Retail Real Estate News Summary
1st Quarter 2008
Tops - Morgan Stanley Private Equity closed on a $310 million purchase of Tops from Ahold NY. The deal included 71 store and 5 franchises. The purchase will re-direct 100 jobs to western New York. (12/4)
Corning Inc. - Corning Inc. will invest $800 million in a Japanese manufacturing facility. The facility will be at Sharp Corp.’s plant in Sakai City. The glass will be used by Sharp for large televisions. March 2010 is the start date. (12/7)
Midtown – Mid town is schedule for demolition in early 2009 to make room for PAETEC. (12/13) The city plans to move ahead with purchasing the 8.6 complex, demolishing it and selling or leasing it for private development. PAETEC has committed to building its world head quarters there in 2011. City officials are expected to come up with $3 - $5 million for relocations expenses, since Midtown plaza may be vacated by mid 2008. Tenants in Sibley buildings are also being considered for relocation. Upon approval, Flaum Management and R.K. Hite & Co. will receive $225,100 for planning and advising the relocation project. Also in consideration is a $25,000 appraisal contract with Bruckner, Tillett, Rossi, Cahill & Associates. (12/17) City Council will vote on a $800,000 contract with LaBella Associates to deliver a master plan and environmental review of the 8.6 acre site by the end of the year. If approved, demolition of Midtown would begin in 2009. Spitzer has committed $65 million to tear down the building. PAETEC is expected to build their world head quarters on part of the 8.6 acre site, moving 1,000 to 1,200 employees to the new location by 2011. PAETEC officials will need to decide by April or May the actual space needed for their enterprise. (1/15) Mayor Duffy is requesting $13.5 million to purchase Midtown plaza. The purchase includes the cost for relocation, consultant and other fees. The purchase offer will begin the condemnation process. (2/6) Plans for the designs of Midtown were unveiled Wednesday. The ideas included breaking up the 8.6 acre site with streets, side walks and green space. Hallowing out Sibley’s to create an atrium leading to housing. The design center is expected to meet with PAETEC to discuss ideas for their headquarters. PAETEC is expected to spend $40 - $100 million on the headquarter project. City Council authorized $13.5 million for the purchase of Midtown, relocated existing tenants and pay additional fees. (2/14)
Staples - A new Staples store is expected to open in fall 2008 in the Panorama Plaza. (12/18)
CooperVision - CooperVision will move its call center from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Woodcliff Drive. The company will invest $500,000 to equip additional office space at 370 Woodcliff Drive. The move is expected to bring 21 new jobs to Monroe County. (12/19)
Five Star Bank – Plans to build a 5,000 sq. ft. Five Star Bank on Ridgemont, replacing a gestations and min-mart stand in Ridgemont is being reviewed by the town board. (12/31)
First Niagara Bank – Plans are being considered by the Greece town board to construct a 3,037 sq. ft., one story bank and teller company in Kohl’s Plaza, 4180 West Ridge Road. (12/31)
TGI Friday’s – The town Planning Board approved a site plan to build a new TGI Friday’s on Jefferson Road, approximately two miles from a current Friday’s restaurant. Plans have not been announced to close the current Friday’s off East Henrietta. (1/2)
Wegmans – Declining sales and competition are factors that are contributing to the closing of the Brook-Chili Wegmans. The The 62,590 sq. ft. store is schedule to close early February. 296 full time and part time employees will be offered jobs at other area Wegmans. A new 100,000 sq. ft. Wegmans is scheduled to open on Calkins Road in Henrietta, in addition to renovating the East Avenue store. (1/8)
Palmer Food Service – Palmer Food Service will expand this April. The company has increased its employees by about 100 people, and has outgrown its current space. The expansion will consist of a two story building, that will exceed 9,000 sq. ft. The retail workers is expected to double by 20. (1/9)
Genesee Valley Regional Market – The Regional Market administration building will expand this year. A three-story, 14,500 sq. ft. building will replace the old, one story, 12,500 sq. ft. building. The total cost for the project is $1.5 million. Construction is expected to be completed by September. (1/9)
Walgreens - McFarland Development, a Syracuse company, would like to build a 9,894 sq. ft. Walgreens in Fairport, at the southwest corner of West Church and South Main streets. An informational meeting will be held tonight with the McFarland Development and the neighbors of Fairport Village. (1/10) More than 100 residents came out to the town meeting discussing the possibility of a Walgreens in the village of Fairport. The store would be nearly 4,000 sq. ft. larger than the village law allows. If approved the building would include 44 parking spaces, trees, fencing and other landscaping. McFarland has also agreed to purchase the existing Exxon station, an apartment house and a gift shop to create space for the store. Due to capacity issues, the meeting was rescheduled. (1/16)
Walgreens - A Walgreens has been approved for Irondequoit. A public hearing will be held on Tuesday for the rezoning of land in Irondequoit for a third location. (1/10) McFarland has withdrawn a request for rezoning in Irondequoit. Neighbors voiced their opposition of a Walgreens in that area in the effort to keep the area zoned R-1 residential. (1/17)
US Post Office – 6 post offices in Rochester are under consideration to close. The offices that are under consideration are located on West Ride, Dewey, on Cumberland, in the Federal Building downtown, in Midtown Plaza and in Ridgemont Plaza. On-line services and competition are sited as possible factors to the decline of business at these locations. Two new “carrier annexes” could open within two years. No approval for funding for the project has been granted to date. (1/18) In response to the possible closing of several post office, consideration is being requested for the merging of the post offices on Dewey, West Ride and Ridgemont Plaza, thus becoming a carrier annex. Post offices on Cumberland, in the Federal building, and in Midtown plaza would also merge to one location as a carrier annex. Two new retail operations are also being considered for the same areas where the closings may occur. (1/22)
RenSquare – Revision to the original plans to build at least 3 theaters, now include only one 2,800 sq. ft. theatre, in addition to a bus terminal and a MCC satellite campus. The Renaissance Square project is expected to be with in the $230 million budget. The final decision on the RenSquare project is on hold until all projects are completed. (1/17) The RenSquare project may be facing an $18 million deficit. Funds that were expected to go towards the project are being allocated to other local arts projects. There is even question of if the $230 million is enough to finance the plans to construct the project. (2/1) Moshe Safdie, the master planner for the RenSquare project, has quite, citing that the plans for the project may not be able to be completed. (2/13) To date a preliminary designed is unfinished for the project. $12.2 million may be allocated to the designing phase alone. Monroe Country Democrats are requesting greater financial oversight of the project to share with the public. (2/12)
Constellation – Constellation Inc. has decided to sell its Almaden and Inglenook brands to the Wine Group LLC fro $134 million. The sell will help the Constellation to streamline its wine portfolio. (1/24)
Tops – Four Martin’s Super Foods Store will convert to Tops by February and early March. The stores are located in Perinton, Batavia, Erie and Chautauqua counties. Staffing and current personnel will remain the same. The conversion will include information and signage change. (1/30)
Walgreens – A proposal for a 10,833 sq. ft. Walgreens store in Greece is receiving mixed review due to potential traffic issues. (12/31) Approval was granted for the Walgreens project in Greece. The store will replace Mico’s Transmission and a gas station. This is the second approved store in Greece. (1/31)
Pepsi – The Pepsi plant on Ormond street will move to a 107,000 sq. ft. facility in Rochester Technology Park in Gates. Pepsi has invested $500,000 in new bottle racks, computer technology and security at the new location. The company anticipates on adding 120 employees to their current roster. (2/8)
ESL – ESL Credit Union announced plans to build a $50 million six-story headquarter at 225 Chestnut Street, to house 300 employees and one branch. Ground breaking is scheduled for August. Construction is expected to be completed by 2009 or early 2010. (2/8) Plans for the $50 million project include a 180,000 sq. ft. office complex and a parking garage. The space would be an increase of 50% in comparison to their former place of business. Employment with the company is expected to grow by 10% over 3 years. In addition the company is expected to buy 3 city owned parcels, pending the City Council’s approval. The garage is scheduled to be completed in September of 2009, the offices should be completed in December of that year. (2/8)
4th Quarter 2007
Wal-Mart - The potential Ridge Road Wal-Mart needs a variance from the zoning Board for lot coverage. Wal-Mart plans to cover 21.43%, which is over the maximum 15% permitted by the town. (9/6) The Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals approved Wal-Mart’s application to build a 146,000 square-foot super-store in Northgate Plaza. (9/10) The Wal-Mart Supercenter that is going to be built at the Victor Crossing near the Thruway on Route 96 will only be 100,000 square feet, which is about half the size of a normal Supercenter. Representatives for Wal-Mart are stating that it will carry the same items, but fewer in quantity of each. Construction crews have already started site work on the 96-acre property. The Supercenter is scheduled to open spring of 2009. (11/20)
Walgreen’s – DiPacific’s Restaurant on the corner of Routes 96 and 332 is being pursued by Walgreens, in order to demolish it to make way for their store. Walgreens’ designs will be presented to the planning board on Oct. 17. No other arrangements are in place until an agreement can be reached by Walgreens and the owner of the restaurant. If the Walgreens is approved, it will be the third drugstore in Farmington. (9/12)
Rite-Aid - The Greece Zoning Board of Appeals on Tuesday cleared the way for a new Rite-Aid pharmacy on West Ridge Road. The board approved the request made by 1093 Group LLC to allow the store to have 61 parking spaces instead of the required 67. They also have a special use permit to extend business zoning to the entirety of the parcels at 2946 and 2960 West Ridge Road (9/20). The town is likely to approve a 13,440 square-foot Rite-Aid at 2960 West Ridge Road, and is looking at adding a Walgreens and two cell towers. One of the cell towers would be 150 feet tall on the south side of Post Avenue. It would be about 125 feet from the rear property line of some of the homes on Jonquil lane. The other tower would be 105 feet tall, located near the Church of Christ and Latta Road (9/27). The Greece Planning Board has given permission for a Rite-Aid to be built at 2960 W. Ridge Road. The building will be 13,440 square feet, and will replace Garibaldi’s restaurant and a two-story office complex (10/11).
Wegmans – The Wegmans in Canandaigua will supply the store this summer with fresh, organically cultivated produce that is grown only 10 miles away on the Wegmans Organic Research Farm. The farm sits on nearly 50 acres owned by the family along West Lake Road. It is in its first year of production. (9/4) The 98,210 sq. ft. Wegmans on Holt Road in Webster has plans to expand by 45,420 square feet. The addition would include 28,605 square feet of new space and 16,890 square feet of existing space, which Wegmans owns and currently leases to retail tenants. Wegmans also wants to redevelop its former Chase-Pitkin building in the same plaza. (9/20)
PriceRite– A New Jersey-based grocery store, PriceRite, will move into the Rochester lot vacated by Wegmans on Dewey Avenue and Driving Park Avenue. PriceRite will complete $3 million in renovations before opening. (9/6)
Krispy Kreme – The Krispy Kreme Doughnut store at 1150 Jefferson Road is now closed. Krispy Kreme also closed a store in Greece in June 2005. Shares of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts fell Sept. 13 to a 52 week low of $3.01, and are down 72 percent. (9/14)
Woodcliff – final approval is being sought for an outdoor project at the Woodcliff Hotel & Spa off of Woodcliff Drive. The proposed project includes enlarging the pool patio and deck and adding a pond and a gazebo. The hotel is owned by the Widewaters Group, based in Syracuse. Walgreens and Tim Hortons are also seeking final approval for their signs, and the High Acres Landfill & Recycling Center is requesting permission to enhance their berm (10/10).
Tops – The 71-store chain Tops Friendly Markets has been sold to Morgan Stanley Private Equity for $310 million. The sale is not likely to cause any major changes (10/12).
Midtown Plaza – PAETEC, a telecom firm, has plans to build their headquarters in the area occupied by Midtown Plaza. PAETEC has about 600 workers in a Route 96 office park, and has been growing by about 100 people per year. Arunas Chesonis, the founder and CEO of PAETEC, hopes to have the new building up and occupied in as little as four years. Many will be sad to see Midtown go but are happy to see life and opportunities coming back to downtown Rochester (10/17). PEATEC will replace Midtown Plaza with a 500,000 square-foot tower rising anywhere from 12 to 35 stories high and housing 1,000 to 1,200 employees. PAETEC has grown from $100,000 to more than $1 billion in revenues over the last decade and employs 2,350 people, including over 600 in the Rochester area (10/17). Gov. Eliot Spitzer has announced that the state will spend $50 million to tear down the six-building complex that makes up Midtown Plaza. The money will also go towards cleaning up the 10-acre site. Midtown could be divided into as many as six development sites, and at least one would go to PAETEC (10/19). The Midtown project is having more problems than earlier anticipated, such as the attempted preservation of the parking garage below it, and whether it will be possible to demolish the buildings without damaging the garage. The city is also questioning where it will get the money to purchase the remainder of the property that PAETEC does not use (11/11).
Barilla – Barilla Group of Italy is opening a 300,000 square-foot facility in Avon. The $96 million plant is Barilla’s second in the United States. When fully operational, the pasta plant will employ 121 area residents. Combining employees from Barilla and Jacobson Warehouse Co., who serves as Barilla’s distributor and has invested $8.5 million in the construction of the factory. (10/19)
Constellation – Perinton-based Constellation Brands Inc. has purchased five California wineries that produce higher priced premium wines. Constellation has annual sales of about $5.2 billion, and will borrow $885 million to buy the U.S. wine business of Fortune Brands Inc. of Deerfield, Ill. The deal includes such brands as Clos du Bois, Wild Horse, and Geyser Peak. (11/13) Constellation Brands Inc. moved to the Woodcliff Office Park in Perinton three years ago, and it has already outgrown the space. The winemaker is planning to move its headquarters to the High Point Office Park, which is being developed off of Route 96. The building will be 120,000 square feet, and it will be the first of three office spaces built for the complex (11/28).
Target – The Chili Planning Board voiced its concerns that a preliminary traffic study pertaining to a proposed 133,055 sq. ft. Target store may be incomplete. Other factors still need to be considered. (11/14)
Eastview Mall – The managing company for Eastview Mall has given the green light for a freestanding L.L. Bean to be built on the site of the Jo-Mor theater that was once standing near Macy’s. Wilmorite has plans to break ground in January and open the store late in 2008 (11/14).
Stein Mart – Stein Mart’s grand opening in Pittsford Plaza was delayed by a day and a half by a fire marshal’s inspection. The company operates more than 270 stores including three New York locations in Glendale, Queens, and Williamsville. (11/17)
Crème de la Crème – Dessert maker Crème de la Crème has returned to the city of Rochester after moving to Fairport over a decade ago. The new site in the city is more than double the size of the Fairport location. They have opened their manufacturing location in the former post office building at 250 Cumberland St. near the inner loop. (11/28)
Staples – A Staples is moving into a 20,000 square-foot store in Penfield’s Panorama Plaza, taking the place of Fashion Bug, which will reopen in March. (11/29)
McDonald’s – Upper Falls Plaza is being sold by the city for $3.2 million. McDonalds will pay $100,000 to take ownership of its restaurant site, and developer Larry Glazer would buy the rest. Money from the sale would be invested in other economic development efforts. (11/30)
3rd Quarter 2007
Tech Park – The Tyrad Group, a NYC based real estate investment firm, will purchase Rochester Technology Park for an undisclosed amount. The business plan for the 500 acre park already includes a list of about 4 or 5 potential tenants. The deal is expected to closed in June or July of this year. (5/3)
Wegmans – Century Liquor and Wines in Greece are considering a move to a 45,000 sq. ft. facility, formally known as Cohoes. No agreement as of today. Also changes would first need to be approved from the state Liquor Authority. (5/16)
Tim Horton’s – Tim Horton will be coming to Bushnell’s Basin. The Building will be slightly smaller than 1,750 sq. ft, which will include seating for 33, a front porch for outside dining and clapboard siding. Basin residents are opposed to the addition of a drive through in that area. Perinton’s Town Board also granted a drive through for Brueggers Bagels. (5/17) The Greece Planning Board approved a Tim Horton proposal, as well as expansion of an existing office building next door. Simonetti Property Management will build both on a 4.3 acre parcel on West Ridge Road, near Latona Road. The plan calls for demolition of two houses turned offices and a town story office building (6/28)
Pittsford Plaza - Wilmorite Property Management is investing $15 million to renovate and upgrade Pittsford Plaza. Upon completion customers will be able to at a variety of stores, such as the Cheesecake factory or the Eastern Mountain Sports. Renovations are scheduled for completion by the end of this year. (5/24)
Stefan Otter Fine Jewelry – The Stefan Otter Fine Jewelry will be moving from Brighton to Pittsford Plaza in June. Although the new store will have the same amount of space, it will give the company more visibility. (5/28)
Walgreens - Walgreens would like to build a 10,000 sq. ft. pharmacy on the southwest corner of 31F and Route 250. Walgreen representatives and Planning Board officials are in the processes of readjusting the site plans to accommodate suitable parking. No building application has been submitted to date. (5/31) On August 1st, the Perinton Town Board may approve the final plan to build a Walgreens in the Perinton Hills Shopping Center. The project developer, Perinton Corner, LLC wants to tear down the empty Boston Market restaurant and Citibank to build a 14,500 sq. ft. building with a drive through. The board gave preliminary site approval on June 20, which granted them a special-use permit. This permit will allow any development for on land over 8,000 sq. ft. (7/26)
Wal-Mart - The 146,000 sq. ft. Wal-Mart at North Gate were opposed by many residents who were given the opportunity to speak about the proposal. At this time the town officials has not voted on the Supercenter application. (5/9) Wal-mart and The Widewaters Group has joined in the effort to construct a Wal-mart Supercenter in the Northgate. The Supercenter would include a garden center, a pharmacy and general merchandise areas. The 24.17 acre parcel on Dewey would also include a 4,000 sq. ft. McDonalds. About 150,000 sq. ft. of the Northgate Plaza would be demolished with 75,000 sq. ft. remaining. The eastside of the site would include a 3,500 sq. ft. bank with an ATM. (6/14)
Wegmans – Wegmans Food Markets has plans to open 11 new stores in 5 states by 2009. Site plan applications were submitted to build a 160,000 sq. ft. store in Howard County, Maryland by 2009. Also there is a request for 2 more 140,000 sq. ft. stores in Maryland. Malvern, Pennsylvania could open a 130,000 sq. ft. store in September of 2008. Among the other stores a 98,000 sq. ft. store is scheduled to open in Greece, of Rochester, NY. Both Virginia and New Jersey are scheduled to open stores in the future. (6/7) The new Wegmans Food Market store on Mt. Read Boulevard in Greece is scheduled to open to customers this Sunday. Wegmans has also moved forward with their plans to build a 100,000 sq. ft. store in Henrietta, replacing the supermarket on East Henrietta Road. The new store will be located in front of the Dome Arena on Caulkins Road. The $30 million project will create 100 new jobs and 150 construction jobs in the Rochester area. Construction expected to be completed in 2008. (7/26)
Rite-Aid - A judge dismissed a petition to save the 80 year old movie house, know as the Monroe Theatre. No date scheduled yet for demolition. This decision gives way for the plan to build a new Rite-Aid with the drive through pharmacy window on the parcel. In addition to the theater, a 20 unit apartment building is will also be demolished. (6/21)
IHOP – IHOP made a $1.9 million bid to purchase Applebee’s 1,943 restaurants. IHOP will sell 508 company-owned Applebee’s restaurants to franchisees to reduce costs and debt. Applebee’s investors will get $25.50 per share. The transaction is valued at $2.1 billion. (7/17)
Farmer’s Market - Brighton is in negotiation with Pittsford Plaza to possibly move the Farmer’s Market to a proposed spot on Westfall Road near Buckland Park. (7/20)
Tops – The Tops Plaza at 100 Jefferson Road was purchased by BG Henrietta LLC for $22.7 million. BG Henrietta also purchased 400 Jefferson Road, the plaza across from Jefferson Road and South Town Plaza, for $17 million. The deals were finalized July 11th & 13th respectively. (7/25)
Monroe Muffler - Monroe Muffler announced a 9.3% increase in sales for the 2008 first quarter fiscal report, reporting record sales of $107.6 million. The company attributes the increase largely to sales of tires, brakes and alignments. In addition, Monroe Muffler will purchase 2 auto-repair chains for $16.7 million. (7/27)
The Cheesecake Factory – The 10,700 sq. ft. stand alone building, in front of the former Chase Pitkins Home & Store of Pittsford, will become the home to the Cheesecake Factory. The restaurant is expected to open in August, with the addition of a new 54,000 sq. ft. parking lot. (5/9) The Cheesecake Factory will open a 10,000 sq. ft. eatery in Pittsford Plaza this week. The company is part of a $15 million redevelopment project in the plaza. (7/23) Construction on the 10,400 sq. ft. building began in April. The eatery will be able to hold 420 people and staff more than 250 people tomorrow at its grand opening. This store will become apart of 126 stores nationwide. (7/25)
Henrietta – Park Point, a medley of apartments, restaurants, bars and shops, is set to open in the fall of 2008. The $72.8 million project is being constructed by Wilmorite and will be owned by Wiljeff LLC. A two-story Barnes &Noble will take up 40,000 of the 80,000 designated for the shops and restaurants. There will be over 900 beds available for off-campus living for RIT students. (8/1)
Henrietta – A new Wegmans will open on Calkins Road next in the summer of 2008. The store will have a clock tower on its roof, which needed a special variance from the town because it exceeded normal height limitations. The store is 100,000 sq. ft. feet and will provide about 100 new jobs, which will be added to the current 300 positions. (8/1)
Henrietta – Benderson Development Co. is planning to expand Market Sq. ft. Plaza another 40,000 sq. ft. feet, bringing the total sq. ft.age up to 360,000 sq. ft. feet. Te extra space will bring in three new retailers and a restaurant. PetSmart, Dress Barn, and Ulta are expected to move in sometime in the fall of 2007. (8/1)
Greece – A new Wegmans has opened on Mt. Read Blvd., replacing an older, smaller one from the 60’s. The 100,000 sq. ft. store offers more parking and amenities like the café and pizza kitchen. More than 10,000 people visited the store on its opening day. (8/2)
Greece – A proposal from Wal-Mart has Greece in an uproar over the necessity of two Wal-Mart supercenters in the same area. The plan is to replace the current Wal-Mart in Elm Ridge Plaza with a 185,000 sq. ft. supercenter on the south side of West Ridge Road between Elmgrove and Manitou roads. The other location would be in Northgate Plaza, and calls for a 146,000 sq. ft. supercenter and a detached McDonald’s on 24.17 acres. The proposal requires approval from the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals, which held two joint public hearings. Neighbors have concerns over the traffic that these supercenters would bring, along with the worries over an increase in crime that might follow such a large store. (8/9)
Perinton – The Planning Board has approved the final site plans for the town’s first Walgreens. The store will be 14,820 sq. ft. feet and will include a drive-through. It will be at 6707 and 6709 Pittsford-Palmyra Road in the Perinton Hills Plaza. Two buildings will be demolished, formerly a Boston Market and a Citibank. Walgreens needed several approvals for the project, including three variances from the Perinton Zoning Board of Appeals and a special-use permit from the Planning Board because the building is more than 8,000 sq. ft. feet. The store is expected to open in the summer of 2008 and will have around 25 employees. (8/3) Also moving to Perinton area are the Panera Bread store, which is set to open next spring, and Perinton Discount Liquor. Earlier in August, McDonalds reopened its doors after months of remodeling and redesigning. (8/9)
Webster – The owner of a Lincoln-Mercury dealership in Greece, and of a Ford dealership in Webster, has consolidated both into a single location in Webster. Renovation plans include a $1 million upgrade of the site to accommodate both locations. (8/8)
Victor – The manager of Eastview Mall is proposing that a free-standing 30,000 sq. ft. store be constructed on the vacant site of the former Jo-Mor theater next to the mall. (8/14)
