The developers of a proposed apartment complex at 933 University Avenue that caused quite a stir have released a new design concept. The developers met with the Eastman House, the City, neighbors and residents of the East Ave Historic District back in January. And, if you recall, there was a lot of concern raised by the Eastman House, its new director and residents about how that initial design would impact the character, view and surroundings of the historic Rochester icon and the district.

The City recently provided an update on the status of the project:


“The original application (submitted in December, 2012) for site plan approval proposed constructing a four story, 110 unit apartment building, a 3900 sq. ft. clubhouse and accessory parking. This application has been withdrawn. The developer, Morgan Management, modified the project in response to neighborhood and referral agency concerns.

A new application for site plan approval has been submitted as summarized below:
Address: 911-933 University Avenue
File #: SP-031-12-13
Request: To demolish the Monroe Voiture building and parking lot and construct a 102 unit
apartment building having a mix of three and four stories with indoor parking, a
32 space surface parking lot, and a two-story clubhouse for Monroe Voiture.

This project requires the following review process and approval processes:”

Site Plan Review, June, 2013 Director of Planning and Zoning
Rochester Preservation Board (public hearing not required)

Special Permit, May 20, 2013, City Planning Commission (public hearing required)

Certificate of Appropriateness, May 8 & June 5, 2013, Rochester Preservation Board (public hearing required)



According to the letter, the newest drawings, renderings and simulations (which include seasonal views of what the proposed complex will look like viewed from various places on the Eastman House grounds) will be posted to the City’s Projects & Initiatives section, but I checked today and didn’t see them up there yet. I’ve added a few here to give you an idea of the new design. I’ll post a link once everything is up on the City’s site.

The whole concept is a vast improvement over the first proposed design, with more greenspace and a design that fits better with the surrounding buildings that are on University. You would definitely see the building (less so when the trees have leaves) from the Eastman House entrance and gardens, but I don’t think that was ever in dispute. I’ll be anxious to hear what others, especially the Eastman House, think of the new concepts once the City gets the info up and circulating.

The images here were provided by the City of Rochester.