Nearly $60M in state funding announced for Rochester Riverside Convention Center renovations
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – The city of Rochester has acquired $59.6 million in state funding to help renovate the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.
The investment, announced by city and Monroe County leaders Monday, is the single-largest for the venue in its 40-year history.
Renovations got underway in late 2024, and leaders say the money will go toward modernizing the venue while capitalizing on the revenue brought through the facility.
'You'll have some people saying, 'Why are we spending that money on the Convention Center?' Here's why. I just presented the city's budget – the vast majority of the city's revenue no longer comes from property tax and no longer comes from state aid. You know where it comes from? Sales tax. So, this isn't just about outside people coming in and being at the Convention Center. This is also about our folks spending money here,' said Rochester Mayor Malik Evans.
According to officials, the funds will go toward a Main Street addition on the property, an overhaul of the center's boiler and HVAC systems, upgrades to the building's exterior, inner exhibit hall and meeting rooms, as well as plans to revamp the overhead skyway and more.
'This is an economic catalyst for our region. This is the building that welcomes people from not just across New York State, but across the country. Many times, it's from hosting events like the PGA Championship coming to Rochester, and we're hosting people from around the world,' said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello.
'We know when that happens, those folks are going out and they spend money on our hotels, our restaurants, and also visit our museums and the like. So, that's why this is so important,' said Assemblymember Harry Bronson, who represents New York's 138th Assembly District.
Overall cost estimates for the project total more than $65 million. Leaders add the work is aimed at generating more jobs and attracting more visitors to downtown Rochester.
'For the past three years, we have done a unified ask. As a result of that, we have had great success in standing here at the Convention Center, which is one of those examples of that great ask we've gotten,' said Mayor Evans.
Construction on the Convention Center, according to city officials, is expected to get completed sometime in 2026. More information on the plans can be found here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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