Greece – The Town Board approved a drive-up window at Jimmy’s World Famous Hot Dogs, at 2700 West Ridge Road. The Board also asked that the landscaping be cleaned up. The restaurant is set to open in November. (8/30)
1st Quarter 2007
Greece – The proposal for a Wal-Mart to go into Northgate Plaza on Dewey Avenue will remain on hold until the end of February or possible later. Plaza owner, The Widewaters Group, filed a lawsuit for an exception to a moratorium that the town imposed on new development in the area, and has now been granted an adjournment to the lawsuit. The moratorium is set to expire in April, but Widewaters is concerned that it might be extended. (12/20)
Downtown Rochester – City agrees to work with Italian Government to create Italian-themed shopping center. Mayor Duffy and Vice President Ferrari Pier Luigui have signed a nonbinding declaration to work together on the “destination shopping adventure” project, which includes 150 vendors selling Italian foods and merchandise. The center would be developed locally by Reidman Properties. The city has an option until February to buy it for $6 million. (12/28)
4th Quarter 2006
Victor – Benderson Development may be reconsidering the 95 acres on a busy stretch of Route 96 for a proposed Wal-Mart superstore. The Planning Board’s 40-page finding statement included various issues including the store building being more the twice the size limit set by the board, and that a business in that area should not be open throughout the night. Benderson may possibly submit a revised proposal, or consider moving the project to another area. (9/27)
Wal-Mart – There are varying reactions to the construction of new Wal-Mart stores in different neighborhoods of the greater Rochester area. In Macedon, there has been very little opposition to a 205,000 square foot super center on Route 31 near Wayneport Road. It is expected to open in early May. In Lima, however, Wal-Mart withdrew it’s rezoning application due to the campaign of a citizens group against a proposed store on Route 15A. In Victor, a proposed 211,699 square foot store is in question, because the town Planning Board has determined that no building will be larger than 100,000 square feet. In Greece, the plans for a 204,000 square foot super center in Northgate Plaza is in limbo because of a moratorium declared by the town to allow completion of a revitalization plan for Dewey Ave. (10/3)
Chili – In August this year, Target Corp. stated that they were not going to pursue a store location in the Chili area. After further discussion with North American Properties, however, they have decided to move forward, pending town approval. (10/6)
Canandaigua – All About Books, LLC, has purchased the large Route 21 warehouse, once occupied by Hanna Junction, for $415,000. (10/17)
Victor – The plans for a new Route 96 retail complex have changed from four large buildings to nine smaller structures, and the name has been changed from Commerce Park to Victor Crossing. The question of whether of not the project will include Wal-Mart is unanswered. (10/17)
Perinton – Perinton’s oldest home, the 200-year-old Ranney Farm, is finally being restored after years of delays. Receipt of a building permit put the project, for use by Northern Nurseries as a retail showcase, on track with completion hopeful for Spring 2007. (10/26)
Henrietta – The economy of the town of Henrietta is seeing an upsurge in business development with the addition of Applebee’s on W. Henrietta Rd, Ashley Furniture HomeStore on Hylan Dr., Bed, Bath & Beyond and Marshall’s in Marketplace Square, and Carrabba’s Italian Grill on W. Henrietta Rd. (10/31)
Gates – A new location of Panera Bread has opened at 1501 Howard Road. This is the fifth Panera location in the Rochester area. (10/31)
Hopewell – There has been no opposition to the opening of a new Wal-Mart supercenter on Recreation Drive, just east of the Canandaigua border in Ontario County. The 204,762 square foot store will replace one nearby that was half its size, and have more than 500 employees. (11/7) When the new Hopewell Wal-Mart was announced, the property of the old one on Recreation Drive and Routes 5 and 20 was put up for sale. The 92,000 square foot structure has been sold for $4.4 million to West Coast developer Moshe Silagi of Silagi Development & Management. (11/26)
Chili – Walgreens has offered to donate $50,000 toward renovations of the Stagecoach Inn to save it from demolition, and build its 14,820 square foot store behind it. The offer is in reply to a citizens group suing over the threat of demolishing the 192 year old building, but no decision was reached at this time. (11/10)
Brighton – Twelve Corners Plaza has undergone renovations that are expected to be completed in February 2007. The plaza at the twelve corners area, where South Winton Road and Elmwood and Monroe avenues intersect at the heart of Brighton, has taken out some store square footage to make room for outdoor improvements. The addition of a Panera Bread, a mutual fund store, FedEx Kinko’s, and an undetermined addition, are expected to draw an increase in business to the plaza. (11/13)
Greece – The owners of Northgate Plaza, Scuderi Family Limited Partnership, Bel-Mont Gardens Management Company, are suing the town of Greece due to a ban on new commercial development, that prevents their plan to open a Wal-Mart. Town Board members set the moratorium last March, that could be lifted at any time or last up to a year. (11/23)
Pittsford – Wilmorite Management Group is in negotiations for new tenants to move into Pittsford Plaza on Monroe Ave. The first candidate is the California-based Cheesecake Factory restaurant, which would leave an additional five to six spaces in the old Chase-Pitkin wing of the plaza. Cohoes is set to close in January. (11/30)
ESL Federal Credit Union – The region’s largest locally owned financial institution opened it’s first city location at 215 Merchants Road. This is the 17th branch of ESL. (12/6)
Rochester – The city is reviewing a proposal that would demolish the nearly 80-year-old Monroe Theater that currently houses Show World, to make way for the parking lot of a new 15,458 square-foot Rite Aid store. The Rite Aid would be relocating from around the corner on Goodman Ave., and construction of the new store is estimated at a time-frame of 1 year and cost of $6 million. The approval process will take three to six months. (12/6)
East End – Milestones was the anchor of the East End Entertainment District for 15 years with live music five or six nights a week, before recently changing hands. The previous owner, Michael O’Leary, will be getting out of the music business, but opening another bar just up the street at the old Eastman Lounge. The new Temple Bar & Grille should open in January. The new owner of the Milestones location, Joe Gizzie, will close for a 2 ½ week makeover, and re-open as High Fidelity, also in January. (12/12)
3rd Quarter 2006
Walgreens – Illinois based, Walgreens, the pharmacy chain with the largest volume of sales in the nation, is working toward having 9 stores open in the Rochester area by the end of the year. Two locations are currently open, but the others have run into several challenges such as lawsuits and protests. The controversy has been caused by varying issues including the lack of using local labor, lack of space between the planned stores and homes, the destruction of a local landmark, and blocking the view of other businesses. Walgreens is working diligently to overcome these challenges, and projects the senior population in our area to grow 38 percent in the next two decades causing the need for their presence to rise considerably. (6/15)
Walgreens – Construction of a 14,500 square foot Walgreens store on the former site of Syms in Henrietta is set to begin in July. The intersection of East Henrietta and Calkins Rd. currently has 3 existing pharmacies, and the addition of a fourth is an area of controversy. (6/30)
Station 55 – Costanza Enterprises is redeveloping an old warehouse on Railroad Street next to the public market. The building will consist of storage areas, vendor stalls, and artist lofts, set to open later this year. (6/16) The project at 55 Railroad St. is expected to cost $1.5 to $2 million, already being helped by a $200,000 state grant, and a $30,000 city grant. (7/3)
Wal-Mart – There are two proposed Wal-Mart stores causing some debate in the area. In Victor, a proposal calls for over 323 thousand square feet of retail space off of Route 96, less than half a mile from East View Mall. In Greece, the plan submitted is for 204 thousand square feet of space in Northgate Plaza. (6/29) A variance from the town would be needed for Wal-Mart to build in Northgate Plaza, due to the lack of green space in the plan. Once approved, the 185,000 square foot store could be built in 9 months, with a target opening date in the third or fourth quarter of 2007. Northgate Plaza has not had another store interested in moving in for over 10 years, and Widewaters Group Inc. has been working on this deal with Wal-Mart for the past 4 years. (7/6) The Victor Planning Board rejected a proposal by Wal-Mart developer, Benderson Co., and decided to address the Environmental Impact Statement themselves. The board could require a smaller store and limit how much of the 95 acres should be developed. (7/20) The Victor Planning Board approved a Final Environmental Impact Statement reducing the size of a new Wal-Mart on Route 96 by more than half. (8/23)
Chili – Residents have offered alternatives to the destruction of the Stagecoach Inn to be replaced by a Walgreens. The alternatives include moving the building to another site, changing the current design to build the store on another portion of the lot, or to incorporate the historic building into the new structure. Maude Development will have to make the final decision. (6/29)
Canandaigua – Wegmans food Markets sold a former Chase Pitkin site on Eastern Blvd. to COR Development Co. for $4.2 million. The site is slated to become a small upscale plaza with a mix of retailers. (7/2)
Henrietta – Genesee Valley Regional Market, finished it’s fiscal year with $2.8 million in revenue and is currently expanding on Jefferson Road. (7/6)
Chili – Two retail projects have been proposed to the Chili Town Board. One proposal from North American Properties presented a 53-acre shopping complex on Paul Road, and more recently Benderson Development proposed a Target store on Chili Avenue. Paul Road would require rezoning for the project and has seen much resistance from area residents. Chili Avenue is already zoned commercial and seems to be more welcome by the neighborhood. (7/10)
Fairport – First Baptist Church, on the corner of Church and Main Streets, is discussing a $2 million offer for the property from an unnamed retail store. The building is considered one of Fairport village’s central landmarks, but currently needs significant repairs and maintenance that would use up a considerable amount of resources. There has been much community concern expressed regarding the possible destruction of the church. (7/13) Members of the First Baptist Church of Fairport have voted to at least hear out developers interested in buying their land. The building is 130 years old, and is located on three parcels at the corner of South Main and West Church Streets. (7/24) Village residents have organized “The Steeple Group” to seek ways to preserve the historic First Baptist Church of Fairport building. The church has received between $8,000 and $10,000 to begin an architectural report on the building, and has started a restoration fund. (8/21)
Batavia/Canandaigua – Syracuse based company, COR Development Co. LLC is creating two new malls in Genesee and Ontario counties. In Batavia they are building a new 324,000 square foot plaza for multiple tenants across from Home Depot near thruway exit 48. In Canandaigua they are renovating the former 100,000 square foot Chase Pitkin building on Routes 5 and 20 across from Wegmans. (7/14)
Victor – The owner of America’s Best Value Inn on Route 96 in Farmington, is presenting a plan to build a two story, 69 room Best Western off of Route 96 in Victor. (7/18)
Henrietta – In June, Fitch Ratings expressed concern about the decline in operating income of the newly re-opened DoubleTree Hotel Rochester. The DoubleTree general manager states that the decline is expected due the major transformation that they underwent recently, and that occupancy has increased steadily since the renovations were completed. DoubleTree in Henrietta is the only one of the few locations in the upstate New York area. (7/21)
Walgreens – Developer HDL Properties has been given the go ahead by Brighton town officials to resume construction on the corner of South Clinton and Elmwood Avenues. The project had been stalled since February due to HDL’s violation of the 90 percent local labor requirement. The company has agreed to pay fines and to an amended labor agreement in order to complete the project. (8/2)
Sweden – Town officials are working to bring a Lowe’s home store to Brockport-Spencerport Road, but the project was delayed due to one landowner’s refusal to sell. The town is considering the use of eminent domain to move the project forward due to the current state of the property and the positive effect the development would have on the area. The 136,000 square foot store was approved by the Planning Board in January, and should break ground in October. (8/9)
Henrietta – Patrick Pontiac Inc. has moved from it’s location at 3600 W. Henrietta Road to the corner of West Henrietta and Lehigh Station Roads. At 60,000 square feet, The new facility is one-third larger than the old, and is the first area dealer to have a Starbuck’s store on its premises. Patrick Pontiac expects to add 20 to 30 employees over the next couple of years. (8/11)
Brighton – DiMarco Group is planning to make
changes to Loehmann’s Plaza, as well as develop the vacant land
across the street on South Clinton Avenue. A formal application has
not yet been presented, but the development company expects to be
moving forward within 3 to 5 months. (8/16)
2nd Quarter 2006
Henrietta – Harris Garden Center, One of Rochester’s oldest of its kind, is closing as of the end of March. The company VP sites competition from large chains as the reason that they have not been profitable for the past 3 to 4 years. Opening its first store in the 1950’s, Harris Garden Centers helped pave the way for the horticulture industry in the Monroe County area. (3/16)
Chili – The Chili Planning Board vote granted approval to build a 14,820 sq. ft. Walgreens at Buffalo and Union streets. Controversy over The Stagecoach Inn, a 185 year old historical building on the site, is a concern to local residents. The next step would be for Walgreens to get permits from the building department. (3/16) A law suit against the town’s planning board and a developer for Walgreens was brought by three Chili citizens hoping to preserve the historic Stagecoach Inn at Buffalo Road and Union Street. The 185 year old building is not protected as a historic site, and is in a serious state of deterioration. The citizens are not looking to stop the construction of the drugstore, but would like to see it done without destroying the historic building. The case will go to Monroe County Supreme Court in May. (4/18) It is looking like it may be too late to save the nearly 200-year-old Stagecoach Inn, because it can’t be registered as a Landmark without cooperation from the owner. A former owner who sold the Inn in 1979, states that not much renovation was done at that time due to lack of funds. The Inn, built in 1814, predates the town of Chili itself. (5/16) State Supreme Court Judge gave the Stagecoach Inn a two week stay, and ordered both sides to try to come to an agreement. A conference call among attorneys and judge is scheduled for the second week of June. (5/25) Decision on the Stagecoach Inn has been tabled for an additional two weeks until the end of June. The option of moving the building to another property is being considered. (6/13)
Canandaigua – East Lake Road venue, The Lincoln Hill Inn, has been sold by Bill and Cheryl Ward to David Genecco for $320,000. Genecco owns about eight acres of lakefront property and declines to discuss his future plans. (3/22)
Greece – Planning Board members had some problems with the site layout of a proposed BJ’s club in Canal Ponds Business Park. Developers now want to move the store further south to solve these problems, and are also making some changes to architecture and design based on comments given by the board. (3/30)
Victor – The Bonefish Grill is the fourth upscale restaurant recently added to Eastview Mall. Along with other changes to the mall will be the replacement of Kaufmann’s with Macy’s later this year. (4/5)
Henrietta – A new 14,000-square-foot Walgreen’s store will be added to the corner of East Henrietta and Calkins road in place of the current SYMS building. The addition will make a total of four drug stores at this intersection. (4/5)
Greece – Arkansas based retail store, Wal-Mart, has applied for approval to build an 184,212 foot super center in Northgate Plaza at the intersection of Dewey Ave. and English Rd. If approved, the existing structure would be torn down, and expanded by 40,000 square feet. A temporary development moratorium was enacted March 21, by the town of Greece, to prevent the new construction. The moratorium could take up to a year, but Wal-Mart is applying for an exemption. (4/6)
Lima – The Town Board conducted an informational session on the possible development of a “big box” retail store on a 50-acre site on Route 15A. The property is currently zoned as agricultural, and would have to be rezoned to highway/general business to allow for the new development. (4/6) The announcement was made that Wal-Mart is looking to build a 165,000 square-foot super center on Route 15A. Further discussion is underway. (5/1)
Macedon – The first Lowe’s in Wayne County will be on Route 31, west of Wayneport Road. Plans for the proposed 171,105 square-foot big-box home supply store will be reviewed at an April Planning Board meeting, and groundbreaking could take place this fall. Opening would be about 9 months later. (4/18)
Brighton – Construction of a Walgreen’s store at South and Elmwood Avenues was halted due to violation of an agreement to use 90 percent local labor. The Syracuse based company, HDL Properties LLC, was fined $2,000 on four occasions for violating the agreement. Representatives from Walgreen’s and its developer are meeting with the Town Board and citizens to work out an arrangement to regain trust and move forward. (4/19)
Greece – A new “village-like” Wegmans store is proposed for Mt. Read Blvd. The 105,000 square-foot design compares to the model being used in new markets such as Maryland and Virginia. The old buildings on the property would be demolished in phases, so as to keep the store open throughout the majority of the construction. (4/27) The Greece planning board approved the final plan for the new Mt. Read Wegmans. It will have a clock face on the north side and a false window on the east. The plan also includes heavy landscaping and a year-round pond instead of the dry drainage system initially proposed. (5/11)
Greece – Canal Ponds Business Park is expecting the construction of a new BJ’s Wholesale Club to begin in early May, and open by next year. Approval has been received from several boards such as, the Town Board, Greece Planning Board, and the Board of Zoning appeals. The new facility will include a sit-down restaurant, full service gas station and tire center. (4/27)
Greece – The building plans for Walgreens in Buckman’s Plaza on West Ridge Rd. have been stalled due to a lack of access to a neighboring now-vacant business. No resolution has been settled on as of yet. (5/11) The decision regarding whether to use cross access for a proposed 14,820 square foot Walgreens has been delayed for several weeks to allow the town to review a traffic study. Owner of the neighboring plaza wants cross access, as he has had difficulty renting out his location without it. The Greece Planning Board will reconsider in early June. (5/25)
Newark – Wal-Mart on State Route 31 will be adding over 117 thousand square-feet of retail space with a full grocery store. (5/19)
Brighton – Twelve Corners Plaza, located between Winton Road, Monroe and Elmwood Avenues, has been bought by SF Properties and will undergo a complete renovation. Between 600 and 700,000 square feet of the rear of the building will be demolished starting in mid-June. (6/7)
Macy’s – All 4 area Kaufmann’s stores will be transformed into Macy’s by September. (6/9)
Chili – North American Properties is looking to build a 53 acre shopping center on Paul Road, however, the property would need to be rezoned to accommodate the project. The developer will resubmit their request to the town board for approval. (6/12)
1st Quarter 2006
Brighton – A stop work order was issued to the Walgreens developer on the corner of South Clinton and Elmwood Avenue for its third violation for not using local labor. Walgreens had agreed with the Town of hire 90% of its builders locally when the project was approved. Rochester Building Trades Union has been keeping a close eye on the project and made several complaints with the town about not using local workers and violation of safety procedures, including asbestos removal. (2/1)
Brighton – The Twelve Corners Plaza has a new owner and will be receiving a face-lift, including the demolition of 6,000 square feet of retail space. Sold in January for $4 million, 9 out of 10 tenants will stay put, but Music Lover’s will relocate to make way for additional parking and greenery. Renovations will begin in May and include additional entrances, outdoor tables and trees. (2/25)
Canandaigua - A proposed Walgreens store with a
drive through pharmacy has been proposed before the Planning Commission
for Eastern Boulevard. The 14,550 square foot drugstore is planned
to be built on a 2.2 acre parcel south of South Main Street. The City
Planning Board will address any traffic issues and the fact that the
parcel is located within a flood plain. (1/23)
Canandaigua – The owner of 2 upscale restaurants
in the Rochester area will be taking over the restaurant and catering
division of Canandaigua Inn on the Lake. Management of the hotel will
be spending $1 million on renovations in the kitchen, patio and dining
area. The restaurant will be called Max on the Lake, which will open
in October and employ as many as 80 staffers. (3/8)
Chili – The Illinois developer of Walgreens Drug store presented plans to the Town Planning Board for a proposed 14,800 square foot pharmacy at the corner of Buffalo Road and Union Street, on of Chili’s busiest intersections. The site is the location of the Stagecoach Inn, a 185 year old building which is not protected and would be demolished. Wagreens currently is building stores in Brighton and Irondeqouit and has plans in front of the towns of Greece, Webster and Penfield. In the last 2 years, Walgreens has built 800 new stores and has 5,000 stores in 45 states. (1/5)
Geneseo – Local residents concerned about preserving the historical character of the village oppose the building of a Lowe’s home improvement center on Route 20A. The new plaza would be a 170,000 square-foot shopping center adjacent to the new Wal-Mart super center just outside village limits. In addition to Lowe’s, there will be a drug store, bank, two restaurants and extra space for a retail business. A public hearing is set for February, 2006, by the Town and Planning Boards. (12/18)
Greece – The developers of a proposed Walgreen’s Drug store want to tear down a bakery and ice cream store at the intersection of Latta and Long Pond Road that has been there since 1914. The store includes the original dairy barn which has been modified over the years. Walgreen’s plan to open a one-story, 15,000 square-foot pharmacy, and another 2-story 13,500 square-foot plaza at the intersection. (12/15)
Greece – Wegman’s introduced a plan to the Town Planning Board for a new 105,000 square foot store on Mt. Read Boulevard which could be built by September, 2007. The plans call for demolishing the existing Wegmans and Chase Pitkin Stores and replacing both with one grocery store. If plans are approved, demolition could begin as soon as June. (2/23)
Henrietta – Walgreens Drugstore has submitted plans to the Town Planning Board to build a pharmacy on Calkins and East Henrietta Roads. The discount clothier, SYMS, is currently located at that location which is planning to close. The 4-acre lot is currently zoned for commercial use and did not require approval from the Town Board, but will need approval from the Town Planning Board. Plans are for a 14,600 square-foot store which, could be opened by summer (1/10)
Henrietta – Builders of Market Square have signed 2 more tenants for their 225,000 square foot plaza being built at the former RG&E campus on Jefferson Road. Bed, Bath & Beyond and A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts will join Marshall’s and two restaurants, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, and Smokey Bones, which is making their debut in the Rochester area. Two more retailers are needed to fill the remaining space and should be open by late 2006. (1/24)
Henrietta – The Town Planning Board gave site-plan approval to Wegman’s for a new superstore on the corner of Calkins and East Henrietta Roads. After 10 months of meetings and 3 years of discussion, building can now start on the 130,000 square foot store. The site is the former Monroe County Fair Grounds purchased by Wegman’s in 2005. The new larger store will replace the East Henrietta Store and sit next to the proposed Walgreens. (2/22)
Rochester – An out of state investment firm purchased five Eckerd Drug store properties in the Rochester area for $21 million. The properties totaled around 1.5 million square feet of retail space located in Irondequoit, Penfield, Henrietta, Chili and Gates. There are no plans to change any of the properties. (1/20)
Rochester – Retail space located within the Corn Hill Landing apartments has all but 2 of the nine storefronts in place. The concept to establish a village square atmosphere within the complex is complete with a drycleaner, a liquor store, a bakery, restaurant, fitness center, café and eye wear store. An upscale bistro is also interested in leasing the remaining space, as well as a hair salon. (2/24)
Victor - Phase 2 of the controversial High Point
Business Park received preliminary subdivision approval and site plan
approval for from the town Planning Board and is now one vote away
from final approval. Phase 1 has all ready received final approval
which includes retail space, an Olive Garden Restaurant and Starbucks.
