial spaces, with a fairly diverse
demographic, including families, young professionals, and
retirees. The proximity to the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology brings a younger, more transient population to the area.
Concept
The Terraced River Commons is a riverfront revitalization strategy that reconnects Rochester to the Genesee River through a series of cascading civic and ecological terraces. The design transforms underutilized industrial land into a connected network of public spaces, mixed-use development, recreation areas, and restored natural landscapes. By bridging physical barriers and strengthening pedestrian and bicycle connectivity, the project creates a vibrant destination that celebrates both the site's industrial heritage and its ecological future.
Schematic Design
The schematic design establishes a connected framework of public spaces, mixed-use development, and ecological landscapes organized around the Genesee River. Building on the Terraced River Commons concept, the plan uses the site's topography to create a sequence of civic, recreational, and waterfront destinations linked by pedestrian and bicycle networks. The result is a cohesive masterplan that reconnects surrounding neighborhoods to the river while supporting long-term urban and environmental revitalization.
Detail 1
Riverfront Boulevard & Complete Street
Gateway Roundabout & Mixed-Use District
The gateway roundabout serves as the primary arrival point into the development, establishing a safe and pedestrian-oriented streetscape while organizing circulation throughout the site. Surrounded by mixed-use housing, employment spaces, and active ground-floor uses, this civic node creates a strong identity and reinforces the connection between the urban district and the riverfront park system.
Detail 2
Riverfront Boulevard & Complete Street
The Riverfront Boulevard transforms a vehicle-dominated corridor into a complete street that prioritizes pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and public life. Integrated bicycle infrastructure, green stormwater systems, landscaped medians, and active commercial frontages create a vibrant waterfront corridor that improves connectivity while supporting environmental resilience and economic activity.
Detail 3
River Access & Recreation Terrace
The River Access and Recreation Terrace reconnects visitors directly to the Genesee River through a series of terraced landscapes, waterfront pathways, and flexible recreational spaces. Designed to accommodate both active and passive uses, the intervention creates a seamless transition between the urban environment and the river while enhancing ecological restoration, public access, and year-round outdoor recreation.