Phase 2 will include 72 townhouses and 3 office buildings. The developer
and an action group from the town are in court over the development
of the property, which is located on Route 96 behind Kmart. Construction
for Phase 1 should start in early 2006. (12/21)
The lawsuit filed by a group of residents against the High Point Business
Park was dismissed in Supreme Court. The Judge presiding over the
case ruled that the citizen’s group lacked any legal standing,
that the town did not violate any laws and also noted that the change
in zoning was consistent with the town’s master plan. (1/9)
Victor – Kaufman’s Department Store at Eastview Mall will be replaced by Macy’s sometime this year as part of its $17 billion takeover. Federated Department Stores plan to convert most of the 488 May Department stores nationwide, including 10 regionally. Eastview Mall has also seen 3 stores close in January with 6 new stores opening in the spring. Currently, Eastview Mall is 95% occupied and 97% leased. (3/1)
Webster – A lawsuit was filed by a group of homeowners against the Town Planning Board and developers of a commercial development on Ridge Road. Preliminary approval was granted for Crosstown Center, a retail center with a Walgreens Drug Store, two restaurants and a retail store on 10 acres. The Homeowner’s contend that a 200 foot setback is required, while the Planning Board and developer say that only a 75-foot setback is required between the neighborhood and the commercial properties. Plans for the project included a 100-foot buffer and a 10-foot high berm with an 8-foot fence and trees. (1/27)
4th Quarter 2005
Greece - Walgreens drugstore will be building a 15,000 square foot pharmacy at the corner of West Ridge and Long Pond roads, once they receive Planning Board approval. Buckman's Bakery and Ice Cream will be moved from the site to a location down the road. The bakery has been at the corner plaza for 90 years. Walgreens currently has 2 stores under construction in Gates and Irondequoit and another 3 sites going through the approval process in Brighton, Penfield and Webster. (9/25)
Greece - A 60-acre parcel on West Ridge Road, near North Greece Road, is aimed at becoming the next retail-strip mall. A local developer is planning a 300,000 square-foot complex with major retail tenants. Part of the project is zoned residential with a few boarded up home still on the property and will need approval from the town. No site plan has been submitted to the town at this time. (10/8)
Greece - Plans to build a new Wegman's Food Market on Latta and Long Ponds Road included the existing store be converted into a Chase-Pitkin, but Wegman's enterprises announced closing all of their Chase Pitkin stores. The new Wegman's store will be 115,000 square feet and resemble a small village with a clock tower and mezzanine. Plans also include filling in 2.4 acres of wetlands to build the new store and Wegman's has agreed to create 4 to 6 acres of wetlands. A search for another retailer to occupy the Chase-Pitkin space is currently underway. (12/8)
Greece - Developers submitted a plan to the Town Planning Board to build an 119,000 square foot BJ's Wholesale Club store located within the Canal Ponds Business Park off of Lee Road. The wholesale store would also include a 4,250 square-foot gas station with eight pumps and a five-bay tire center. Objections were raised with the architectural plans and the traffic flow around the building. (12/15).
Irondequoit - A new sign marks the entry to the Medly Centre, formerly known as Irondequoit Mall, along Route 104, one of the busiest highways in Monroe County. Inside, a 2,500 square-foot play area has been added with sound and lights for children, ages 7 and up. A discount sports apparel store has been signed on to take 60,000 square foot of retail space in the mall and will open in November. A Target store is working on approval from the Town Board to build a 127,000 square foot box store in the parking lot. (9/22)
Irondequoit - Target Stores, Inc. is planning to build a 127,000 square foot retail store at the Medly Centre shopping mall. The building will cost $12.8 million and construction would begin this winter to be completed by September, 2006. Target promised to hire 30 full-time and 130 part-time employees. The store will include a pharmacy, a Pizza Hut and Starbucks. This will be the sixth Target store in the Rochester area. (10/19)
Irondequoit - Voted "hot retailer of the year" by the International Council of Shopping Centers, Steve & Barry's University Sportswear opened its doors at the Medly Center shopping mall. The bargain-priced apparel shop is the first new major tenant to take residence in the former Irondequoit Mall since new ownership took over earlier this year. The 100,000 square-foot store offers collegiate merchandise in all sizes. The grand opening marked Steve & Barry's 100th store and the company plans to have 120 stores in 30 states by year end. (11/26)
Naples - Kinney Drug has stopped plans to build a "box" store in the north end of the village after public outcry and community opposition. Plans included the razing of a historical home and existing business at the corner of Route 245 and Route 21 and build a store with a drive-thru pharmacy, photo department and selected merchandise. Area residents were up in arms over marring the quaint-tourist atmosphere that is unique to the village of Naples. (11/9)
Penfield - A proposal has been submitted to the Town Board for a new, 8,000 square foot retail building located behind Dunkin' Donuts on Penfield Road. The one-story retail complex would house up to four new businesses. Area residents were on hand to discuss concerns regarding drainage, light and noise pollution, and design. Any businesses that want to locate in the new plaza will also need to be approved by the Town Board. (12/15)
Victor- A developer is expected to submit a proposal to the Town Board for another retail complex located on 90 acres at the corner of Route 251 and Route 96. The project would be half the size of Eastview Mall with 700,000 square feet of with small and large retail stores and a proposed hotel. Access to the development would converge on Route 251 and Route 96, requiring a new signal. (12/8)
3rd Quarter 2005
Henrietta - BJ's Wholesale Club on Brighton-Henrietta Townline Road will be moving to the former Kmart site at 400 Jay Scutti Blvd. The new site will have 20,000 square feet of additional space with more services will be added including a pharmacy, a deli and a gas station. The new store will open in December or early January. (7/2)
Hopewell - A new Wal-Mart Supercenter has been proposed for 87.5 acres between Lowe's Home Improvement Center and the current Wal-Mart Plaza on Route 5 & 20. The 207,000 square foot store could be started by the end of July with completion in 2006. The current 92,000 square foot store would be turned over to a new tenant once the superstore opens. A supercenter is also being built in Macedon and plans for a supercenter in Victor have not yet been approved. (7/10)
Irondequoit - The former Irondequoit Mall, now known as the Medley Center, could be the site of a new Target store. A new 127,000 square foot building would be built in the southwest corner of the mall parking lot. Pending approval, building could begin as soon as October 1st with completion being in September, 2006. (8/23)
Penfield - Walgreen's has submitted plans for a 14,560 square-foot pharmacy at the corner of Panorama Trail and Penfield Road where a former Denny's Restaurant and car wash is located. Plans call for razing the vacant buildings and increasing the green space with landscaping, trees and flowerbeds. The Town Board is waiting for feedback from other advisory committees after further review. Walgreen's have stores under construction in Gates and Irondequoit and approval to build in Brighton and is in the process of receiving approval in Webster. (7/12)
Pittsford - With the facade at Pittsford Plaza complete, a new steak and seafood restaurant, named Black & Blue will open at the former KB Toys store. After its major renovation, the 7,000 square foot, 215-seat restaurant will boast a modern interior with a spiral staircase to the 2nd floor and a wrap around bar. An industrial oven included in the kitchen can sear meat at 1500 degrees. Entrees cost between $17 and $32. (8/2)
Rochester - Another upscale steak and seafood restaurant has opened next to The Inn on Broadway in the east end section of downtown. Torundos Restaurant is the third steak restaurant to open in the area this year. The restaurant is part of The Inn on Broadway hotel with 23 guest rooms. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served 7-days a week. Entrees include a 40-ounce steak for $80.00. (8/25)
Victor - The area's first Apple Store opened at Eastview Mall. The store will sell the popular Apple products, such as the iPod digital music players and PowerBook, and will also include workshops and expert service. The 3,600 square foot store is one of 112 worldwide. (7/21)
Victor - The Atlanta Bread Co. on East Henrietta Road is moving to a new location near Eastview Mall in Victor. Owners of the franchise believe the move will attract to more customers, drawing shoppers and local office workers from nearby office parks. Atlanta Bread also has a bakeries located downtown and on Monroe Avenue near Pittsford Plaza. (8/26)
Webster - Target and Barnes & Noble opened at the Webster Towne Center shopping plaza. A 120,000 square foot Target store features a larger electronics department, Starbucks coffee and will employ 200 pull and part-time employees. Barnes & Noble needed 6 tractor trailers to unload 150,000 books in its 25,000 square foot store which will offer wireless access to the internet for shoppers with laptops. The other 2 stores for Barnes & Noble in the Rochester area are two of the best in sales and traffic for central and western New York. (7/13)
Webster - A downtown staple, World Wide News, is opening a 5,000 square foot store at the Webster Woods Plaza at Five Mile Road and Ridge Road. WWN has been known to have the largest selection of magazines and newspapers in the state. The new store will have 24 employees. The Webster Woods Plaza is a 48,000 square foot, 2-story plaza with office and retail space. (7/15)
Webster - A proposed shopping plaza near Jackson and Ridge Road is meeting resistance from the neighboring Pepper Ridge homeowners. Walgreens is planning to build a store along with two restaurants, a bank and retail space on the 10 acre property. Zoning regulations for the property and set back regulations have the residents concerned. The property is currently zoned as multi-residential use with a 75 foot set back. Developers of the plaza said they would extend the set back to 100 feet and build a 10 foot beam. (7/20)
2nd Quarter 2005
Canandaigua - Constellation Brands is working with Wegmans, RIT and the NY Wine & Grape Foundation to build a culinary institute located on South Main Street, near the Canandaigua Inn on the Lake. The institute would educate students and tourists in the wine industry about New York wines and foods. The proposed 17,700-square-foot center could open as soon as next summer and draw more than 75,000 visitors annually. (4/8)
Canandaigua - A vacant drugstore on South Main Street will have a new tenant after getting approval from the Planning Board. The former Eckerd Drug store has been vacant since last summer and will now be home to Kinney Drugs, a chain based in St. Lawrence county. A drive through lane will be added for the pharmacy as well as additional landscaping. (4/10)
Greece - The Town Board granted Wegman's Food Markets a special use permit to build a superstore on Latta Road, just south of the existing Wegman's store. The current store will be converted into a Chase Pitkin Home and Garden Store. According to the approved plans, Chase Pitkin will be in the existing 88,000 square foot store, and the new store would be 130,000 square feet. (3/16)
Greece - Crescent Beach Restaurant is seeking approval from the town planning board for a 41-room inn and spa on the shore of Lake Ontario. The inn would be the area's only hotel on the lake. The restaurant has all ready received rezoning of 5 residential parcels for commercial use, and a setback variance allowing the inn to be built 37 feet from the lake, instead of the required 85 feet. Owners hope the inn and spa to be up and running by the end of the year. (4/20)
Greece - Developer's of Kohl's Plaza on West Ridge Road have proposed expanding its plaza with another large retailer. The second phase of construction would be called the Shops at Hampton Ridge. Included in the plans are a 64,500 square foot retail plaza, two one-story and two 3-story buildings for both retail and office space. The project would be built on 21.6 acres. Plans are still preliminary. (5/12)
Greece - The Krispy Kreme donut shop on Center Place Drive, off West Ridge Road will close as the local franchise owner restructures and consolidates. The Greece store, and a store in Henrietta, both make the donuts for sale. The Henrietta store will remain open and plans are for the popular donuts to be sold in smaller shops. Krispy Kreme stock has fallen over the last 1 ½ years, with slow sales and a SEC investigation. (6/8)
Henrietta - Wegman's Food Markets will go before the Town Board for the third time with plans for a store on Calkins Road. In 2002, Wegmans first proposal was dropped because of lack of support from the Board and area residents. In 2003, the board voted against plans for a Wegmans store, retail and commercial space, and a senior housing development. A scaled down plan will be submitted which includes a 130,000 square foot Wegmans and 5,000 square feet of commercial space. The Town Board will have to rezone the land from residential to commercial, among other things. (6/8)
Irondequoit - COMIDA approved a special payment in lieu to taxes agreement with the developer purchasing the Irondequoit Mall. The agreement will give the buyer a break on property taxes, in exchange, jobs will be created and $44.3 million will be spent renovating the mall. The mall is being bought by an executive from Syracuse for $5 million and is expected to close this spring. (4/20)
Macedon - Final site plans were approved by the Town Planning Board for a 205,000 square foot Super-center Wal-Mart on Wayneport Road. Included in the plans were a department store, grocery store, an auto service center and drive through pharmacy. Work on site preparation is expected to begin as soon as possible. (5/3)
Pittsford - The Springfield House on Monroe Avenue will be the location of a new restaurant, Northfield's Food & Drink, opening in early July. The 21,000 square foot plaza next door, Springfield Commons, has also opened a number of stores, including gift shops, salons and a tailor shop. One store front remains left on the first floor and the second level is available for office space. The Spring House has been totally renovated with a contemporary colonial decor. (5/13)
Rochester - The East End entertainment district received another shot in the arm as the building which houses Tonic will be purchased. The complex at 336 East Avenue will be transformed into a high-end liquor club, Soho East, with a dining area; a martini bar will share space with Soho East on the second floor; and on the first floor, Roc City Hots, offering hot-dogs, hamburgers and garbage plates. (3/11)
Rochester - A developer has purchased the former Jilllian's Restaurant at 61 Commercial Street for $710,000. The High Falls' restaurant has been closed since October after its owner filed bankruptcy. The new owners have two prospective tenants for the site. (5/20)
Victor - Two new restaurants are being built on each end of Route 96. A 3,800 square foot Wendy's restaurant will be near Main Street Fishers. On the other side of the town, a 4,000 square foot Atlanta Bread Co. is being built along with additional retail space. Both restaurants have submitted plans to the Town Planning Board for approval. (5/1)
1st Quarter 2005
Brighton - An existing office building at the corner of Elmwood and South Clinton Avenues would need to be razed for a proposed Walgreen's drug store. The proposal in front of the Town Board calls for a 14,800-square-foot store on 2.7 acres. Developers are proposing to build new sidewalks and add green-space with more landscaping and fewer parking spaces than the current building. Area residents have voiced their concerns about traffic and aesthetics. (2/2)
Irondequoit - A Syracuse business man has contracted to buy the ailing Irondequoit Mall for $5 million. The mall was originally built in 1990 for $80 million. Currently, the mall is less than 20% occupied. The last anchor store to close was JC Penney in 2003. The buyer is seeking tax abatements from real estate taxes for 20 years in order to proceed with the purchase. Negotiations between the buyer and the town have not been finalized. (3/1)
Macedon - A proposed Wal-Mart site plan went before the Planning Board detailing the 205,000 square-foot supercenter, a separate gas station and 1,026-space parking lot. Plans also show landscaping, lighting and details of the finished store front. Wal-Mart wants to build on a 25-acre parcel at the corner of Route 31 and Wayneport Road. The Planning Board will review the site plans and wait for variances and special use permits before giving approval. (2/13)
Perinton - The owners of 3 successful Italian restaurants in the Rochester area have opened a steak house at the Brookwood Inn in Bushnell's Basin. The Brookwood Inn recently invested $2 million in renovations and wanted an upscale restaurant to complement the inn. The new 4,000 square foot eatery also offers banquet rooms for private parties and corporate functions. (1/13)
Pittsford - A 7,000 square foot restaurant with an outdoor patio will open in Pittsford Plaza in the former KB Toys store. The new restaurant will serve steak and seafood in the $15 to $30 price range and open in June. A name for the new restaurant has not yet been selected. (12/16)
Pittsford - Great Northern Pizza plans to add 50 locations over the next five years. The plans were announced at the same time the company merged with Flour City Bagels. The new restaurants will be built in New York and could employ up to 2,000 workers. Great Northern Pizza was founded in 1999 and currently has 5 locations. (1/21)
Rochester - A 90 year-old family business is closing its doors because of the owner's failing health. Berman's Fur Fashions on Joseph Avenue began in 1915 by Harold Bermans' father, a Russian immigrant. The closing will leave Held Projansky Furs in Pittsford Plaza as the only independent furrier in the Rochester area. (1/27)
Rochester - A country music bar and diner will be opening in Rochester's East End. Daisy Duke will be a 5,000 square foot bar and include a mechanical bull. Roc City Hots will be a 1,500 square foot eatery with hot dogs, hamburgers and garbage-style plates. (2/3)
Rochester - The $20 million Corn Hill Landing project is nearing completion after 6-years in the making. Located on 9 acres overlooking the Genesee River, the development will have 127 apartments, office and retail space. $2 million has all ready been spent on the Corn Hill Landing promenade which features a double wall along the river, benches, antique-style lighting and landscaping. Near Corn Hill Landing, the Troup Howell Bridge is being transformed into a 433-foot long gateway into the city. Completion of the $37 million bridge will be in 2007. (2/25)
Rochester - The city will be selling a 1.5 acre parcel to a developer for $1 that will build a themed shopping center on North Clinton Avenue. "La Marketa" will be a Hispanic market and cost $2 million or more to build. The new market will be the centerpiece of the city's La Avenida revitalization project. (3/6)
Victor - Wilmorite Properties Inc. has sold three area Malls to in a merger with Macerich Partnership of Santa Monica, California. The Eastview Mall in Victor, The Mall at Greece Ridge Center and the Marketplace Mall in Henrietta, among other properties, were sold for $2.33 billion. The transfer of ownership should take place in March. Macherich is the 9th largest shopping center owner in North America. (12/24)
Webster - Marina Dodge Inc. on Ridge Road has doubled its facility with a new 21,000 square-foot addition. The expansion includes a new showroom designed under the guidelines from Chrysler Corp. with a mezzanine and glass elevator. A larger service area and parts department were also installed with a full body shop and paint booth. The $1.5 million project was started last summer and should be completed by early spring. (2/11) go to top
4th Quarter 2004
Henrietta - Benderson Development Co. has closed a $9 million purchase of 40 undeveloped acres and 3 buildings along Jefferson road. A vacant building on the property will be demolished to clear the site for new a shopping center. The properties included in the transfer are Romano's Macaroni Grill, Don Pablo's Mexican Kitchen and 10 acres of vacant land adjacent to Home Depot. The restaurants have long term leases that were transferred in the deal. Benderson hopes to start building the shopping center in 2005. (10/7)
Macedon - Wal-Mart has proposed building a super-center on 25 acres on Route 31 and Wayneport Road. Plans include a 205,000 square foot discount and grocery store and a separate gas station. Sketches include a traffic signal at the main entrance on Route 31 with a secondary entrance on North Wayneport Road. The parking area includes 1,026 parking spaces. (12/2)
Naples - The Town Board and planning officials decided not to rezone a 2.5 acre where a Dollar General had wanted to build. Instead, the Planning Board has recommended that the town review zoning in the proposed area to include more land instead of zoning parcel by parcel. The Dollar General site is at the Route 21 and County Road 12 intersection. The matter was sent back to the Planning Board. (9/24)
Pittsford - The furniture store, Lauer's Furniture, located across from Pittsford Plaza on Monroe Avenue, will be closing. After struggling with poor sales for a number of years, the store will be closing sometime after Thanksgiving. Lauer's employs about 20 people. (9/17)
Rochester - The Wegmans store on Mt. Hope Avenue has been sold to the University of Rochester for approximately $990,000. The Hess gas station in front of the property was not part of the sale. No long-term plans have been made for the property . Wegmans had closed the 30,000 square-foot store in 2003. (9/22)
Rochester - The Jillian's nightclub in the High Fall's district was not included in a $64.8 million deal to purchase 35 restaurants in 20 states in a bankruptcy auction. The club had been losing $400,000 a year and no bidders have been interested in the 5-year-old restaurant. A number of reasons for the restaurant closing were stated, including the economy, location and size of the restaurant. (10/8)
Victor - Two buildings are being proposed to the Planning Board for a site off Route 96, near High Street, that would house upscale retail shops. One building would be 30,000 square feet which could house Best Buy, Barnes & Noble and Bed, Bath & Beyond. The second building would be 3,250 square. The Planning Board is concerned about traffic in an all ready congested area; and the site's proximity to the historical district. (10/31)
3rd Quarter 2004
Canandaigua - Wegman's has submitted plans for a 2,100 square foot addition to their Market Café at their store on Routes 5 & 20. City Council is considering the plan but wants Wegman's to build a bridge to connect to Lagoon Walk Park behind the supermarket. (8/18)
Chili - The Kmart located near the Chili-Paul Plaza is expected to close next March and be replaced with a Sears Grand. Sears is hoping to turn around declining sales with a new concept of "open-air" stores that typically are between 150,000 and 200,000 square feet. Along with hard and soft goods, the Grand stores will offer food items. The first Sears Grand is expected to open in Salt Lake City in September and five other openings are planned for 2005. (8/28)
Gates - Benderson Development Co. will begin construction on the old FWS Plaza on Howard and Spencerport Roads. The roadway and entrances will be redirected to make way for a rebuilt Friendly's restaurant, Chase Bank , as well as a new Aldi grocery and Eckerd drugstore. The plaza will be renamed Gates Plaza. (7/28)
Henrietta - Kohl's Department Stores has begun its hiring process for its 3 area stores opening in October. Each store will have 150 full and part time employees and be close to 88,000 square feet of retail space. The department store offers discounted prices on items such as small appliances, clothing and shoes. Locations of the new stores are 3150 West Henrietta Road in Henrietta, 4100 West Ridge Road in Greece and 925 Holt Road in Webster. (8/4)
Irondequoit - The same company that owns TJ Maxx and Marshalls retail stores opened A.J. Wrights in Culver-Ridge Plaza. The store features fashionable, name-brand goods at comparatively low prices. This is the first A.J. Wright to be located in the Rochester area and the 12th in New York state. (8/12)
Irondequoit - Owners of Irondequoit Mall, Madison Marquette of Minnesota, have put the retail center up for sale. A plan for re-inventing the mall never materialized as stores continued to close. The real estate brokerage firm handling the sale said the owners have not set a sales price for the mall and are considering all bids. Irondequoit Mall was built in 1990 by Wilmorite Inc. for $80 million. (9/2)
Perinton - A new grocery story opened in the Perinton Square Mall at the former Tops Market. Martin's Super Food Market operates on a "everyday low price program", whereas Tops used the high-low pricing policy of which emphasizes more sales prices. Both Tops and Martin's are a subsidiary of Giant Foods and Martin's will carry the Giant brand. The 92,000 square foot store will employ between 100 and 250 people and includes more checkout stations, wider aisles and a larger natural food section. (9/9)
Rochester - The Rudnik's Unfinished Furniture store will close after 50 years in the furniture business. The business was started in 1953 specializing in unpainted furniture, allowing the buyer to finish it with a personal touch. The 3,600 square foot store felt business significantly declined over the last 3 to 4 years as owners blamed the economy and layoffs at area companies. (6/22)
Rochester - The assets of Jillian's Entertainment will be auctioned of in late September, which hold 35 venues nationwide. The Jillian's Restaurant and Club on Commercial Street in the High Falls district may not be included in a buy-out of its company assets because it was not making enough money. Bids are being accepted for all or part of the clubs and must be submitted by September 14th. (8/11)
Victor - A new proposal has been submitted to the Victor Town Board for a 324,000 square foot Wal-Mart Supercenter near the 490/Thruway interchange. This is the second proposal by Benderson Development Corp. for building a Wal-Mart store. The first plan was submitted in 2003 for an 800,000 square foot retail center which was denied after area neighbors petitioned against the proposal. (9/7)
Waterloo - North America's largest shopping mall owner, Simon Property Group, has purchased Chelsea Property Group, for $3.5 million. Chelsea operates 60 outlet shopping malls, including the Waterloo Premium Outlets in Junius, Seneca County. Simon currently owns or has an interest in 250 properties located in 37 states, including Cobblestone Court across from Eastview Mall. (6/22)
Webster - Phase one of Towne Center shopping plaza is nearly complete and developers are ready to start building the next stage of the three phase project. Architectural designs for phase 2 will be presented to the Planning Board even though the whole project has been approved. Once finished, the $40 million, 720,000 square foot plaza off Holt Road will be the largest shopping destination in Webster. Kohl's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Target, Old Navy are a few of the retailers committed to the new plaza. (9/7)
Webster - A proposal for a Wendy's/Tim Horton's/Summit Federal Credit Union on Ridge Road, across from the Town Hall, was submitted to the Town Planning Board. If approved, construction could be completed by the end of the year. (7/5)
2nd Quarter 2004
Canandaigua - Wendy's Restaurants of Rochester, Inc. is seeking a zoning variance for their new store to be built on 5 & 20 in Canandaigua. The proposed 5,400 square foot building needs a 5-foot variance for additional building height. Tim Horton's doughnut shop will share the space with Wendy's. (3/17)
Canandaigua - Officials for Eckerd's Drug Stores announced it would be closing the old South Main Street location and relocate its employees to the new facility being built on North Main Street. The new site is scheduled to open July 29th and sometime around that date, the store at 401 South Main will close. A Tim Hortons is being built next door and is slated to open in the fall. (5/20)
Canandaigua - Kellogg's Pan-Tree Inn on Lakeshore Drive across from Kershaw Park has been listed for sale for $850,000. The price includes the restaurant and motel outbuildings located on its 2.7 acre parcel. The Inn has been in operation since 1927 and is still run by the Kellogg family. If the property sells, it will be the third parcel to sell across from Kershaw Park this year. (6/10)
Greece - Town officials have confirmed the rumor that Walmart has expressed an interest in moving to Northgate Plaza, although no application has been submitted. The town has talked with the retailer about a number of design issues they would like Walmart to address. Northgate Plaza was built 50 years ago and was once home to McCurdy's department store and Star Market. (3/18)
Greece - Wegmans Food Markets Inc. received approval to build off Latta Road. Chase-Pitkin will replace the Wegmans supermarket at 3177 Latta Road and a new grocery store will be built next to it. The new store will be 130,000 square feet. (3/26)
Greece - Christa Development and the Bank of Castile are seeking site plan approval for 3 commercial buildings to be built on Long Pond Road. Christa plans to build a 6,000 square foot optical service store and a 4,200 square foot building for Duncan Donuts and Charter One Bank. The Bank of Castile plans to build a 2-story, 7,200 square foot bank north of the YMCA. (6/2)
Henrietta - Patrick Pontiac GMC Jeep is planning a move from its current location to Lehigh Station Road which will double the size of the car dealership. An application submitted to the Town calls for a 55,000 square foot showroom with a full-service restaurant, children's play area and more than 40 service bays. Patrick employs 115 full-time and 12 part-time employees and sold more than 3,000 cars last year. The new facility could be open in 2006. (4/1)
Henrietta - South Town Plaza is finishing up its final touches of a $4 million in improvements. When completed, it will be the largest renovation in the strip-malls 50 year history. The exterior now has a beige stucco look with new signage. Finishing touches are being done on the smaller stores. The owners have 2 new tenants secured and is actively pursuing others. (4/30)
Henrietta - The Bahama Breeze restaurant in Henrietta was closed by its owner, Darden Restaurants, Inc. The 8,500 square-foot restaurant opened in June 2001, had 84 employees and could seat 220. Company officials said the restaurant hadn't met sales expectations and the location did not match the company's business model. Darden also closed 5 other Bahama Breeze restaurants in Denver, Austin, Dallas and Phoenix. (5/12)
Irondequoit - An apparel and home store will open in Irondequoit's Culver Ridge plaza later this year. A.J. Wright will be located in the former Vix location occupying 28,000 square feet. The new chain currently operates 100 stores and is part of the same company that owns T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. (4/30)
Manchester - Plans to tear down the old Red Jacket school have been delayed due to the amount of asbestos found in the building. Before the building can be demolished to make way for a 60,000 square foot retail plaza, it has to pass the state DEC inspection. The project could be on hold until sometime next year. (4/14)
Perinton - Tops supermarket on Pittsford-Palmyra Road will close to begin a 3 month renovation. The 8 year old store will be Rochester's first Super Tops with expanded product and services. 40 more workers will be added once the new store re-opens. (5/1)
Rochester - In a move to return to its roots as developer and entrepreneur, Benderson Development Co. Inc. sold 18.8 million square feet of retail space to Developers Diversified Realty of Ohio. The properties were spread over 10 states including more than 1.5 million square feet in the Rochester area. The $2.3 billion deal was one of the largest retail transfers ever. When the Benderson deal is closed, DDR will own or lease more than 100 million square feet of retail space at 470 properties in 44 states. DDR will be in the running as one of the largest holders of retail space in the country. The Benderson purchase is the company;s first deal in upstate New York. (4/4)
Rochester - Wegman's officials revealed details to the public regarding the expansion of its East Avenue Store. The preliminary plan includes a 90,000 square foot store, underground parking, and a 15,000 quare foot mezzanine with seating and a terrace. The current store would remain open while the new store is constructed behind it. (4/22)
Rochester - Jillian's restaurant in the High Fall's district will remain open even though the parent company has filed Chapter 11. The 41,000 square foot club is part of a chain of 33 restaurants owned by a Louisville, KY firm. A purchase agreement has been signed for 30 restaurants, but the Rochester site is not part of the buyout because it is not making enough money. Owners are hoping another bidder will step forward and take all of 33 Jillian's properties. (5/26)
Victor - The 62,500 square foot expansion of Eastview Mall has surpassed everyone's expectations with sales up 10% for the first quarter of 2004. The total mall sales increased 18% as compared to the same time last year. The new $25 million wing hosts 3 restaurants with valet parking and 4 large upscale specialty stores. In addition, 2 new venues have been added, Banana Republic and Coach along with an avante garde ice cream parlour. Mall owners are in negotiations with Nordstrom, another large department store, to occupy a space in the new wing. (5/2)
Victor - Plans were submitted to the Village Planning Board to build a Dunkin' Donuts at 167 W. Main Street, the site of Papa Jack's Ice Cream. Owners of Papa Jacks will moving to 261 W. Main Street on property shared by Cretekos Diner, which they also own. Final approval of plans will be granted to Duncan Donut's once the details of an easement with a neighboring property owner are worked out. (3/17 & 5/20)
Victor - Construction began on a two story, 4,000 square foot log building just outside the village on Route 96. The Wine Trek Gift Co. will be a gallery/gift shop and will open in October. Other tenants will be a tourist information office and a auto-racing and car-buff shop. (6/2)
1st Quarter 2004
Gates-- Design services for the renovation to Chili Hinchey Plaza on Chili Avenue will be provided by SWBR Architects. Phase I of the project includes a new roof, storefront, new facade and interior build-outs for several tenants. Construction was completed for $800,000. Phase II includes a 16,000 square foot expansion, regrading and new lighting in the parking lots. (2/28)
Greece-- Wal-Mart has been talking with Greece officials about moving their Elmridge store and building a superstore at Northgate Plaza on Dewey Avenue and English Road. The opening date is tentatively set for late 2005, although no formal application has been made. If Wal-Mart does open a supercenter at Northgate, it will be the second in the area located directly across from Wegman's Food Markets, Inc.
Greece-- Wegman's is proposing a 115,000 square foot facility with a 15,000 square foot mezzanine for the corner of Latta and Long Pond Roads. The existing Wegman's at this intersection would be converted into a Chase Pitkin. Local residents of nearby neighborhoods have voiced concern over traffic concerns, also, lighting and noise generated by the new store. The project would also require filling in 2.4 acres of wetlands. Wegman's is working with the DEC to get permission to do so. In return, the company would create wetlands on town owned properties. (1/22)
Greece-- The owners of Gaetano's bakery want to a combined bakery, pizzeria and coffee bar far away from the commercial hub of town. The location is at the northeast corner of Manitou and Latta Roads in North Greece where more than 500 acres of undeveloped land is set for housing growth. Also in the area are the Fireman's Field, a sports part and the YMCA's day camp. The 7,000 square foot business would have between 140 to 170 seats and 4 walk up service windows. (2/5)
Henrietta-- A "quick-casual" bakery, Panera Bread Co., is opening on Hylan Drive in April. Direct competition to Montana Mills, Panera markets itself as combining wholesome baked goods with a dining room to attract fast, but fussy customers. Montana Mills is following suit as it changes its strategy to the quick-casual customer. Forty weeks into 2003, Panera topped its fiscal 2002 revenue figures by 28% to $201 million. The company opened 129 cafes in 2003, bring the total to 600 chains nationwide. The "quick-casual" market worth is $6 billion and expected to grow 10% each year. (2/20)
Henrietta-- Work has begun that will turn the Wal-Mart Store on Henrietta Road into a supercenter and also add space to Sam's Club. The two projects will add around 112,000 square feet to the two stores. The Wal-Mart Store will have a grocery department and gasoline islands will be added to the Sam's Club. Work should be completed by early next year.
Manchester-- A 60,000 square foot retail plaza has been proposed to village officials at the intersection of Route 96 and Route 21. The plans initially consist of 7 to 14 stores. An existing three-story building on the 14 acre parcel will be demolished. The three-story brick building was built in 1915 as a school and has been vacant for some time. (3/4)
Pittsford-- Pittsford Plaza is undergoing renovations and improvements for the first time in 40 years. Wilmorite Management Corp. is investing $2.5 million hoping to attract more upscale shoppers. A new granite looking exterior with decorative columns, outdoor dining areas and plush landscaping are all part of the plan. The 500,000 square foot strip mall is occupied by 43 stores and restaurants. The construction should be completed by October. (3/3)
Rochester-- A golf superstore opened at 300 Hylan Drive across from the Marketplace Mall. Golf Galaxy offers everything a golf enthusiast could dream of. A 15,000 square foot store is the first entry into New York state by the Edina, Minnesota's based chain.
Rochester-- Wegman's Food Markets Inc. have begun talks with city zoning and planning official to begin the application process to create a larger East Avenue store. Property bought two years ago and the newly purchase Doyle Group Inc. building is included in the expansion. At 41,000 square feet, the 40 year old East Avenue store is among the smallest in the chain.
Tops-- In a strategy to restructure its focus on its core food business, Tops Markets is selling its chain of 204 convenience stores. The package includes 127 Wilson Farms, 67 Sugarcreeks and 10 Tops Xpress. In Monroe County there are 9 Sugarcreeks and 16 Wilson Farm stores. Tops is based in Williamsville, Erie County and is a subsidiary of Royal Ahold, a Dutch grocery. The chains employ nearly 2,100 workers, including associates, specialists and operations support. Tops also operates 160 Tops Friendly Markets. (01/20)
Webster-- Plans for a retail center in Webster are moving ahead as developers have announced committed vendors to the project. Towne Center is steps away from getting approval to begin construction of its 720,000 square foot retail space. Located on approximately 92 acres, the development will feature between 20 to 25 mixed-use retailers. Major retailers such as Kohl's, Old Navy, Pizzeria Uno, among others, have been secured with lease deals. Wegman's, which owns the property, has kept approximately 123,000 square feet of space for possible development. (3/1)
4th Quarter 2003
Canandaigua-- Two properties on opposite ends of the City of Canandaigua will be renovated and occupied by new tenants in a few months. The office plaza once housing Constellation Brands, located on the north end of town, will be host to a retail outlet. The five acre plaza site has a price tag of $1 million, and another $300,000 will be invested in renovations. On the other end of town, located on Lakeshore Boulevard a restaurateur has signed a lease for the Muar House, the former office of the Canandaigua Lady. The lease with the city is for $12,000 a year and $75,000 is expected to be spent in renovations.
Canandaigua-- A number of businesses have chosen Canandaigua recently, including an upscale beauty salon, a piano showroom and an number of new restaurants. In the past year, downtown Canandaigua has welcomed Image Audio and Electronics, Emerald City Jewelers and Flowers by Stella. Specialty businesses have also joined in on the market, namely Panorama Outfitters, an art studio and a pet grooming storefront. Three restaurants have recently been announced to the community with two already open. Eddie O'Brien's Grill and Bar opened around the same time as a Mexican eatery, El Rincon, opened. Sam's Restaurant plans to open at a new location downtown sometime next year.
Greece-- The Town Board voted to rezone 21.59 acres being considered for a Kohl's Department store and several other parcels for a variety of commercial development. The developer's next step is to present site plans to the Planning Board. The new Kohl's store could create 130 to 150 new jobs, and 50,000 square feet of additional retail space. Local residents were disappointed in the board's vote voicing concerns of safety, lighting, noise and traffic, to name a few.
Henrietta-- Valley Cadillac Hummer of Henrietta is spending upwards of $1 million to expand and redesign their complex. The Cadillac division will expand as it introduces a new line of luxury cars aimed at the younger, hipper crowd. The Hummer expansion will be a 10,000 square foot "Quonset hut" designed to emphasize Hummer's rugged reputation. Also included in the expansion are added service bays, an expanded parts department, body shop and accessory installation department. A new carwash and customer lounge will also be at the site. The Cadillac portion will be completed by the end of the year and the Hummer construction will begin in early spring.
Henrietta-- The Town Board of Henrietta rejected Wegman's Food Markets Inc. request to build a superstore on Calkins Road. A vote of 3-2 denied the application to rezone a 30 acre parcel and build a 130,000 square foot grocery store. Both for and against the proposal, Town Board members and residents were divided on this issue. Many thought the addition of a superstore would boost the area with jobs and a variety of products, while others dreaded the impact a big store would have on the environment and neighborhoods. Wegman's had also proposed building a 60 to 80 unit senior housing facility and two 5,000 square foot buildings for banks, restaurants or offices. The 57,000 square foot Wegman's store already located on Calkins and East Henrietta Roads is not expected to be closed.
Hopewell-- Ground has been broken at the $16.5 million home improvement store located along Routes 5 & 20. Lowe's is scheduled to open next summer and will offer 175 jobs. An additional retail space of 125,000 square feet will be available next to the 130,000 square foot Lowe's building. The do-it-yourself retailer will feature 40,000 products. The developer will be able to extend Recreation Drive which will eventually connect with the entry drive off Route 5 & 20.
Irondequoit-- A Chinese bakery has opened on East Ridge Road, the only one of its kind in upstate New York. The display cases will be filled with such delicacies as red bean buns, roast pork rolls, bean paste crisps and sesame balls. The owners have also bought the small plaza that holds their new bakery. A new facade to the plaza will hopefully attract other Asian-themed businesses and create a user-friendly shopping plaza.
Irondequoit-- The Irondequoit Mall is feeling the pinch as Eastview Mall opens a $25 million expansion. The JC Penney Co. wing of the mall is empty while other anchor's, such as Kaufman's, Sears and BonTon remain open. At Irondequoit Mall, there are 130 storefronts inside, with 85 of them vacant. Owners are looking for a solution that involves mixed use redevelopment for the ailing mall. The town is working with mall owners and managers to use the space for housing, corporate, government and medical offices. A non-retail approach to the 64 acre site might work to generate a flow of traffic. Additional facilities, such as a community and health center, have been proposed with costs ranging from $10 to $12 million. Other suggestions include a reduced-sales tax zone to lure retailers.
Victor-- Eastview Mall has opened its $25 million expansion with sales far exceeding expectations. Two stores reported their grand opening topped any other in their company. The three new restaurants have a 3 hour wait for tables. Mall management has used the success of the new wing to lure upscale tenants. More stores will be opening in 2004.
3rd Quarter 2003
Henrietta-- The Planning Board granted final site-plan approval for the proposed expansion project of Wal-Mart and Sam's Club project on Marketplace Drive. The superstore chain is looking to add an 88,383 sq.ft. grocery store to the existing 119,045 sq.ft. Wal-Mart store. Company officials also want a 23,562 sq.ft. addition and member's only gas station at the nearby Sam's Club. Before the project moves forward, there are a few loose ends that have to be wrapped up. According to board member, John Blair, Wal-Mart officials have to flesh out the landscaping and gas station plans and they will have to provide information on how to shield night-time motorists from excess lighting. Construction is anticipated for some time this year. (6/18)
Henrietta-- One of the town's largest commercial vacancies may soon have a new tenant filling its void. Located near the intersection of W. Henrietta and Jefferson Roads, the 155,562 sq.ft. plaza may soon be the home of a Kohl's department store. According to Supervisor Jim Breese, Hechinger's Plaza is one of the most visible, talked-about vacancies in the area, as its been vacant for years. In 2001, the Town Board passed a resolution intended to force incoming businesses to examine the possibilities of using vacant property before erecting new buildings. The town has dealt with a long lived perception that the Hechinger's Plaza is a failure and would not attract business. Officials believe if the vacancy were filled with a store like Kohl's, it would bring life to the plaza again, as well as create hundreds of jobs in the area. The department store is expected to take up about two-thirds of the plaza and officials hope this will draw other retailers to fill the rest of the space. As part of the deal, Vornado Realty Trust, the NYC based development company that owns the plaza, has agreed to completely renovate the buildings exterior. (7/30)
Hopewell-- Luther Sharp, chairman of the Planning Board, stated all of the local and state agencies involved in the review have signed off on the development and building permits have been issued for the 354,600 sq.ft. Lowe's home center and outparcels on routes 5 & 20. The developer, Widewaters Group Inc. of DeWitt will own the land and lease the sites to Lowe's and other tenants. The development site, more than three times the size of the nearby 108,000 sq.ft. Wegmans supermarket is expected to start early this fall. Included in the development is a 130,000 sq.ft. Lowe's, 125,000 sq.ft. retail space for several smaller stores and five outparcels along 5 & 20 for individual businesses such as restaurants or banks. Opening of Lowe's home center is expected in the spring of 2004. (8/28)
Pittsford-- Some major changes and improvements are in store for the Pittsford Plaza on Monroe Avenue. Recently, the parking lot was repaved at a cost of about $300,000 and more flowers were planted as well. New plans include an Applebee's Restaurant, to occupy the former Firestone tire store who's lease was up July 31. Once they receive a building permit, the company may start construction and open early next year, according to Mark Foerster, executive vice president of the plaza's owner, Wilmorite Properties, Inc. The facelift the plaza was to receive, is expected to take place early next year. Total project cost was not disclosed. (9/8)
Victor-- Owners of an ice cream shop and automotive service company on West Main Street have renewed their leases for next year. If Dunkin Donuts has it their way, they will be relocating. According to Leslie Bamann, executive director of Local Development Corp., Dunkin Donuts has made a purchase offer to John G. turner, owner of the 167 West Main Street location of May's Automotive Service and Papa Jack's Ice Cream. In the meantime, the donut shop is looking for other locations within the Village. (7/8)
2nd Quarter 2003
Bloomfield-- John Haluch, owner of the popular Custard and Candy, has had his sweet success and has decided its time to sell his business. Included in the sale is a new wholesale market that he calls Bloomfield Creamery. Since February, he has been selling pre-packed quarts to six local businesses including Jean's Village Restaurant and Toomey's Express. Even though the sweet shop is for sale, Haluch may not have served his final scoop; if it isn't sold, he will have to decide whether to open in mid-May again or not. (3/18)
Brighton-- Charles Arena and Tony Gullace, along with architect John Schick, will open an as yet unnamed restaurant at the former Boom restaurant site, closed in May. Arena and Gullace plan to change the decor and layout of the eatery at 1456 Monroe Avenue, which is expected to open in August.
Canandaigua-- Benderson Development Inc. will present its site plan for a Tim Hortons and Eckerd Drugstore to the city Planning Commission at a hearing at City Hall. The city hearing will review a special use permit application and a June 17 meeting is slated for the Planning Board to review a site plan. The two businesses would straddle the town/city line at the corner of North Main and North Road, the site of the former eatery, John and Bob's. Most of the project, including the 14,000 sq. ft. pharmacy, is in the city. But the 2,700 sq. ft. Tim Hortons is in the town and Benderson's will need approvals from both municipalities for the project to go forward. (5/25)
Greece-- Tim Hortons, a restaurant featuring coffee, doughnuts, other baked goods, sandwiches and soup, is eyeing a vacant parcel at 3663 Mt. Read Boulevard, next to Maiden Lanes Bowling Center in Greece. Louis J. Terragnoli Jr., director of real estate for the Tim Hortons Group said the Wendy's-owned chain plans to put up a 2,810 sq. ft. brick restaurant similar to those in Henrietta. Typically, the restaurants are open 24 hours, however, the Town Board may ask the business to have a 24 hour drive-through. The county is conducting a traffic study for the effects on traffic, but the Planning Board said the town's environmental board recommended that the project would not have a significant negative effect on the environment. If all approvals are in place, construction could begin by this summer and the eatery opened this fall. (4/10)
Henrietta-- Wegman's supermarket chain wants to build a 130,000 sq. ft. store on a 30-acre site that it plans to purchase from the Monroe County Fair and Recreation Association. The store would replace a 57,000 sq. ft. retail store at the corner of Calkins and E. Henrietta roads. In August, Wegmans withdrew its previous rezoning application because of neighborhood opposition to the project. Although the project has been modified, the concept design remains the same. Among elements of the new plan, a 60 to 80 unit senior living facility, two 5,000 sq. ft. retail outparcels which could be used for restaurants or banks and more landscaped green space. Wegmans estimates the store would create 100 jobs as well as 150 construction jobs. (3/16, 4/23)
Rochester-- Developer John Billone Jr. of Flower City Management has plans of demolishing the Downtown Motor Lodge at 390 South Avenue - property he bought from the city in March 2002. Billone hopes to acquire land at 420 and 426 South Avenue and turn the three parcels into a mixed development of retail and housing. A design meeting on July 12 will help develop plans for the site. (6/6)
Rochester-- The former Rochester Gas and Electric Corp. facility on Jefferson Road in Henrietta will be demolished later this year. Flaum Development Co. Inc. owns the property and will be demolishing the building and looking for retail tenants - either one big box store or several medium and small stores for a shopping center. The sub-structure of the building was damaged and this became the most feasible thing to do, according to Mike Palumbo, director of acquisitions. The 250,000 sq. ft. facility sits at 700 Jefferson Road, between Romano's Macaroni Grill and Bahama Breeze restaurants. Flaum hopes to begin demolition by August. (6/5)
Victor-- Benderson Development presented updated plans to the Planning Board for the proposed Wal-Mart supercenter to be located on a 566,000 sq. ft. multi-use development on 95.4 acres at the 490 and Thruway interchange on Route 96. In addition to a 200,000 sq. ft. Wal-Mart store, the plans call for three strip malls, three restaurants, five office buildings and a hotel - as well as an outparcel to be developed to future tenants specs. Board members had questions and concerns alike, such as traffic congestion, noise and appearance. Residents could attend - and 65 did - however, public questions and comments will be heard at a later date. According to economic consultant Larry Cranor of RKG Associates, the project will create 570 construction jobs, 680 retail positions and $9 million worth of salaries. (3/19)
Victor-- Eastview Mall will be the first Northeast site for Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano restaurant chain. Biaggi's is the latest and last restaurant tenant to sign on to be in the 64,000 sq. ft. wing under construction at Eastview Mall. Wilmortie Property Management says the contemporary Italian eatery will take up 9,500 sq. ft. of space. Biaggi's will open November 1 and hungry shoppers can expect an average tab of about $17 per person on a menu featuring homemade pasta, seafood, chicken, veal and steak. (4/26)
1st Quarter 2003
Bushnells Basin-- The historic Richardson's Canal House on Route 96 has a lot of potential and Johann Mueller has a vision. Johann purchased the restaurant on the canal for more than a "seven figure range" and hasn't waited to develop the potential. Johann has revamped the kitchen staff, wired the restaurant for music, bought new china and has modernized the menu. This summer he plans to build on the canal side deck area, installing outdoor gourmet grilling equipment, more seating and space for jazz and classical music performances. Along with the restaurant, Johann also purchased the 3.5 acre complex with five buildings painted the original mustard yellow. The site's history can be traced back as far as 1818. (12/02)
Canandaigua-- An unnamed local restaurateur wants to rent the city-owned Muar House as a healthy casual restaurant, but first the City Council has to approve the lease of the building. The prospective tenant wants to invest between $50,000 and $100,000 in renovations for the building, adding a kitchen, new bathrooms, a dining area as well as interior and exterior maintenance. The city is considering up to a 15-year lease, but is not interested in selling the building located on the lakefront off Lakeshore Drive. (1/20)
Canandaigua-- Tops Friendly Markets will open a new 57,000 sq. ft. store located at 5150 North Road at Route 332. The supermarket will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and includes a pharmacy, a carryout café and some self checkouts. (2/18)
Fairport-- A favorite East Rochester business, Dave's Village Bakery, finds a new home in the Village Landing. The bakery business closed its doors on West Commercial Street after 18 years of business and have returned to Fairport. Owner and baker Dave Dobson had 80 customers walk in his first day and 240 his second day, selling out of his tasty pepperoni bread. The bakery is located at 104 Village Landing. (1/30)
Gates-- The Town Board approved a request to continue to keep the Wal-Mart Supercenter open 24 hours. The vote allows the store to remain open 24 hours until January 5, 2004. (1/7)
Gates-- The Chili Hinchey Plaza is undergoing a redevelopment and expansion project totaling $1 to $2 million in the town of Gates. Developers David Dworkin and John August along with their partners bought the aging 67,000 sq. ft. strip mall for $1.03 million in January. The plaza, built in 1940, located at 1295-1317 Chili Avenue will see 10,000 sq. ft. addition, new windows and brick façade and the construction of a supola to attract drivers on nearby I-390 overpass. A date for completion was not given. (3/7)
Greece-- Talbots and Talbots Petite's has found a new second home in 6,200 sq. ft. of a strip mall located in Country Village. Talbots recorded sales of $1.6 billion in 2001 compared with $1.1 in 1998 and store officials believe once catalog sales reach a certain level, it is time to research another store location. 2002 sales figures have not been released yet. (2/7)
Greece-- Developers of the disputed Eckerd Drug Store on Stone Road and Dewey Avenue have withdrawn their request for relief from a code requirement that stipulates a landscaped swath between the Stone Road right of way and the proposed pharmacy's parking lot. Westlake Development has had to alter their plans to accommodate the 15-foot separation and now has to seek the Planning Board's approval of the adjusted site plan. The Planning Board voted to recommend that the Board of Zoning Appeals hold the developer to the code requirement. (3/6)
Henrietta-- Kmart Corp will close 326 more stores, including outlets in Henrietta and Geneva and layoff more than 26,000 more workers as a way to cut costs and emerge from bankruptcy this spring. (1/15)
Henrietta-- Gander Mountain, a 57-store chain that specializes in hunting, fishing and camping equipment will open a store in late May or early June. According to Andrew Dollinger of CB Richard Ellis, the store is expected to fill the vacant property on Jay Scutti Boulevard that once housed Home Place and MJ Designs. Town Supervisor James Breese said the town would prioritize the approval process once Gander signs a lease, (1/24)
Hopewell-- A Lowe's home improvement store was confirmed as the possible anchor tenant in a proposed retail development on Route 5 & 20. The store would be located directly east of the Wal-Mart store. Kevin Kane, development manager of the Widewaters Group told members of the Planning Board that his company had been working with Lowe's but stressed that no deal had yet been signed. The request for the proposed site plan will be forwarded to the Planning Board and they will continue discussions about the plan. Lowe's would employ about 200 employees. (1/02)
Irondequoit-- The Irondequoit Mall is losing three more stores - American Eagle, Lerners and San Fransisco Music Box Co - all having liquidation sales and the latest string of closings at the ailing mall. Meanwhile, a deadline is looming for Madison Marquette Realty Services to present a redevelopment plan to the mall's new owner - an investment group led by Equitable Life Assurance Society. Marquette is planning a multi-use combination featuring retail and office space. (1/24)
Pittsford-- Dibella's eatery, set to go in the old Charter One Bank building on 14 S. Main Street has decided not to open a submarine shop after all. Mayor Robert Corby said they were very surprised after doing extensive work to the inside of the building. A spokesman for Dibellas stated they pulled out due to two other stores opening; one in Perinton and one in East Rochester. They will now look to lease the building, but do not have any prospects yet. (12/25)
Rochester-- Bennigan's Irish American Grill & Tavern has opened downtown in the Four Points Sheraton Rochester Riverside hotel. The restaurant is owned by Bob Swigonski. (1/14)
Rochester-- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has opened its first local gasoline station and "quickmart" in front of its Hudson Avenue store. .Wal-Mart is leasing the space to Sunuco Inc. which has a contract to operate at Wal-Mart stores under the name Optims. Now, the super center store is truly a one-stop-shopping center. (12/4)
Rochester-- Midtown Mall is continuing to experience troubles, even after change of ownership a year ago. According to RDDC, about 43 percent of the 790,000 sq. ft. office space is vacant. McCurdy's is still vacant as well as smaller retail spots. The new owners acknowledge progress has been difficult but they are committed and confident Midtown can be revitalized. In an effort to do so, they have hired a national small developer, Kravco Cos., to study options for retail space at the complex. The study is expected to take six months. Kravco has successfully redeveloped 30 million sq. ft. of malls across the country. (12/4, 1/24)
Victor-- If you've driven by the Eastview Mall on Route 96, you've noticed remodeling and construction have begun on the expansion project. Among the additions will be Pottery Barn, Coldwater Creek, Champps American Restaurant and P.F. Chang Bistro. Space remains in the 62,500 sq. ft. expansion for a third restaurant. Wilmorite officials have estimated the $25 million expansion will bring an additional 350 construction and retail jobs. (1/22)
Victor-- Victor Commerce Park is a proposed 566,000 sq. ft. multii-use development project slated for 96.4 acres off Route 96, across from the Hampton Inn at the I-490 and thruway intersection. In addition to a 204,180 sq. ft. Wal-Mart supercenter, three strip malls, three restaurants, five office buildings and a hotel are also part of the proposed complex. A 3,000 page environmental impact study has been forwarded to the Planning Board for review of which some portions were not specific enough and have been returned to the developer's drawing board. Upon return to the Planning Board, if they deem it complete, it will then set a public hearing for the site plan. (1/10)
Webster-- Syracuse Developer, COR Development Co. is purchasing from Wegmans a 73-acre parcel on Holt Road between Route 104 and Empire Boulevard. COR is planning a 700,000 sq. ft. retail shopping center that could signal the arrival of hot discounter, Kohl's to the Webster area. Once the plan is approved by the town officials, the project will likely take between 18 to 24 months to complete. Target has been scouting the Webster area and Kohl's has expressed interest in the locale. Deed restrictions prevent COR from leasing space to home improvement or grocery stores. (1/11)
4th Quarter 2002
Canandaigua-- Benderson Development is building Tops Markets on Route 332 and have proposed to add an Eckerd drugstore and a Tim Hortons on the former site of John and Bob's Restaurant and three neighboring parcels at the corner of North Main Street and North Road, currently owned by Keith Glover. No permit applications have been submitted, however, the city Planning Commission took a look at an artists' appealing rendering of the project and are awaiting further information from Benderson. The east corner of the intersection straddles the city-limits line and approvals would be required from both the town and city in order to build there. Tim Hortons, a subsidiary of Wendy's International has more than 2,250 stores across Canada and the U.S. and four opened in the Rochester area in September. Eckerd, based in Clearwater, Florida has 2,640 stores in the U.S. according to the company's web site. Currently, there are two other Eckerds located in Canandaigua. Benderson Dev. was not available for comment but it was reported they were considering relocating one of the existing Eckerd stores. (12/1)
Manchester-- With the recommendation of the Ontario County Planning Board, the Town Board voted 3 to 1 to rezone a five-acre property on Route 96 next to Prestige Landscaping and Acres and across from Ashton Place from agricultural and residential to commercial. Gerald and Sandra Davison, interested in opening a car repair and used car sales business, now have to get a special use permit; one more review process to ensure compliance. (9/24)
Penfield-- Don's Original, a local hots and ground round restaurant, is opening its third store in the Rochester area at 2055 Fairport-Nine Mile Point Road, near Route 441. The store is run as a partnership between Terry Klee - who owns the Monroe Ave. and Sea Breeze locations - and Greg Facinelli, a Penfield native. The original institution began at the Sea Breeze location in 1945. (11/7)
Victor-- Traffic concerns have muddled McDonald's plans for building a new 4,300 sq.ft. restaurant on the Harris Seed site just northwest of Eastview Mall on Route 96. Members of the board told Dean Collins from FRA Engineering PC of Henrietta they would require further information before approving the project. Chief among the concerns the board expressed was motorists being allowed to only turn right upon exiting the fast-food restaurant - meaning motorists would not be able to head northwest toward Bushnell's Basin due to the heavy traffic volumes. The board didn't think the proposed 39 to 49 parking spaces was adequate and code officer, Floyd Kofahl indicating state and local regulatory codes require having adequate room in the parking lot for emergency vehicle access. (9/25)
Victor-- An environmental review is expected for the proposed 6,800 sq.ft. TGI Friday's restaurant and 3,470 sq.ft. IHOP located on Route 96 at the Hampton Inn and Suites site to make sure the project won't negatively affect the environment. Developer, the Widewaters Group of Dewitt, is currently working with the town's Architectural Review Board, hoping to reach a consensus on the appearance of the restaurants. (9/25)
Victor-- After unanimously approving plans for a 63,000 sq.ft. addition to the front of EastView Mall, the Planning Board extended an invitation to an upscale retailer, Nordstrom to join the mall. The project, which includes adding a new front entrance on the east side of the mall, upscale retail stores and restaurants and valet parking is slated to cost between $20 and $25 million and create 200 construction jobs and 150 retail jobs. (9/25)
Victor-- Mead Square Pharmacy is hoping to provide the prescription downtown Victor needs for their economic ills. The community's newest retailer is the first drugstore to open since a fire two decades ago and is owned and operated by Pharmacist Christopher Casey, who also owns Naples Pharmacy. Casey decided to expand because the community has long awaited a pharmacy and he's confident the business will be profitable. The 5,000 sq.ft. drugstore is located off Main Street adjacent to a suite of physicians' offices. (10/29)
Victor-- By a margin of five to two, the Planning Board approved the 5,791 sq.ft. Perkins restuarant project to be built just south of the existing Pizzeria Uno restaurant on Route 96. The board approved the construction pending another meeting with town traffic consultant, Steve Ferranti regarding placement of the driveway and a 150-foot emergency access area southeast of the driveway. Concerns about traffic at the already congested Route 96 and High Street were raised, but Chairman Chris hart is confident Ferranti's recommendations are sound. No date was announced for the commencement of the project. (11/27)
3rd Quarter 2002
Fairport-- Construction on the Ranney Homestead located at 7516 Pittsford-Palmyra Road has been delayed, due to preservation concerns. Lee Lejnieks, a partner in the developer WL Enterprises confirmed a new time line for opening next spring is under way. The Ranney Homestead is Egypt's oldest, built in 1815, and is planned for transformation into a historically themed shopping plaza called Egypt Place. (7/11)
Greece-- CEC Entertainment Inc, the company that owns Chuck E. Cheese's restaurants wants to build a new a restaurant at 3160 W. Ridge Road in the Greece Park Mall. The proposed 11,316 square-foot restaurant will be located in front of Lowe's, to the right of the plaza's entrance. Gary Tajkowski, Greece's director of development services indicates CEC will again lease the building from Dale Scutti, property owner. Before construction can begin, CEC Entertainment will need two zoning variances and a special permit granted by the Town Board. A hearing on the special permit will be held August 20. (7/02)
Greece-- The Mall at Greece Ridge Center is filling vacancies with more non-traditional mall stores, one of which is discounter Marshalls, moving from Greece Park mall in November. Greece Ridge, the areas largest mall with more than 1.5 million sq.ft. of leasible space is now 87 percent leased - on par with industry averages - compared to its 74 percent rate in 2001, and has leased 100,000 sq.ft. of retail space within the past year, according to regional director of leasing at Wilmorite Property Management, LLC, Dennis Wilmot. (8/14)
Henrietta-- The nation's largest retailer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. plans to turn its Marketplace Drive store -the third in the Rochester area - into a Supercenter and expand the adjacent Sam's Club, including a 16-pump gas station. Detailed plans have been filed with the town, according to Supervisor Jim Breese. The proposed upgrades would include a 26,501 sq.ft. addition to 110,120 square-foot Sam's Club facility and 85,221 sq.ft. addition to its 118,170 sq.ft. Wal-Mart store. Jim Breese has reservations about the effect enlarged stores would have on traffic but cautioned blocking the upgrade would not be simple as they are already in commercially zoned areas. Supercenters typically range from 100,000 to 200,000 sq.ft.. The planned Marketplace Drive supercenter would fall at the upper limit in size, adding an additional 85,000 sq.ft. to the already existing 118,000 sq.ft. totaling a super size of 203,000 sq.ft., said Henrietta engineer Mark Byrne. The supercenter will house merchandise calculated to satisfy virtually every consumer need and will employ some 500 workers. The town board is slated to consider the expansion plan later this month. (8/28, 9/6)
Henrietta-- Wegmans Food Markets Inc. withdrew its application to rezone a 30-acre parcel of land on Calkins Road to make way for a 130,000 square-foot superstore - one of the largest in the area - which also included a proposed 75,000 sq.ft. of additional commercial space. The application was rescinded via letter from Ralph A. Uttaro, Wegman's senior vice president of real estate and development which town Supervisor, Jim Breese received a day before the meeting, stating it became clear at least three of five Zoning Board members would vote against the rezoning. Officials from the Monroe County Fair and Recreation Association are disappointed, said Fran Tepper, director of the association, as the sale of land would have given them funds to build a real community center. (8/21, 8/28)
Macedon-- Ames, the nation's fourth largest retail chain, announced it would close all 327 stores - including 10 in the Rochester area. Ames, employing about 22,000 nationwide, employs 231 full-time and 285 part-time workers in Western New York. The closing hits the Wayne County community especially hard because it's the only discount store in town, employing 52 full and part-time workers. (8/15)
Macedon-- CVS Pharmacy has begun negotiations to buy four parcels at the northeast corner of Route 31 and Canandaigua Road, across from its current Cedar Commons site, contingent upon rezoning. The proposed site will house a 10,055 square-foot CVS store and include a second building no larger than 4,000 square-feet, most likely for a bank with drive-thru service. Currently, the parcels are zoned residential. The Planning Board would ask for several changes to the plan, depending on the outcome of the traffic study and Town engineer, Scott Allen said the project would need variances from rules regarding green space for parking and setbacks among other items. (9/16)
Pittsford-- The new Tastings restaurant, adjoined to the Wegmans store in Pittsford Plaza opens for dinners and will serve lunches beginning in October. The most prominent feature of the restaurant, aside from having a 120,000 square-foot pantry next door, is the open kitchen where patrons can interact with the chefs, ask for recipes and see how the food is made. Curiosity has been high and with a separate entrance and china on the tables, its hard to confuse this eatery for the grocery store that accompanies it. ((8/14)
Rochester-- Wal-Mart opens its second supercenter store at 1490 Hudson Ave. The 204,000 sq.ft. megastore is host to a McDonalds restaurant, hair and nail salons, an optical shop and a portrait studio. Wegmans and Tops grocery stores view the megastore as competition but spokespeople from both stores say they will continue to excel in customer service while offering fair and consistent prices. (7/02)
Rochester-- Wegmans Food Markets Inc. has purchased the M&T Building at 1820 East Ave for $2.1 million, according to First Realty Co. who announced the sale on August 15. The 40,000 sq.ft. site sits 800 feet from a Wegmans grocery store. (8/23)
Victor-- If the plan is approved, Eastview Mall will be undergoing expansions and renovations to include the areas first Nordstrom department store, 36 new stores totaling 70,195 sq.ft. of leasible space, 7,314 new parking spaces and a new entrance facing Route 96, according to Thomas Wilmot of Wilmorite Inc. To facilitate the $1 million project, Geneva has agreed to extend their Empire Zone to include the mall. Empire Zones allow companies to grow virtually tax-free for 10 years in exchange for job creation. A proposal on file with Geneva estimates the project will create about 450 jobs. The mall in return, will give Geneva $150,000 annually for 10 years to support the city's Tourism Development Program. Approvals are still needed from the Town of Victor and Empire State Development Corp. The proposal will be reviewed by Ontario County Planning Board in August. (7/17)
Victor-- Widewaters Group, a Syracuse-based developer, plans to submit formal applications for a proposed 6,800 sq.ft. TGI Friday's restaurant with 152 parking spaces and a 3,470 sq.ft. International House of Pancakes on the Hampton Inn and Suites site on Route 96. Widewaters initially proposed an Outback Steakhouse for this site last year, which ended in a legal battle with the town. The town was ordered last year by Ontario County Judge James R. Harvey to grant variances to allow for the TGI Fridays to be built 73 feet from Route 95 and the parking lot 70 feet from the road because he believes it is smaller than the steakhouse. Town zoning laws stipulate that restaurants and parking lots be 80 from Route 96. An informal discussion with the Planning Board is planned. (8/11)
2nd Quarter 2002
Brighton-- Advantica Restaurant Group Inc. has closed its third Denny's Restaurant this year. The restaurant at 2800 Monroe Avenue, near Clover Street was company-owned and will be marketed for sale. The other two stores were leased locations. The three restaurants were part of a 30-restaurant package sold to Denny's three years ago for $4.11 million. The restaurants formerly had been Perkins Family Restaurants owned by bankrupt Perk Development Corp. Denny's still operates restaurants in Gates, Henrietta, Greece and Victor. (3/29)
Canandaigua-- Mickey's Chophouse will be located at 5 Beeman St. in the former Rainbow Thai and Chinese Restaurant. The City Planning Commission approved the special use permit. The property, which is owned by Waterford Properties in Victor, will be leased by Debbie and Michael Peacock. The business will create about 11 jobs - eight service and three kitchen staff. The non-smoking restaurant will seat about 90 and will open for dinner-only. The Rainbow Thai and Chinese Restaurant relocated to the Raymour & Flanigan Plaza on Routes 5 and 20. (5/15)
Gates-- The Planning Board granted final site plan approval for Tim Hortons to construct and operate a 2,700 sq.ft. facility on the northwest corner of Howard and Buffalo roads. The restaurant, the first of five planned for Monroe County, is expected to employ 35 people. The new structure will replace a gas station abandoned late last year. Building demolition and removal of the underground gas tanks will precede construction. Work is to begin in June and be completed by the fall. (4/29)
Greece-- Talbots submitted a proposal to build a 6,200 sq.ft. store in Country Village Plaza at 1100 Long Pond Road. The Town Board has to rule on the setback variance before the project can be sent to the Zoning Board for more specific variances on the building setback and parking. Talbots wants to build it closer to the road than the 200 feet allowed under town code. If the Town Board approves a closer setback, the Zoning Board of Appeals would then decide whether to allow 272 parking spaces instead of the 397 spaces required. (5/23, 6/13) The Town Board granted a rezoning approval so Talbots women's clothing store can build in Country Village Plaza closer to Long Pond Road. The proposal is now before the Zoning Board of Appeals. (6.20)
Henrietta-- Tim Hortons, a Canadian-based coffee shop and restaurant chain plans to open two new stores in Henrietta: one is planned at the site of the now-defunct Chi-Chi's Mexican Restaurant on Jefferson Road. Another is slated for a location near the intersection of Lehigh Station and West Henrietta roads. The cost to build and open each location averages $1 million. Both stores are expected to employ about 30 people each. (5/29)
Henrietta-- Wegmans Food Markets Inc.'s application to rezone a 30-acre parcel of land on Calkins Road to make way for a 130,000 square-foot superstore - one of the largest in the area - which also includes a proposal for another 75,000 square feet of additional commercial space is still undecided. Residents were given an opportunity at a public hearing to express concerns about traffic, safety, lighting and other aspects of the project. Wegmans already has two stores in Henrietta. A smaller store at East Henrietta and Calkins roads would close when the new store opens. (4/18)
Livonia-- Least Auto Group Inc. sold its automobile dealership located at 30 Commercial St. in U.S. Bankruptcy Court to Timothy and Steven Balconi, owners of a Geneseo dealership. The purchase of the dealership is a lease agreement in which the Balconis will pay $6,000 a month for six years and pay for improvements to the Commercial Street property. Least Auto Group Inc. is looking to sell its two other dealerships that have recently closed. Proceeds from the sales would go to pay Least's creditors. (4/25)
Penfield-- Delta Sonic Car Wash Systems submitted a proposal to the Planning Board to build a new facility at 1841 Empire Blvd. and 24 Smith Road, near Charlie Reidel's Restaurant. The properties are adjacent to each other and connect on the back part of the properties. It would be fully equipped with a car wash, gas station, detail shop and oil, lube and convenience store. The property is on 3.92 acres and the facility will be about 17,950 sq.ft. Pending approval, Delta Sonic hopes to start building by the end of this year and anticipates opening by the summer of 2003. (6/6)
Perinton-- Mamasan's Restaurant owner, Le Thi Be Walters has received approval by the Historic Architecture Commission to demolish the single-family homes currently at 741 and 747 Pittsford-Victor Road, transforming the single-family homes at 721 and 751 Pittsford-Victor Road into retail/office space and moving the church at 735 Pittsford-Victor Road. Walter plans to open a restaurant in the converted church in the Bushnell's Basin hamlet. The old church, which most recently operated as a jewelry store, was built in the 1830s and was converted to commercial use in the 1980s. Walters has purchased several parcels for expansion and parking. The Planning Board has yet to give preliminary site approval. (4/25)
Pittsford-- The Pittsford Zoning Board of Appeals has rejected a variance application submitted by Linden Avenue Enterprises to open a strip club at 773 Linden Avenue, the current site of Ricci's Towing and close to the East Rochester border. The building inspector determined it was a use and not an area variance that was required. Linden Avenue Enterprises was seeking two variance: one because the club would be within 500 feet of a residential area, which is Woodland Estates. The area is zoned for adult entertainment, but businesses cannot be within 500 feet of residences. The second variance was needed because the club would serve food and beverages, which is not permitted in the light industrial zone. Attorneys for Linden Avenue Enterprises stated they would likely file a lawsuit with the State Supreme Court appealing the Zoning Board's decision. (4/10, 4/17)
Rochester-- Wegmans Food Markets Inc. will expand its 21,000 sq.ft. store on Mt. Hope Avenue, introducing a retro motif to give it the appearance of a classic 1970s grocery. The new 32,000 sq.ft. store will include a large cafe. The expansion will use the space formerly occupied by an M&T Bank and a CVS pharmacy adjacent to the current store. Plans include closing off all curb cuts (on Mt. Hope) and just leave one, putting a light there opposite Record Archive and renovating the existing parking lot. If all approvals are obtained by August, construction could begin by Jan. 1, 2003. Work would take 12 to 18 months. It will be done in phases, and the store will remain open throughout. Wegmans will build a two-lane service road between Mt. Hope and Crittenden Boulevard, which runs along the south side of the property. (5/25)
Rochester-- Center Stage Cafe opened in March at Eastman Place, 25 Gibbs St., in the heart of Rochester's cultural district. The cafe has a musical/theatrical theme and will provide a casual eat-in/carry-out breakfast and lunch menu of homemade specialty foods. (4/10)
Rochester-- Danny's East End Cafe will close at the end of May after 10 years. The owner plans to move away from the area. Negotiations are under way to lease the 35 Chestnut Street location to another restaurant. (5/31)
Rochester-- Computer Rentals of America, LLC has moved into its new western New York headquarters at 167 Liberty Pole Way. The company, which rents desktops, laptops, monitors, printers and LCD projectors, also has offices in Syracuse and Buffalo. (3/28)
Rochester-- Edwards Restaurant has relocated from South Fitzhugh Street to the Jonathan Child House on Washington Street. Edwards Restaurant co-owners spent some $500,000 renovating and converting the old house into a restaurant. They hired 10 to 12 additional staffers, increasing the number of employees to 45 to adequately cover the 120-seat, 5,500 sq.ft. restaurant. The old place had 105 seats and was approximately 4,600 sq.ft. in size. (6/14)
Webster-- The Planning Board granted final approval on the 177,000 sq.ft. Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse, to be built near the corner of Five Mile Line Road and Route 104. Construction could start by the fall, with the store opening to customers in 2003. Plans include a turn signal at the store's Five Mile Line entrance and a southbound right turn lane at the intersection of Five Mile Line and Ridge Road. Plans also call for a driveway that would link Lowe's to BJ's Wholesale Club off Hard Road. (6/10)
Woodville-- Southside Grille, a seasonal restaurant plans to open in the former Doc's Lakeview site on Route 21 at the southern end of Canandaigua Lake. Changes for the eatery include making the deck open-air, a screened-in lake-level dining area, upgrades to the parking area and lighting the docks. The Southside Grille menu will include seaforo, salads, steaks and local wines. (5/1)
1st Quarter 2002
Batavia-- The Ponderosa Steakhouse has been sold by parent corporation, Metromedia Restaurant Group to a Rochester-area businessman. The Batavia site is one of 11 Ponderosa Restaurants in western and central New York that were recently purchased by Bhoopinder Mehta of Pittsford. Mehta's company, Indus Foods, now owns 19 Ponderosa franchises in New York and Pennsylvania. (3/4)
Batavia-- The Genesee County Planning Board recommended site plan approval for an Applebee's restaurant on Route 63. The recommendation came with modifications for rezoning a neighboring residential property that would be part of the restaurant parking lot and compliance with town restrictions relating to signs in the commercial district. The site is on the west side of Route 63 in front of BJ's Wholesale Club. (2/15) The Town Planning Board has approved the preliminary site plan for the proposed 4,740 square-foot Applebee's restaurant on Lewiston Road. They also passed a recommendation for the Town Board to rezone part of the property at the future site from residential to commercial. Benderson Development, the company overseeing the project, still needs final site plan approval and a building permit for the project to proceed. (2/21)
Canandaigua-- The town Planning Board has granted final approval to the proposed 57,000 square-foot Tops grocery store. Benderson Development, which is buying the 11-acre site and leasing it to Tops, still needs easements for storm drains and must fulfill a handful of other conditions before they can break ground on the project. A final lighting plan still needs to go through town engineers MRB Associates. Benderson officials also plans to build a 4,738 square-foot restaurant at the site. (1/23)
Greece-- Lowe's Home Improvement Center and local developer Dale Scutti have received most of the approvals needed to build the proposed 163,000 square-foot Lowe's store at 3160 W. Ridge Road. One zoning variance remains. In the next couple of months, Lowe's will demolish the former Chuck E. Cheese's, Ames discount store and Hoyts Cinema building to make way for the new structure. Value City Furniture, Marshalls and Bally's will remain in the plaza. (12/29)
Greece-- Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is seeking Town Board approval to construct a 4,600 square-foot store on a vacant parcel at Center Place Drive and Buckman Road. Krispy Kreme needs to obtain a special-use permit and zoning "relief" from the town on two conditions. Current zoning does not allow a fourth free-standing restaurant to be built in that development and town code prevents any kind of restaurant from going where Krispy Kreme wants to open. If the project is approved, it would then have to go before the Planning Board for site approval. (1/24)
Greece-- The Restaurant Group is seeking approval to open a Perkins restaurant in the Stoneridge Plaza. The 5,770 square-foot restaurant will be located in the former Key Bank branch building. The group is currently seeking five variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals for additional parking and sign placement. Upon approval, the project will then need to go before the Planning Board. The Greece location would be the fourth in Monroe County. (1/17)
Greece-- The Vision Automotive Group has agreed to purchase the remaining Ford Auto Collection dealerships at 90 W. Main Street in Avon and 4545 W. Ridge Road in Greece. Ford recently put $2.4 million into a renovation at the Greece dealership. Vision plans to build a new facility at the Avon site in the next couple of years. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. (3/21)
Farmington-- Soper Powersports, a Kawasaki motorcycle & ATV shop, plans to open on 6.3 acres of land across from Wade's Market on Route 96. The parcel of land is assessed at $205,700. The property includes a 6,800 square-foot Quonset-shaped building behind a house that Soper says will be removed. The town will require Soper to pay for the installation of a sidewalk and outdoor lights on his land along Route 96. Soper wants to be open for business by mid April. He expects to have seven full-time employees. (1/11)
Henrietta-- The Syracuse-based Raymour & Flanigan furniture chain has agreed to buy the now-empty Builder's Square building at 400 Jay Scutti Blvd. for $7.5 million. Raymour & Flanigan has borrowed $9.4 from Charter One Bank for the acquisition and refurbishing of the 70,000 square foot facility. Raymour & Flanigan plan to move the staff & services from their current location, a 52,000 square foot building at 420 Jefferson Road by the end of 2002. (12/26)
Henrietta-- Wegmans Food Markets Inc. has submitted a letter of intent to request rezoning for a 30-acre parcel of land on Calkins Road, which is residentially zoned to build a superstore. The company has agreed to buy the land from the Monroe County Fair and Recreation Association, pending town approval. The application for the 130,000 square-foot store - one of the largest in the area- includes a proposal for another 75,000 square feet of additional commercial space. The Planning Board would begin review of the concept plan if the Town Board approves the rezoning. The proposal will be a two-phase development. Wegmans would construct the grocery store first and then the additional commercial buildings. Wegmans already has two stores in Henrietta. A smaller store at East Henrietta and Calkins roads would close with the new store's opening. (1/22)
Irondequoit-- According to papers filed with the Monroe County Clerk's Office, the sale of Irondequoit Mall to a group headed by The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the U.S. closed last week at a purchase price of $90.6 million. The 824,000 square foot has about 80 tenants, leaving 40 empty store fronts; including all but three in the Food Court. Madison Marquette Realty Services, a Minneapolis-based group took over management of the mall in early December. (2/28)
Penfield-- The Planning Board has approved the site plan for Aldi's grocery store at Penn-Fair Plaza, near the northeast corner of Routes 250 and 441. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring on the 15,200 square-foot store. Aldi's, a German-owned no-frills grocery chain, already operates stores in Batavia, Brockport, Canandaigua, Geneseo, Greece, Lyons, Rochester and Webster. (2/17)
Penfield-- The Planning Board has granted approval for a single family home at 1229 Bay Road to be converted into a 3,000 square-foot jewelry store. The store will be called West and Company Jewelers. (1/15)
Perinton-- APD Engineering will present a proposal to turn the vacant 2,800 square-foot building at 7328 Pittsford-Palmyra Road into a new restaurant. Charlie's Restaurant is proposed as a 90-seat restaurant and catering business. Developers have met with the Historic Architecture Commission because of proposed changes to the outside of the building, which is in a historic district. The developers were not named in the application. (1/16)
Perinton-- Mamasan's Restaurant owner, Le Thi Be Walters is seeking permission to open another restaurant in a converted church on Route 96 in the Bushnell's Basin hamlet. The old church, which most recently operated as a jewelry store, was built in the 1830s and was converted to commercial use in the 1980s. Walter is proposing to move the church on the property and expand it. She has purchased several parcels for expansion and parking. Any changes to the exterior must be approved by the town's Historic Architecture Commission, since the entire hamlet is designated a historic district. (3/9)
Pittsford-- Pittsford Plaza Cinema is reopening under new ownership on March 22, approximately a month after it closed. Conrad & Linda Zurich have signed a lease with Wilmorite Property Management Inc. to take over the six-screen movie house, which currently seats 2000. The Zurichs plan to add three deluxe auditoriums in September with stadium seating, extra-wide high back chairs containing cup holders, digital surround sound and giant screens. The Pittsford cinema closed Feb. 20 after Wilmorite moved to evict Entertainment Film Works, the previous owners for failure to pay rent. (3/21)
Rochester-- The Grill at Water Street will move from 175 N. Water St. to 550 East Ave. and become the Grill at Strathallan. It will replace Sabrina's at the East Ave. hotel. Owner, Mike Tadich, plans to offer room service and Sunday brunch and will reopen Hattie's, the Strathallan's ninth-floor lounge. The Executive Chef, kitchen and dining room staff will go to the new location. (1/15, 1/18) go to top
4th Quarter 2001
Canandaigua-- Ames Department Stores Inc., which filed for federal bankruptcy protection in August, announced it will close another 54 stores including its store on Route 5 & 20. The stores will begin liquidation on December 30th and are expected to close in February or March. (12/6)
Greece-- Lowe's Home Improvement Center presented a proposal to the Town Board requesting approval to build a 163,000 square-foot facility in Greece Park Plaza, at 3122-3160 West Ridge Road. The facility would consist of a 135,500 square-foot store and a 27,500 square-foot garden center. If the Town Board grants it s approval, the project will be forwarded to the zoning board of appeals and the planning board. (12/13) Lowe's and local developer Dale Scutti have received most of the approvals needed to build the 163,000 square-foot store at 3160 W. Ridge Road. One zoning variance remains. In the next couple of months, Lowe's will demolish the former Chuck E. Cheese's, Ames discount store and Hoyts Cinema building to make way for the new structure. Value City Furniture, Marshalls and Bally's will remain in the plaza. (12/29)
Henrietta-- New divisions of two apparel retailers will be opening in the Bon-Ton wing of Marketplace Mall over the next three months. AnnTaylor Stores Corp.'s Ann Taylor Loft division will open a 4,700 square-foot store and Hollister Co., the division of Abercrombie & Fitch that caters to high-school age consumers, plans to open a 6,000 square-foot store. Both stores offer more moderately priced apparel than their signature stores. (10/30)
Henrietta-- The Wegmans superstore proposed for the front of the Dome Center on Calkins Road, and the rezoning of residential land for commercial use that would go along with it is being opposed by local residents. The grocery chain wants to build a new store on 30 acres of land in front of the Dome Center. It is planned as a larger, expanded version of the small store on the corner of Calkins and East Henrietta roads, which would be torn down. Both Wegmans and the Monroe County Fair Association remain committed to the proposed project. (12/12)
Irondequoit-- Wilmorite Inc. announced that an unidentified, privately held company has agreed to buy the 824,000 square-foot Irondequoit Mall. Terms of the deal for the 11-year-old mall were not disclosed. Wilmorite would not identify the buyer except to say it is a group of out-of-state institutional investors. The new owners have hired real estate developer and management company Madison Marquette of Minneapolis to manage the mall. Currently, the mall, built at a cost of $80 million, has 84 tenants down from 130 tenants a year after its opening. (12/1)
Perinton-- The Planning Board has granted final approval to the proposed development at 7516 Pittsford-Victor Road. Local Developer, Lee Lejnieks will convert the historical Ranney house into a restaurant, turning a barn on the property into a coffee shop, and adding a new building to house an ice cream shop and antique store. The project received preliminary approvals from the Historic Architecture Committee last month. Final Architecture OK and approval by the building department remain. (12/13)
Pittsford-- The village board approved a special permit for a new deli. Ensenat's Delicatessen will open in half of the Wilsie and Crump building at 1 N. Main Street by November. The deli will be open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday. (9/5)
Rochester-- Edwards Restaurant will move to the historic Jonathan Child House in March. The lease at its current location, 13 S. Fitzhugh St. is up in March, but the restaurant's last day there will be February 16th. The Child House, 33 S. Washington Street will allow Edwards to expand. The new restaurant will be able to seat 170. Buckingham Properties purchased the Child House two years ago for $225,000 from Bergmann Associates. Buckingham spent $50,000 on renovations. Details of the lease with Edwards were not disclosed. (12/18)
Rochester-- Blackacre Capital Management LLC took possession of the Midtown property after a three-year battle with former owner Peter Arnold. Blackacre's affiliate, Midtown Rochester Properties LLC, named Lawrence Cohen of Pembroke Companies Inc. as the operating manager and appointed Home Properties Management, an affiliate of Home Properties of New York Inc., to run the Midtown complex. It also hired Tait Realty Advisors for planning purposes. (12/7)
Rochester-- Manhattan Bagels has closed its downtown store in the Wilder Building at the Four Corners. The other four area bakery and restaurant stores remain open. (10/30) go to top
3rd Quarter 2001
Brighton-- The Atlanta Bread Co. chain is expanding with its second café at the former Music Lovers Shoppe Inc. site at 2949 Monroe Avenue. Buckingham Properties LLC manages the 6,000 square-foot space at Monroe Clover Plaza. The new site, due to open in August, will employ five full-time and approximately 25 part-time staffers. It will have a total seating capacity of 120, including 40 seats outside. The first café opened at 1663 E. Henrietta Road 18 months ago. Sales have grown at least 17% since the café first opened. (6/29)
Brighton-- Patrick and John Cortese have agreed to buy two dealerships from the Rochester Ford Auto Collection. The purchase of the former Koerner Ford location at 2500 West Henrietta Road and the former Hastings Ford dealership at 71 Marsh Road in East Rochester should be completed by the end of next month. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Once the purchase is closed, the Corteses will operate six auto franchises in five locations. The two dealerships will be the second and third that the Rochester Ford Auto Collection has sold since it decided to disband the eight-store company-owned operation in June. (8/24)
Bristol-- The Planning Board has approved a proposal for a wine and spirits store, to be opened adjacent to Clement's County Store on Route 64. The Clements plan to turn the house at the corner of Route 64 and County Road 32 into a shop featuring local and state wines. The store is slated to open September 1st. (7/9)
Canandaigua-- Tops grocery chain have reached an agreement to buy land at the corner of Route 332 and North Street. Plans submitted to the town by Benderson Development Corp. include a 57,000 square-foot grocery store, a 4,738 square-foot restaurant, and a gas station on property owned by Anthony Pfeffer Sr. It is now the home of the Becker Motors automobile dealership. The purchase of land is contingent on the project being approved by town planners. Pfeffer Sr. owns two tracts of land at the proposed site. A 3.7 acre parcel at 2596 Route 332, on the west side of the state road and on the north side of North Street, is assessed at $249,900 - $1.24 million including buildings, according to Ontario County Real Property Tax Services. A second parcel, 2.3 acres of vacant land at 2590 Route 332, is assessed at $87,800. Plans call for one entrance to the grocery from Route 332 and a main entrance from North Street to a parking area between the grocery and the fuel station. (8/21)
Canandaigua-- LeBrun Toyota is moving from Geneva to the Route 332 corridor and plans to open its doors in October. The LeBrun property is located on 11.5 acres on the east side of Route 332 in the town of Canandaigua. The land is assessed at $262,500 according to town assessors. In addition to its entrance off of Route 332, the dealership will share an entrance from Aroline Road with the National Bank of Geneva next door. In addition, there is a gravel road from Fire Hall Road leading to the back of the building. The Geneva site will become a used-car business for Toyota and other imports. (8/17)
Canandaigua-- The former site of a Jubilee supermarket will be a Dollar General store by the end of September. Rivercrest Realty owns the building in the long-vacated West Avenue Plaza located between North Main and North Pearl streets. The store will be in the west side of the shopping center. According to the city accessor's office, the entire plaza is tentatively assessed at $1 million, though the owner has contested the city's recent revaluation. (7/18)
Egypt-- Local Developer, Lee Lejnieks is hoping to invest $1 million in the historic Ranney homestead at 7516 Pittsford-Victor Road. His company has proposed converting the house into a restaurant, turning a barn on the property into a coffee shop, and adding a new building to house an ice cream shop and antique store. David Ranney sold the home, built in 1815 and 2.3 acres of land to WL Enterprises in June. Lejnieks has requested the town to rezone the property from residential to limited commercial. The Town Board will hold off on a decision on the rezoning request until it receives Planning Board recommendations. (8/10, 8/21) The Town Board has approved the zoning request to rezone the property from residential to limited commercial. The developer now has one year to acquire a building permit for the project. The next step in the development will be to gain site-plan approval from the Planning Board. Lejnieks hopes to complete the development by May 2002. (9/6)
Farmington-- Low sales have caused the Denny's Inc. chain to close its restaurant at 1681 Rochester Road. All 43 employees who worked at the restaurant have been offered transfers to nearby Denny's in Victor, Canandaigua and at the Monroe Avenue and Penfield Road restaurants in Rochester. The Denny's restaurant opened in June 1988. It originally opened as a privately owned franchise of the chain. Denny's Inc. took over ownership in 1999. (7/19)
Geneseo-- Aldi Foods is opening a new store at 4566 Morganview Road. The discount food store chain has been expanding in upstate New York and has six stores in the Rochester area. The grand opening for the new store is slated for August 23rd. (8/16)
Henrietta-- Galyan's Trading Co., a 86,000 square-foot sporting goods store at the Marketplace Mall is scheduled to open the end of July. The two-story building, located at the mall's southern entrance, between The Bon Ton and Sears, features a 48-foot-high simulated rock-climbing wall. Shoppers can scale the wall and try out climbing gear. The store will employ 150 full-and part-time workers and add 50 during the holiday season. The new store is the second in New York state and the 29th nationally for the Plainfield, Ind. chain. (7/25)
Henrietta-- Bahama Breeze, a Caribbean-themed restaurant has opened at 620 Jefferson Road. The site formerly served as a parking lot for Rochester Gas and Electric Corp.'s nearby operations center. The building, fashioned after a sugar plantation, is accessorized with bamboo and mahogany furniture and sunny island life paintings. The casual dining chain offers dinner-only service. (6/26)
Penfield-- Montana Mills Bread Co. will open its second Rochester-area store of the week at 1855 Empire Blvd. The Brighton-based chain also opened a store in Canandaigua. Both of the new locations are adjacent to Java Joe's cafes. (8/10)
Pittsford-- Matt & Sandra Ensenat of Fairport have applied for a special permit to put a restaurant in half of the Witsie and Crump building at Pittsford village's Four Corners. The building has been divided into two spaces by its owner, Michael C. Newcomb. The village board reviews special permits for restaurants. The application wouldn't have to go to the planning and zoning board because no zoning variances are required and there is no major changes planned to the façade or the inside of the building. The Ensenat's want to open a deli where they would sell homemade submarine sandwiches, soups and salads, mostly for takeout. The deli would only have 16 seats, which requires six parking spaces. (8/22) The village board approved a special permit for the new deli on August 28th. Ensenat's Delicatessen will open in half of the Wilsie and Crump building at 1 N. Main Street by November. The deli will be open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday. (9/5)
Pittsford-- Thrillz Hair Salon in Irondequoit is becoming Thrillz Spa & Salon as it under goes a $500,000 expansion project and moves to 3254 Monroe Avenue, across from Pittsford Plaza. James Scibilia has hired 25 employees for the new venture to add to the existing staff of 10. (9/14)
Rochester-- Edwards Restaurant plans to relocate to the Jonathan Child residence at 37 S. Washington Street in downtown. The 1837 building was the home of Rochester's first mayor. It is located five blocks from Edwards' current location at 13 S. Fitzhugh St., Rochester's first high school. For the plan to move forward, the Washington Street site must obtain the proper permitting from the city. Plans call for the restaurant to move into a portion of the building by fall. Buckingham Properties LLC purchased the building a year ago for roughly $225,000 from Bergmann Associates Engineers Architects Surveyors P.C., which had used it for office space. The real estate development firm has spent some $50,000 on exterior painting, installing tile and landscaping. (7/27) go to top
2nd Quarter 2001
Greece-- PETCO, the nation's second largest retailer of pet supplies, will open its fourth Rochester-area store in the former Service Merchandise property on West Ridge Road, in front of the Mall at Greece Ridge Center. PETCO will occupy 20,000 square feet and will be the first tenant in the remodeled 60,000 square-foot building. (6/20)
Greece-- The Town Board approved a special permit for D2 Restaurant Systems, LLC, to open Great Northern Pizza Kitchens. The pizza shop will open at the former M&T Bank site at 2750 West Ridge Road. The business will offer pizza, wine and beer and will be open daily. (3/29)
Henrietta-- General Cinema movie theaters in Pittsford and Henrietta will be reopened by a Georgia firm. The Restaurant Entertainment Group of Atlanta, Ga. is re-opening the cinema at Marketplace Mall, 1100 Miracle Mile Drive and it will feature seven screens and a restaurant. That cinema will feature first-run, foreign, and art movies. Restaurant Entertainment is also reopening a cinema with six screens at Pittsford Plaza, 3349 Monroe Avenue. That cinema will have the usual movie snack bar and will feature first-run movies. The Pittsford theater is expected to reopen in early June and the Henrietta theater will reopen in early July. (4/11)
Penfield-- Fallone Enterprises is proposing constructing a 5,270 square-foot building on a parcel just north of its 43,400 square-foot Baytowne Square plaza now under construction. The parcel houses Bay Hots, which will be demolished to accommodate the proposed project. Owners of Bay Hots said the restaurant will relocate around the corner on Empire Boulevard. The additional parcel will allow Fallone Enterprises to move the Baytowne Square entrance farther north, and away from a busy intersection. (4/12)
Perinton-- Wegmans Food Markets has received final site approval from the Planning Board for the expansion of its store at 6600 Pittsford-Palmyra Road. The 28,300 square-foot expansion project includes added interior space, a new façade, and the clock tower. The Zoning Board granted a variance for the 40-foot tower, which will stand atop a 40-foot building, making the entire elevation twice that allowed by town code. Construction will begin this fall and continue for 18 months. The store will remain open throughout the construction. (4/5)
Pittsford-- The Kessler Group Inc. of Rochester will finally go before the village Planning and Zoning Board to have its proposal for a Four Corners Friendly's restaurant reviewed. The Planning Board will review the proposal for the 90-seat restaurant, and it has the final say on whether the Wilsie and Crump building (the former Hunter's Pharmacy) at 1 N. Main Street can be converted into an eatery. The Village Board approved a special permit for the restaurant in March. In addition, the proposal needed to go through a State Environmental Quality Review Act process because the building is close to two other historically significant structures. The chief point of concern is the impact on traffic and parking. The building has no parking spaces assigned to it. (6/27)
Pittsford-- Ewe Too, a women's clothing store in the village reopened in its new location at 15 S. Main Street on May 2nd. The new location is three times larger than Eve Too's old store, which was located in a small, free-standing cottage behind the Hicks and McCarthy Restaurant on Main Street. The new location is the third for Ewe Too since it opened in 1986. (5/30)
Pittsford-- Boku, a South Main Street upscale gift shop has gone out of business just 18 months after opening. Parking constraints in the village were part of the reason for the store's closing. (4/11)
Rochester-- Wegmans Food Markets Inc. has purchased three parcels of land adjacent to its 1750 East Avenue store. Wegmans purchased land and buildings at 1792-1798 East Ave., 1800-1804 East Ave. and 1765 University Avenue. Each property sold for $833,400. Built in 1962, the East Avenue store was Wegmans' 10th store. At 41,000 square feet, it ranks among the smallest in the chain. Wegmans stores average 100,000 square feet. Wegmans is renovating four local stores; Lyell Avenue, Chili Avenue, Penfield and Perinton locations to include drive-through pharmacies and cafes. When finished, the stores will range from 95,000 to 120,000 square feet. Wegmans has no plans in the works to expand its East Avenue store. The acquisition gives Wegmans the flexibility to expand in the future. (3/25)
Spencerport-- A new grocery store will move into the Village Plaza supermarket building, which has been empty since November when Jubilee closed. Village Plaza Foods will be selling IGA products. The store will have an estimated 50 to 60 full-and-part-time employees. The new store will have a café, coffeebar and a video department. The tentative opening date is mid-May. (6/27) go to top
1st Quarter 2001
Henrietta-- HomePlace, the housewares superstore that open five years ago, is going out of business. The store is one of 38 that the company has decided to close; 84 will remain open. (1/31)
Henrietta-- Galyan's Trading Co., a 84,000 square-foot sporting goods store is under construction at the Marketplace Mall. The two-story building, located at the mall's southern entrance, between The Bon Ton and Sears, will features a 43-foot-high simulated rock-climbing wall. Shoppers can scale the wall and try out climbing gear. The store is scheduled to open in August. (2/14)
Henrietta-- Natural Wonders Inc. has put their 122,000 square-foot World of Science space on the market. Natural Wonders, who acquired World of Science last September for $5.45 million cash, has cut 90 local employees, some 60 staffers at the corporate office and warehouse at 900 Jefferson Road. The corporate offices were closed and the operations were moved to Louisville, Ky. (12/22)
Irondequoit-- Irondequoit Mall is struggling. The empty storefront count has reached 33. Excluding the anchor stores, Kaufmann's, J.C. Penney's, Sears and Bon-Ton, only 72% of the available square footage is occupied. That's 7% below where the occupancy rate was a year ago. The national average is 90%. (2/24)
Perinton-- The Planning Board will review plan modifications for a 28,300 square-foot addition to the Wegmans store at 6600 Pittsford-Palmyra Road. Plans include an 80-foot steeple clock tower and a drive-through pharmacy. If approved, Wegmans will go before the towns Zoning Board of Appeals to request a special-use permit for the drive-through and a variance for the height of the clock tower. The project would then go back before the Planning Board for final approval. (1/17) The Zoning Board of Appeals granted a variance to Wegmans Food Markets to permit construction of an 80-foot clock tower as part of a 28,000 square-foot expansion of its store at 6600 Pittsford-Palmyra Road. Conditions of the variance state that the only illumination be the internal lighting of the clock itself, that no objects be attached to it, and that the clock tower has no chimes or bells. (3/1)
Pittsford-- The Town Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for Sammy Mina, owner of the Pomodoro Grill and Wine Bar on University Avenue to open another Pomodoro Grill in Pittsford Colony Plaza, 3400 Monroe Avenue. The 180-seat Mediterranean eatery, to be located in the site of the former Priceless Kids store, also was granted a variance for 100 outdoor seats. In addition, the restaurant will also have an adjoining pasta manufacturing business next door in the space formerly occupied by the Pittsford Fish Market. The permit was granted with a number of conditions, including one that requires the restaurant owners to reapply for another permit a year after they open. (12/27)
Pittsford-- The Kessler Group Inc. of Rochester wants to open a 90-seat Friendly's restaurant in the former Hunter's Pharmacy building at 1 N. Main Street. The building has been vacant for nearly a year. The Village Planning Board was unable to reach a decision. The chief point is whether there would be enough parking spots available in the village during the lunch hour. The building has no parking spaces assigned to it. The developers need a variance from the village to accommodate the 41 spaces required. Also, the historic significance of the building will make remodeling and renovations a challenge. (12/23,3/21)
Rochester-- Wal-Mart is building its first store within Rochester city limits. The retailer will open a 200,000 square-foot "superstore", the third largest in the state, by spring of 2002 in the former Two Guys and Hechinger's location at 1500 Hudson Avenue. The store, the third superstore proposed for the Rochester area, will employ 450 people and will cost $10 to $12 million to build. The tax impact from sales at the store and from property taxes could reach into the millions of dollars. Wal-Mart spends about $3 billion annually with more than 3,000 in-state suppliers. The chain is not receiving any tax abatements for the project. The super-centers comprise a discount department store, a supermarket and a car-care center. Wal-Mart is currently building a super-center at Westgate Plaza on Howard Road in Gates. Another is in the planning stages for Route 96 in Victor. Currently, the retailer has discount stores in Greece, Henrietta and Penfield. (12/19)
Rochester-- Wegmans Food Markets Inc. has purchased three parcels of land adjacent to its East Avenue store. The total price of the parcels, which include an employee parking lot on University Avenue that the grocery chain had previously been leasing and two retail/apartment buildings on East Avenue, was less than $1 million. Wegmans has no plans in the works to expand its 41,000 square-foot East Avenue store. The acquisition is part of the company's long-range strategy to control whatever is next to a store. (3/24)
Rochester-- Timothy Lisberg Jr. has opened Clinton Pharmacy Services at 821 N. Clinton Avenue. Clinton Pharmacy is the ninth store in a limited partnership that also owns five pharmacies in the Buffalo area and three in Michigan. In addition, Tommy Lin has opened Wang Chinese Takeout at 804 N. Clinton Avenue. The city worked closely with the North Clinton Business Association to get the two business owners to do business in an urban corridor. (1/30)
Victor-- McDonald's proposal to open a 3,960 square-foot restaurant and drive-through adjacent to a 159-year-old cobblestone home on the northeast corner of Route 96 and High Street received concern from the Planning Board. McDonald's must obtain approximately 18 area variances and a use variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals in order to open a commercial business in a residentially zoned area. (1/7, 1/13) go to top
4th Quarter 2000
Brighton-- The historic Spring House restaurant at 3901 Monroe Avenue has been bought by Monroe Clover Plaza LLC, the same company that owns the adjacent Monroe Clover Plaza. The restaurant, built in 1829 and designated a historic landmark by the town, will change hands as of January 1st; the current owner is retiring. Plans call for integrating the plaza and the restaurant into a small village-like setting called Spring House Commons, an "upscale destination for shopping, services and fine dining." The space in the plaza formerly occupied by the Music Lovers Shoppe is being divided into three or more spaces and totally renovated for upscale stores. The property is in the towns of Brighton and Pittsford, so the design guidelines of the Monroe Avenue Corridor Study are being considered. (11/22)
Canandaigua-- Tops Friendly Market, the Williamsville-based food chain, has proposed a 57,000 square-foot store to be built between Parrish Street and Routes 5 and 20. Part of the 6.6-acre site is zoned for residential and office space. The company is asking the city to rezone the entire site, which includes nine parcels, to commercial use. (10/3)
Canandaigua-- Chase Pitkin Home & Garden on Routes 5 and 20 has received approval to add 32,000 square feet to its existing 66,000 square footage. The cost of the project has not been determined. The expansion will result in a larger kitchen and bath department as well as larger displays of lighting, doors windows and flooring. The store will remain open during the construction, which is scheduled to be completed by February. The store was completed in 1985 and an addition was added to the west side of the store in 1997. (10/20)
Canandaigua-- The Tea Garden Restaurant in the Raymour and Flanigan Plaza on Routes 5 and 20 has reopened for business. Owner, Pak Man Lee spent $300,000 in renovating and expanding the Chinese restaurant that was ravaged by an electrical fire in February. Lee purchased the Canandaigua eatery in 1982. (9/20)
Henrietta-- Tim Horton's Restaurant has been granted a special-use permit by the town to build on the southeast corner of West Henrietta and Lehigh Station roads. The application still needs Planning Board approval. The 2,810 square-foot building would be the first such operation in the Rochester area. Tim Horton's specializes in baked goods such as doughnuts, muffins and coffee, and offers a lunch menu of soups and sandwiches. The store is expected to be open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and have a 24-hour drive-through window. (12/13)
Pittsford-- Sammy Mina, owner of the Pomodoro Grill and Wine Bar on University Avenue has proposed building another Pomodoro Grill in Pittsford Colony Plaza, 3400 Monroe Avenue. The project includes indoor seating for 180 people and outdoor seating for 100 people. Mina needs a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals to seat people outdoors. In addition, the project calls for an adjoining pasta manufacturing business next door to the restaurant. The pasta-making business would be housed in the space formerly occupied by the Pittsford Fish Market and Pomodoro would move into the space formerly occupied by the Priceless Kids store. (11/29)
Pittsford-- Roger S. Powers announced plans to renovate a cluster of vacant Schoen Place buildings he owns and turn them into retail or restaurant ventures. It would be the first time the tin and wood buildings would be used for something other than agriculture. Powers got approval from the village to repair a roof on one section but still needs to get site plan approval from the village before starting any major renovations. The red and gray buildings, between the Newcomb Oil Co. and Bill Wahl's Ice Cream, date to 1830 and have been in Powers' family since the early 1900s. (9/26)
Rochester-- Judge John Ninfo II has ruled that Midtown Plaza retail and office complex is worth $14.9 million. The decision clears the way for owner Peter J. Arnold to file a new reorganization plan and disclosure statements with the court. Arnold filed Chapter 11 in January 2000. Blackacre Bridge Capital LLC, the company that loaned Arnold $18.5 million to finance his purchase of Midtown from the McCurdy family in November of 1997, appears to have the power to force Arnold to give up ownership of the 38-year-old mall. (12/1)
Spencerport-- The Jubilee Supermarket, located in the Spencerport Village Plaza has closed its doors. The site of the store, which operated in the plaza for ten years, is empty. The village has been working with Goldstein Management, owner of the plaza, to secure a new grocery tenant for the location. The closest supermarket is a Big M approximately three miles away at Route 31 and Elmgrove Road. (11/24)
Victor-- Benderson Development, developer of Victor Commerce Park and the WalMart store must answer a 41-page detailed study as part of the Planning Board's project review. Benderson wants to open a 200,000 square-foot combination retail and grocery Wal-Mart store, two restaurants and additional retail stores on the north end of the site, which is located just north of the Thruway. A 100 to 125 room hotel, restaurant, and five office buildings would open at the south end of the site. Benderson wants to swap land with an adjacent property owner so all of the 95 acres is commercially zoned. Zoning must be addressed and decided on by the Planning Board. Benderson will look at what impact the project would have on neighborhood character, security and crime in the area, traffic, wildlife and the environment, and study issues such as lighting and noise. Donald Robinson, vice president of Benderson Development stated the scoping study should be completed in early 2001. (9/27)
Victor-- The Planning Board is beginning its review an application to build a McDonald's on the site of a 159 year-old cobblestone home at 236 High Street Extension. A 3,960 square foot restaurant with a stone base, windows with block-patterned panes, and a drive-thru is proposed. The cobblestone structure and nearly 2-acre parcel is owned by Zoe Smith. Before seeking Planning Board approval, McDonald's must obtain approximately 18 area variances and a use variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals in order to open a commercial business in a residentially zoned area. (11/7,11/15)
Webster-- Grocer Bruce Hegedorn has asked the town for permission to develop a Lowe's Improvement Warehouse on land he owns on Five Mile Line Road, between Route 104 and Ridge Road. Hegedorn has proposed a box store of 135,000 square feet with an additional 42,000 square feet of outdoor storage space. It would be the second Lowe's in the Rochester area. Hegedorn must submit an environmental study to the Planning Board before any approvals can be issued. (12/11) go to top
3rd Quarter 2000
Brighton-- Compson Development, the Virginia-based owner of Clover Commons plaza recently received from the town a preliminary demolition permit, which lets the firm look into "structural possibilities" for the buildings. Demolition crews are tearing down walls of the old stores, which were told to close their doors. Almost all the tenants in the plaza were given relatively little notice that they were to move. Knit-n-Purl, located at Clover Commons for 17 years, has relocated to Brighton Commons. Brighton News, which was located at the plaza for 23 years, has moved to Monroe Avenue near Brighton Donuts. Thomas Folino, owner of Thomas Tailor, is finalizing plans for his tailor shop relocation. He operated at Clover Commons for 19 years. Other tenants are still scrambling to secure a new location. Compson has not disclosed the names of any new prospective tenants. (7/12)
Bristol-- Kirkwood Enterprises has submitted to the Planning Board a proposal to build a Sunoco gas station and minimart at Route 64 and County Road 32. The 3,000 square-foot gas station would go up across the street from Clement's Country Store; the town's only grocery. Most residents oppose the project, citing traffic, lighting, environmental concerns and the site's close proximity to Levi Corser Memorial Park on Route 32. (8/8)
Canandaigua-- Tops Friendly Market, the Williamsville-based food chain, presented plans to the City Council's Ordinance Committee for a 57,000 square-foot store on 6.6 acres of land between the city's downtown and lakefront. The store would sit at Route 332 and Routes 5 and 20, near a Wegmans Food Markets store. The company is asking the city to rezone the land for commercial use; it is a mix of commercial and residential now. Several downtown properties, including Parrish Street Motors, Wells-Fargo Home Mortgage, Canandaigua Family Billiards, Prudential Realty, Pollimeni's Law Office, Kirby Cleaners and several homes in which eight families live, will be demolished to make way for the supermarket chain. The Waldorf Boat Company, a storage facility for Seager Marina, will be moved to another location. Tops expect to break ground in the spring of 2001. (8/25)
Canandaigua-- According to a deed processed at the Ontario County Clerk's office, James L. Griffith of 4918 Sunrise Circle has sold his property at 502 S. Main St. for $700,000 to Wegmans Food Markets. The property on the corner of Parrish and South Main is assessed at $392,000. Built in 1987, the 4,176 square foot structure, currently houses Dollinger Travel. A representative of Wegmans said the company bought the property for "investment purposes" and is planning on keeping it as an office building. Griffith's was one of several downtown properties that Tops wanted to buy and eventually demolish to make way for the new grocery store. (6/2)
Henrietta-- Bally's Health and Fitness has announced that it will open a branch in the Frontier Commons, 1225 Jefferson Road. The fitness club has leased 25,000 square feet from David Flaum Management. Bally's long-term lease makes the 272,000 square-foot plaza 95% occupied. The health club could be open in early 2001. (7/26,8/16)
Henrietta-- The Planning Board approval a proposal by Galyan's Trading Co., a rapidly growing sporting goods chain, for a two-story, 84,000 square-foot expansion project for Marketplace Mall. The store would be built onto what is now the mall's southern entrance, between The Bon Ton and Sears. Construction costs have not been released. Building permits must be approved before construction can begin. The store is scheduled to open in July 2001. A major feature of the store is a 43-foot-high simulated rock-climbing wall that rises from the ground floor to the top of the building. Shoppers can scale the wall and try out climbing gear. (6/27,8/9,8/16)
Henrietta-- Dynamic Doughnuts, based in North Carolina, is opening a Krispy Kreme Doughnuts franchise at 1150 Jefferson Road. Krispy Kremes is expected to open November 14th. The doughnut shop is moving to the prior Lone Star Steakhouse and Restaurant location. Krispy Kreme will build a 4,200 square-foot building at the site. The shop will need to hire about 100 people to produce the doughnuts. (8/8)
Henrietta-- The Restaurant Group LLC has applied for approval with the Planning Board to open a Perkins restaurant on Jefferson Road near Interstate 390. The group has finalized an exclusive franchise agreement with The Restaurant Co., Perkins' franchiser. The restaurant would be located in front of Bill Gray's at Frontier Commons. The restaurant is expected to employ about 70 full and part-time workers. It will be open 24 hours a day and could open by April 2001. (8/8, 8/16)
Penfield-- Robert Fallone Jr. has proposed building a strip mall called Baytowne Square on the northwest corner of Empire Boulevard and Bay Road. The building would be located at 1855 Empire Boulevard and would include a Pier I Imports store, a Starbucks Coffee shop, a Dunn Tire store, a Montana Mills Bread Co., a Sleep City USA, and a Frontier Communications service center. The Planning Board is checking with state and county governments to see if improvements are needed at the intersection. (6/25) On a vacant corner lot, formerly used by a car dealership, Robert Fallone Jr. plans to demolish three existing structures and construct a 43,400 square-foot commercial building. The five-acre site, located across from Baytowne Plaza, is zoned general business. The developer needs to apply to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a variance to install parking spaces in an area that requires a buffer. A 110-foot buffer is required on sites zoned general business, when they border property zoned residential. The neighboring property, owned by Monroe County, is zoned single-family residential. Fallone hopes to begin construction on the site in August. (7/6)
Pittsford-- Wendy's restaurant will submit preliminary plans to the Planning Board to construct a 4,143 square-foot restaurant with outdoor seating to 3180 Monroe Avenue. The brick restaurant would have 105 seats, with some outdoor seating and a drive-thru. No estimated opening date was released. (7/5)
Pittsford-- Construction has begun on Pittsford Square, a new 36,000 square-foot shopping area opposite Pittsford Plaza. Benderson Development, the owner & developer for the two story plaza said Pittsford Square should be open by the first part of October and will likely be used exclusively for retail. Zany Brainy, a children's learning center will occupy 10,000 square feet and will be the lead tenant. Pittsford Square will be Zany Brainy's first location in the Rochester area. The store recently acquired its leading competitor, Noodle Kidoodle, which has a store at EastView Mall in Victor. Benderson has secured three other tenants for the plaza: Chico's, an upscale women's casual store; Empire Vision, which is relocating from another plaza in the area; and a hair salon. All of those stores are expected to be open by Christmas 2000. (8/3,8/30)
Rochester-- Benderson Development has two more tenants for HSBC Plaza: Saperston & Day P.C. will move into the top floor of the 20-story tower and accounting firm Mengel Metzger Barr & Co. LLP will take over about 13,000 square feet on the building's 12th floor. Benderson has spent more than $4 million renovating the office tower, including a fix-up of the building's atrium. Saperson will be leaving its current offices in First Federal Plaza. Mengel will leave a building the firm owns at Main and Chestnut Streets. HSBC Plaza has four 17,000 square-foot floors that are still empty. (7/8)
Rochester-- The Dollar Tree is moving out of Midtown Plaza and into the South Wedge neighborhood. The chain will open a 6,780 square-foot store in the Wilson Farms Plaza at 923 S. Clinton Avenue, near South Goodman Street. The move means the redevelopment of Wilson Farms Plaza is complete. (8/9)
Spencerport-- The Doan Family of Dealerships has bought Durfee Chevrolet-Oldsmobile and renamed the West Ridge Road dealership Doan Chevrolet-Oldsmobile. The former Durfee dealership employs more than 85 people and is the seventh Doan dealership in this area. (8/4) go to top
2nd Quarter 2000
Canandaigua-- Tops Friendly Market, the Williamsville-based food chain, announced its plans to develop a 57,000 square-foot grocery store on the corner of South Main and Parrish streets. Several downtown properties, including Parrish Street Motors, Wells-Fargo Home Mortgage, Canandaigua Family Billiards, Prudential Realty, Pollimeni's Law Office, Kirby Cleaners and several homes in which eight families live, will be demolished to make way for the supermarket chain. The Waldorf Boat Company, a storage facility for Seager Marina, will be moved to another location. Specific building plans for the 6.6 acre site have not yet been publicly discussed. Before any construction can begin, city officials need to rezone a portion of the proposed site. Tops expect to break ground in the spring of 2001. (5/5)
Greece-- Developer Dale Scutti has asked the town board to rezone approximately 17 acres on the south side of West Ridge Road to allow for general business use and issue a permit for a Lowe's home improvement store, originally proposed for the Greece Park Mall. It is speculated that Scutti had trouble securing the property he needed to build at the Greece Park Mall. He owned only part of the land on which he proposed building. The 135,000 square-foot store would now be located just west of Ralph Pontiac Honda, 3939 W. Ridge Road. The acreage is currently zoned for single family homes. Lowe's based in North Wilkesboro, N.C., is the second-largest home improvement retailer behind Home Depot. Its only Rochester location is in Henrietta. (4/13)
Irondequoit-- Home Depot has opened its newest location on East Ridge Road. The 113,000 square-foot store employs about 200 people and offers more than 45,000 different products and service. Atlanta-based Home Depot's other area stores are in Greece, Henrietta, Penfield, and Victor. (5/25)
Irondequoit-- The town is selling its prime waterfront property to be used for boat and car dealerships. Nine acres off Pattonwood Drive will be split between Skip Shumway of Shumway Marina and John Gabriele of Maria Dodge at a cost of $130,000 per acre. Shumway will lease his four acres of the prime waterfront property to Smith Boys of Rochester Inc. to be used for yacht sales. Marina Dodge will relocate to the back portion of the remaining five acres after the state demolished the dealership next year to make way for the Stutson Street bridge replacement. The town and Gabriele will swap the land, whereby the town will get 3.5 acres of riverfront property along the Genesee River and Gabriele will pay for about 1.5 acres of the Pattonwood property. (5/26)
Naples-- Developer Ed Garrigues is seeking planning board approval for Naples Creek Village, a proposed hotel and strip mall. The complex would be built on 11.2 acres of land straddling the town-village line near routes 21 and 53. The plans include 10 high-end retail shops, a two-story, 48 room motel, 42 upscale extended-stay units, a chapel and separate gated community which would include 28 additional extended-stay units and 12 townhomes. All of the living units would be rentals. (4/18,4/21)
Rush-- The Dorschel group, one of Rochester's largest automobile dealerships, wants to develop 14 acres of residential property it owns near the intersection of routes 15 and 251. The initial proposal calls for a 14,000 square-foot auto sales center, a convenience store, a gas station, and an automated car wash on approximately half the land. Dorschel stated that this is the first phase of a plan to develop 26 acres the company owns at the intersection. Plans for the remaining half are undefined. (4/28)
Victor-- The town Planning Board has begun the long review process for a proposed 565,000 square-foot commercial complex anchored by a Wal-Mart near EastView Mall. In addition to the 204,000 square-foot Wal-Mart, Buffalo-based Benderson Development hopes to put three retail stores, three restaurants, five office buildings, and a hotel on a 95 acre plot on Route 96 at the intersection of the New York state Thruway and Interstate 490. The planning board will designate itself as the agency responsible for overseeing an environmental impact study of the proposed Victor Commerce Park. The board will then refer an appeal for a setback reduction to the town Zoning Board of Appeals. (4/24) A line dividing residential and commercial zoning cuts through Benderson's property. Benderson Development has proposed a land swap with Robert Scala, who owns land adjacent to the development site. When two types of zoning occur within one plot of land, the most restrictive zoning takes place. In Benderson's case, because a 70-acre commercially zoned plot contains about 3 acres of residentially zoned land, Benderson could only develop the land as residential unless the small piece is rezoned or removed. Removing the piece, called subdividing would require Planning Board approval. If the board approves the subdivision, Benderson would give Scala the residential land in exchange for a similar amount of commercially zoned land that falls within a residential plot that Scala owns. The swap would allow Benderson to develop the land commercially. If approved, Benderson would likely be required to keep the swapped commercial land as open space. (5/9) go to top
1st Quarter 2000
Geneseo-- WKSC, a Traverse City, Mich. development firm, has proposed building a $350,000 fast-food facility on Route 20A. According to papers filed with the village clerk, construction of the Taco Bell/KFC restaurant would take ~ 90 days. The restaurant is tentatively planned for a chunk of land on the village's east side between an HSBC bank building and a small strip mall. (1/26)
Greece-- Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon has closed two area restaurants at 2670 W. Ridge Road in Greece and 1150 Jefferson Road in Henrietta. Lone Star restaurants, based in Wichita, Kansas, have closed 24 "underperforming" restaurants in the United States. (3/7)
Honeoye Falls-- Juniper Beans, a new coffeehouse and eatery will open in the town's historic 1827 Lower Mill this February. The new restaurant will be part of the already established Mill Art Center & Gallery in the grist mill at 61 North Main Street. The restaurant will be open Monday through Saturday for lunch and host live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. Juniper Beans, with a seating capacity of 45, will have room to cater parties of up to 250. (1/28)
Irondequoit-- Benderson Development Co. of Buffalo expects to purchase Irondequoit Fair plaza at 1850 E. Ridge Road within a month from its owners, Brown and East Ridge Partners. The 70,000 square-foot plaza, built in 1990, has been plagued with low occupancy since 1996; having been completely vacant for about a year. Benderson plans to change both the plaza's name and its façade to attract new tenants. Benderson would not disclose the purchase price. The assessment roll has the property valued at $1.35 million. (2/15)
Perinton-- Wegmans Food Markets are seeking town Planning Board approval for a 28,300 square-foot addition to their existing store at 6600 Pittsford Palmyra Road. Plans call for the 90,700 square-foot store to be expanded to 111,000 square feet with an additional 8,000 square-foot mezzanine. The addition on the east end of the building would be used for a larger prepared food section and dining area. Date for completion depends on town approval. (2/10) The Planning Board denied Wegmans revised request for preliminary and final site-plan approval due to traffic, drainage and lighting conflicts. As part of the revised expansion, Wegmans was proposing to extend parking between the east wall of the store and Wendy's. Traffic improvements in the proposal included a traffic light at the Route 31 entrance, across from Perinton Hills. The Planning Board gave Wegmans a number of stipulations to meet if the company reapplies for approval, including resolving drainage issues, adding a roof over the proposed loading dock to the plan, reaching a consensus with the town about lighting, and making sure adequate parking is available. (3/9)
Pittsford-- Hunter's Pharmacy, located in the brick-with-white-trim Wiltsie and Crump building, 1 N. Main Street, will close its doors after thirty years of business. Hunter's is one of the last of a dwindling number of independent pharmacies in Monroe County. Co-owner, Randy Hunter stated that numerous factors prompted the decision to close the pharmacy. The pharmacy's prescriptions will be transferred to the Eckerd pharmacy in Pittsford Plaza. (12/22)
Pittsford-- Loews Pittsford, the three-screen movie complex at 3400 Monroe Avenue will close on February 24th. The theater could not compete with the new multiplexes that offer expanded comforts including stadium seating, colorful lobbies, high-tech sound, giant screens, and espresso bars. Several of the Loews Pittsford employees will probably be offered jobs at the Webster Theater. (2/23)
Pittsford-- Benderson Development Co. is proposing Pittsford Square, an upscale retail and restaurant complex on Monroe Avenue on a vacant piece of land between Leary's Cleantown and Rite Aid. Plans call for a two-building complex that would include a one-story retail plaza in the front and a two-story building with offices and a restaurant in the back. The two buildings together would total 35,000 square feet. The town Planning Board has already reviewed building designs for Pittsford Square. The next step is for the plan to come before the board for concept approval. (1/5)
Pittsford-- Wendy's has submitted sketches to the Planning Board for a restaurant on Monroe Avenue on a vacant parcel of land next to Petco, across from Wegmans. The company is meeting with the Planning Board and town officials to discuss the color scheme, entrances, curb cuts and the positioning of the building on the parcel of land. Wendy's would build as soon as it gets the necessary approvals. (2/23)
Rochester-- Benderson Corporation plans to build a 13,000 square-foot Eckerd, with a drive-through pharmacy, at the corner of Lake Avenue and Ridge Road. Construction would begin in the spring. Benderson has purchased the one-acre site now occupied by an old funeral home on Ridge Road, the Dunn Tire Store at the corner of Lake and Ridge roads, as well as Lee's Oriental Foods and Wub's Tavern on Lake Avenue. The corporation also plans buy, then demolish, three houses on the north side of Parkdale Terrace. The demolition of the three houses would leave neighbors with a view of Eckerd's parking lot. Benderson has agreed to construct a solid wooden fence on the north side of Parkdale Terrace to block the view of the parking area. The company also agreed to landscape the perimeter of the Eckerd property. (12/24)
Watkins Glen-- The village Planning Board is working with a Wal-Mart engineer on a site plan for a proposed 145,000 square-foot store, which would open on Fourth Street. The superstore is just the latest example of growth and development on Seneca Lake. The proposed store would increase the tax base and create jobs in economically struggling Schuyler County. (2/10)
Webster-- Town officials want to build a road to connect Route 104 with Webster High School. The road would run through a proposed strip mall, which could be built east of Five Mile Line Road and south of Route 104. The Town Board approved a progressive development district for Expressway Plaza, a strip mall that would include two main buildings of 180,000 and 140,000 square feet and a total of 433,000 square feet when completed. The district will allow grocer Bruce Hegedorn to develop the mall in stages on 48 acres near his grocery store. The town would need state permission to build the road; it would require an entrance and exit on the access road on the south side of Route 104. (1/8) go to top
4th Quarter 1999
Fairport-- Fairport Village Coffee will open at the Village Landing in mid-January. It will be located in the spot previously occupied by the Hunting Horn Tack Shop. The owner, resident Michael Ferrante, will offer gourmet coffees, pastries, muffins, bagels, cookies, and cakes. The coffee shop will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. There will be a limited seating area. (11/24)
Farmington-- Private developer, Don Simmons has submitted a proposal to the Planning Board to build a 36,000 square-foot truck stop on a 21-acre lot at the corner of Route 332 and Collett Road. The Petro Travel Center would include a 24-hour restaurant, computer store, movie room, showers, and laundry facility for truckers and motorist. Plans also call for fueling stations, a convenience store, and maintenance shop for trucks and recreational vehicles. An Ontario County Sheriff's office may also be included in the project. Representative for Eastman Kodak Co. and The Farash Corp. oppose the plans. (11/18)
Gates-- An Imax Theater has opened in the new building next to the Tinseltown USA multiplex located at Buffalo Road and Interstate 490. The theater screen stretches 50 feet tall and 70 feet wide, 17 feet wider than the largest screen at Tinseltown. Seating at the new theater is steeper-than-normal- stadium style, putting the audience closer to the projected image. An Imax film invigorates the senses with state-of-the-art sound, larger-than-life images and dizzying views. Both theaters are owned by Cinemark. (10/28)
Gates-- The Planning Board has approved plans for a 28,000 square-foot shopping center to house Westgate Plaza businesses. Benderson Development Co. will build 5 separate building to replace Westgate Plaza. Once the 17.5-acre complex is completed, Westgate Plaza will be torn down so a 200,000 square-foot Wal-Mart super-center can be built. In exchange for Westgate Park, a new 15-acre park will be built across from Westgate Plaza. (10/27)
Greece-- Developer Anthony Comparato, president of Compson Development Co., was given permission to start preliminary construction on the site of the old Town Hall. Comparato currently leases the property at 2505 W. Ridge Road from Munipro. The site still houses the Mitchell Road Library. Under the lease agreement, Comparato has the option to renovate the library or demolish it. The developer plans to build a retail complex, which could be open as soon as next spring. The project calls for a 24,000 square-foot building and a 3,000 square-foot building. The two buildings would house a total of three businesses, including a bank. (9/30, 11/25)
Greece-- Staples Inc., based in Framingham, Mass., opened its third area store at 1370 West Ridge Road. The 27,730 square-foot store is at the site of the former Lowe's theater; Stoneridge Theater permanently closed its door in December. Staples plans to open a fourth store in Victor early next year. The 24,300 square-foot store will be located in Eastview Commons, adjacent to the Target store, near EastView Mall. (9/24, 12/16)
Henrietta-- Best Buy Co. Inc. has opened a new 45,000 square-foot store at 2345 Marketplace Drive. The store is expected to employ about 150 people. Best Buy has approximately $10 billion in annual sales from its 337 stores in 36 states across the country. The company is projecting sales of $20 billion within five years and plans to add more than 200 outlets in the same time period. (10/13)
Henrietta-- Bill Gray's just opened its newest restaurant in the former Cohoes Plaza on Jefferson Road. This is the chain's largest and most modern store, and Bill Gray's seven other locations are being updated as well. Its newest location includes 11 televisions, a game room and an outside deck. (12/15)
Rochester-- Benderson Corporation announced plans to build a 13,000 square-foot Eckerd, with a drive-through pharmacy, at the corner of Lake Avenue and Ridge Road. Construction would begin in the spring. Benderson has purchased the 1 ½ -acre site now occupied by an old funeral home on Ridge Road, the Dunn Tire Store at the corner of Lake and Ridge roads, as well as Lee's Oriental Foods and Wub's Tavern on Lake Avenue. The corporation also plans to purchase, and later demolish, three houses on the north side of Parkdale Terrace. (11/9)
Rochester-- West & Co. Jewelers of Webster plans to open a second store at 45 East Avenue. The East Avenue location will be similar to the existing store, except it will lack the manufacturing facility here all West & Co. products are made. The new location will not be open during the evening. (9/17)
Rochester-- Two buildings in the High Falls entertainment district, including the building that houses the Empire Brewing Co. restaurant, have been sold to a group of local businessmen. LLD Enterprises purchased the buildings located at 298 and 300 State Street and will renovate them for potential retail and restaurant tenants. LLD declined to disclose the sale price of the buildings. The deal also included two nearby parking lots. (11/19)
Rochester-- The owner of Gerry's Rochester Club plans to sell his restaurant to the current owners of Portobello Ristorante restaurant on West Henrietta Road in Brighton. The Rochester Club will reopen as Aria, an upscale Italian eatery in the fashion of Portobello. Aria is slated to open in mid-October, along with the ballroom above the restaurant, newly renamed Villa D'Este, which will be marketed for weddings and corporate events. Each occupies 4,000 square feet of space. The two parties declined to disclose terms of the deal. (9/17)
Victor-- Borders Books, Music and Café will open its second area store at EastView Square, the newest plaza in the EastView Mall area. Borders will be one of three retailers at the 75,000 square-foot plaza at the north-east corner of Route 96 and Turk Hill Road. The store will offer more than 200,000 book, music and video titles. (11/18)
Victor-- Benderson Development, a Buffalo-based developer that also owns EastView Square has submitted an application for a 24-hour Wal-Mart superstore. The proposal also includes plans to build 11 other buildings, totaling 570,000 square feet. Those details include: three restaurants, five office buildings, two additional retail buildings, a three-story 20,000 square-foot hotel and parking spaces for up to 2,780 vehicles. Benderson hopes to begin construction on Wal-Mart in the spring of 2000 to open in 2001. The project promises to be a controversial one because the 95-acre project sits within 100 feet of an upscale housing subdivision. Benderson purchased the property for $4.25 million in 1998. (11/10, 11/24)
Victor-- McDonald's wants to open a restaurant at 236 High St. Extension - a private residence since 1940. The building is part of a 30-acre historic area that includes another cobblestone home (built in 1835), Valentown Hall, and the Fisher homestead. The town has rejected informal rezoning requests from McDonald's representatives to have it rezoned for commercial use. McDonald's Corp. had an option, now expired, to buy the property for $625,000. According to town records, as a residential property, the four-bedroom home with a garage and apartment on 2.3 acres of land is assessed at $129,000. (11/15, 11/17)
Webster-- Bruce Hegedorn has proposed building a strip mall on 48 acres near his Ridge Road supermarket. The proposal calls for two main building of 180,000 and 140,000 square feet in size and includes 433,000 square feet in all. Hegedorn has requested approval for the creation of a progressive development district at the site, east of Five Mile Line Road and south of Route 104. If approved, creation of the district would firm up the size of the site's exterior buffers and allow it to be developed in stages. Hegedorn would still need Planning Board approval to actually build. (10/27) go to top
3rd Quarter 1999
Fairport-- Richard Rainaldi, property manager for the Village Landing announced that Charles W. Jaobsen Inc. Oriental Rugs will fill the former Rite Aid Pharmacy location. The rug store, based in Syracuse, will only be occupying 5,000 square feet of the location, leaving 3,000 square feet for another possible tenant. (7/21)
Gates-- Retail giant Wal-Mart plans to build a 200,000 square-foot, 24-hour super-center to replace the decaying 40-year-old Westgate Plaza. Wal-Mart plans require use of Westgate Park land. The state Assembly and Senate have passed a Gates request to relinquish control of Westgate Park so the Wal-Mart superstore can be built. The town's Zoning Board of Appeals approved variances for signage as part of the Chili Avenue project. Buffalo-based Benderson Development Co. plans to build 5 separate buildings to replace Westgate Plaza. Wal-Mart and Eckerd Drugs have agreed to lease space in the new buildings. (6/16) The Town Board approved a plan to relocate Westgate Park and replace Westgate Plaza with a 17.5-acre shopping complex. The vote rezones two adjoining properties from residential to general business. Under the newly approved plan, the buffer-zone provided by the park will become a maximum 130 feet wide. (7/7)
Greece-- Jo-Ann etc, the new brand name for stores that are three times the size of traditional Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft stores, will open a 45,000 square-foot store at the former Sun location on West Ridge Road. The existing 11,300 square-foot Jo-Ann stores in Elmridge Plaza and Northgate Plaza will close. The location will be leased from Benderson Development Corp. The new Jo-Ann etc will be the fifth in New York State. There are 49 traditional Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft stores in the state, averaging 15,000± square feet. The company operates more than 1,000 stores nationwide. (9/2, 9/9)
Henrietta-- Flaum Management Co. Inc. purchased Cohoes Commons from the Simon-DeBartolo Group for $4.2 million last May. They recently closed on the purchase of the Lechmere land and building from AEW Corp., which was not part of the original deal. According to a Flaum leasing agent, the 272,500 square-foot strip plaza at 1225 Jefferson Road is becoming revitalized. The Ski Company is moving into a new 11,000 square-foot store at the plaza. The new site doubles the company's building space from its previous 4,500 square-foot center at 1455 E. Henrietta Road. Approximately 15 new employees will join the company as sales representatives. The Worldwide LAX lacrosse equipment store is already open and Flaum has an agreement with Bill Gray's Restaurants to move into Union Square. Flaum Management has added three office tenants since taking over the mixed-use plaza - Origin Communications, Dial America and Kofile Inc. (8/27, 9/1)
Henrietta-- Office Depot, the world's largest office-supply retailer, will make its Rochester debut with a 25,000 square-foot store in part of the former Sun site in Henrietta Plaza, located at Jefferson and East Henrietta roads. The location will be leased from Benderson Development Corp. Sun exited the Rochester market in early 1997. (9/2)
Henrietta-- Ohio-based Jo-Ann Stores Inc. will open a 44,000 square-foot store in South Town Plaza near Burlington Coat Factory. It will take the space of four other storefronts who occupants have moved elsewhere in the plaza and will replace a 26,102 square-foot Jo-Ann's. Jo-Ann's etc., the new brand name for stores that are three times the size of traditional stores will be the sixth store to open in New York state. (9/2)
Henrietta-- Agway Energy Products, a subsidiary of Agway Inc., opened a new 3,400 square-foot retail center at 951 Jefferson Road. The company's Rochester headquarters will display a wide selection of home-heating equipment. Agway Inc. is the second-largest supplier of energy products in the country, with net earnings totaling $10.7 million and revenues of $1.7 billion. The company has been growing at a rate of 15% a year over the last three years. (9/8)
Perinton-- Canandaigua National Bank will move to Perinton Square, into the building that previously served as an M&T Bank branch. With the opening of the Perinton site, Canandaigua National Bank will have 16 branches in the area. CNB is one of the few locally owned banks left in the Ontario County region. (9/8)
Perinton-- A showroom affiliated with Chase-Pitkin Home and Garden will be located in the former site of the Village Green Bookstore, in Wegmans Plaza. The site, vacant for more than a year, was previously considered for a post office. (9/8)
Rochester-- Harry Forman Clothing Co. Inc., is closing its store located at 116 St. Paul Street. The company, which sold traditional menswear, was founded in 1932. The store is closing its doors after 67 years in business. (8/26)
Rochester-- Spot Coffee, a Buffalo-based coffee house and restaurant, has signed a non-binding letter of agreement with developer Home Properties of New York Inc. for the 6,000 square-foot art deco showroom, on East Avenue Winthrop and Mathews streets. Spot Coffee, founded in 1996, has stores in downtown Buffalo and Ellicottville. (8/5)
Victor-- BJ's Wholesale Club has signed a lease to renovate the 108,000 square-foot former Caldor location adjacent to the EastView Mall. The membership warehouse expects to be open by the end of the year. It will be the company's third Monroe County site. They currently operate stores in Henrietta and Webster. (8/26)
Victor-- Rochester area developer Robert Fallone wants to build a 56,510 square-foot shopping center that would include four home-furnishing stores on an 8-acre parcel of land across from Hampton Inn & Suites. The town Planning Board approved 67,000 square feet of development for the site in 1996, but the shopping plaza was never completed and the approval has expired. The new application reduces the size of the building by 16%. The development would share an entrance with the retail ventures slated by Benderson Development on 94.4 acres to the south. The Benderson plan calls for a 24-hour Wal-Mart superstore, another retail store, a three-story hotel and office space. The developer needs approvals from the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, County Planning Board and the town's recently formed Architectural Review Committee. (7/15)
Webster-- Staples Inc. will open a store in Webster Square at Hard and Ridge roads. Framingham, Mass. based Staples will begin building the 24,049 square-foot office-supplies store soon and plans to open in February 2000. The store will employ 40 workers. Staples' other area stores are located in Henrietta and Irondequoit. (8/11)
2nd Quarter 1999
Canandaigua-- Richard Carvotta, owner of the former Colonial Inn, has halted construction at the future MacGrgor's Grill & Tap Room. Carvotta wants to increase the building's seating capacity from 99 to 129 without adding the required sprinkler system. The Department of State bureau in Rochester concurred with the city of Canandaigua Zoning Officer in denying Carvotta's variance request. Carvotta is willing to let the former Inn sit rather than install the $30,000 sprinkler system. (4/16, 4/20)
Canandaigua-- Ralph Gullace, of Dispatch Management in East Rochester, has purchased the 44,000 square-foot Wickes building on Route 332. The building has been empty since February 5th when Wickes closed the doors as part of a reorganization effort. According to the architectural drawings submitted to the town Planning Board, the interior would be 41,200 square feet, and would house several vendors with a common courtyard. Two prospective tenants for the building are already interested in the location. (5/18)
Canandaigua-- Cole Muffler has moved into the building at 2375 Route 332, formerly occupied by Goodyear Auto Service. The business will employ four to five people, and plans to hire two to three exhaust and brake technicians. (4/22)
Gates-- Westgate Plaza's owner, Buffalo-based Benderson Development Co., plans to build a 200,000 square-foot retail store, as well as three additional outlets at the plaza and on land across the street. Wal-Mart and Eckerd Drugs have agreed to lease space in the new buildings. Plans call for most of the existing buildings to be demolished to make way for the Wal-Mart. The Planning Board approved Benderson's preliminary site plans for the 13,286 square-foot retail building that will be occupied by an Eckerd Drug store. Plans would require moving Westgate Park across Howard Avenue and reducing the buffer zone behind Wal-Mart to 130 feet. The Town Board voted to ask the state to relinquish control of Westgate Park, so that the town can relocate it to make room for the Wal-Mart superstore. The resolution requires the approval of the state Senate, the Assembly, the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and Gov. George Pataki. (3/26, 5/4, 5/26)
Henrietta-- Developer David Flaum has purchased Cohoes Commons, located on Jefferson Road, from the Simon-DeBartolo Group for $4.2 million. The 272,500 square-foot strip plaza lost its main tenant last year when Cohoes moved its store to Pittsford Plaza. (3/26)
Irondequoit-- The Planning Board granted preliminary site plan approval for a new Home Depot at 1111 E. Ridge Road. The 116,200 square-foot store will be in the space that formerly held Caldor. Home Depot will also take over the Michael's Arts and Crafts Site. Home Depot needs final Planning Board approval as well as a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals in order to start construction. (4/27)
Mendon-- The Mendon Farms Big M grocery store has closed, leaving the area without a neighborhood supermarket. The 10,500 square-foot store in a mini-mall on Assembly Drive, of Route 64, opened in 1989. The closing is not expected to affect other Big M stores in the area. (3/24)
Rochester-- New York City-based Blackacre Bridge Capital, the lender who financed Arnold Industries' purchase of the 1.3 million-square-foot Midtown Plaza moved to foreclose on the plaza and take ownership of it. Blackacre says Arnold defaulted on its mortgages by failing to make $4.4 million in required payments. Blackacre, which lent $18.5 million to Arnold to purchase the complex from the McCurdy family in November 1997, said it wants to take control of the plaza and "stabilize" management of it. (5/27)
Rochester-- McCrory's, the York, Pa.-based variety store chain, is re-establishing its downtown presence in a smaller location just two doors down from the 21,000 square-foot store they closed earlier this year. The 8,000 square-foot facility is located on East Main Street in the space formerly occupied by a Rite-Aid drug store and is scheduled to open by April 1st. (3/16)
Victor-- Benderson Development, a Buffalo-based firm, hopes to develop a 200,000 square-foot Wal-Mart superstore on a 94.4 acre parcel on the east side of Route 96. The property, which stretches from the New York State Thruway to Route 96 along I-490, was purchased by Benderson Development last spring for $4.25 million. The land is assessed at $1.1 million. The store would employ 450 people and pay an estimated $200,000 in annual local property taxes, returning an estimated $3 million a year in estimated sales tax revenue. In addition to the Wal-Mart, Benderson also plans a 165,000 square-foot retail store, a three-story, 122-unit hotel at the south end of the property, and about 170,000 square feet of office space. (3/26, 4/30)
Victor-- Borders Books and Music, owned and operated by Borders Group Inc., plans to open a new 23,000 square-foot store at the intersection of Route 96 and Turk Hill Road this summer. The store will be the second Borders in the Rochester market. (3/19)
Victor-- Electronics chain Circuit City will be the second of three retail tenants in a Benderson Development Corp. project opposite Eastview Mall. The 20,000-30,000 square-foot store will be the third for the Richmond, Va. based company in the Rochester area. Circuit City currently operates locations at Greece Ridge Center Mall and across from The Marketplace in Henrietta. (5/8)
Victor-- The former Caldor store next to EastView Mall, vacant since 1996, will be reopened as a BJ's Wholesale Club. BJ's must file an application for modifications to the façade and a reconfiguation of parking spaces at the 113,000 square-foot site. (4/30)
Victor-- Linens 'n Things will open its third Rochester-area store this fall at EastView Commons. The Clifton, N.J. based housewares and home accessories retailer will be the first of three tenants in a 90,000 square-foot building under construction adjacent to the Target Store. Linens 'n Things will take approximately 35,000 square feet of space. The store is scheduled to open next year. (5/12)
1st Quarter 1999
Brighton-- Developer, Fred Rainaldi has received Planning Board approval for a new Rite Aid drugstore at the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Winton Road South. The site plan, which calls for the demolition of the vacant Princess Restaurant and the building currently occupied by Mail Boxes Etc. and the old Bagel Bin, has already received approval by the town Zoning Board of Appeals and the Architectural Review Board. Both buildings would be replaced with a 15,230 square-foot multi-use building that would house a new 11,350 sq. ft. pharmacy, a 1,400 sq. ft. Mail Boxes, Etc. Rainaldi's design is for a plaza with redbrick walls and a shingled roof. It will include a 90-seat restaurant he identified as a Kopper Kettle. (1/22)
Brighton-- The Altier Shoes store at 12 Corners has closed. Shoe Show, the North Carolina-based company that owns the Altier chain, said it was a financial decision and exercised a lease option to close the location. The Altier stores in Irondequoit, Eastview, Greece Ridge and Marketplace malls, and in Canandaigua will remain open. (2/26)
Bushnell's Basin-- The Perinton Planning Board approved a request from the Pomodoro Grill and Wine Bar to operate a two-floor restaurant with outdoor tables and a deck. It will be located in the Hitching Post Plaza on Route 96 in the former West Coast Café space. Sami Mina, owner of the new eatery, also owns the Pomodoro Grill and Wine Bar, located on University Avenue in Rochester, and Aladdin's Natural Eatery, which has locations in Pittsford, Rochester, Ithaca and Syracuse. Mina expects his latest location to be open by May. (2/24)
Canandaigua-- Richard Garvotta purchased the Colonial Inn, a 159-year-old, three-story landmark from Dr. John Garnish for $150,000. The city Planning Commission gave the new owner its approval on the design concepts for a MacGrgor's Grill & Tap Room. Carvotta hopes to open the new restaurant by the end of May. (1/22)
Canandaigua-- A private investor has purchased the 44,000 square-foot Wickes building on Route 332. The building has been empty since February 5th when Wickes closed the doors as part of a reorganization effort. The investor plans to construct a new façade and renovate the space to house retail businesses. Two prospective tenants for the building are already interested in the location. The investor has spoken with town officials but has not submitted anything to the Planning Board yet. (1/31)
Farmington-- An unnamed developer has asked town planners for permission to construct a 5,000 square-foot Express Mart, which would include a deli and a 1,100 square-foot car wash in the back, and two fast food restaurants on the northwest corner of Route 332 and Collett Road. The 11 acres of land is zoned for industrial use. The two restaurants proposed for the site are part of the project's future phases and no timeline has been set. Mike Curry, a representative for the developer, indicated to town officials that Cracker Barrel is a top contender for the property. The proposal comes as the state prepares for a reconstruction of Route 332 into a four-lane highway. The three-year roadway project is expected to begin this summer. (3/4)
Gates-- Officials of Cinemark USA, the Dallas-based company that owns the Tinseltown movie theater complex, announced that construction of the new Imax theater is scheduled to begin in April. The theater will be about 8,500 square feet with seating capacity for ~ 260 people. The screen, measuring 52 feet high and 70 feet wide, will feature two-dimensional and three-dimensional movies. Construction costs are estimated at about $2 million. (12/12)
Geneseo-- The village Planning Board has approved site plans for the construction of a Wendy's fast-food restaurant at the intersection of Route 20A and Reservoir Road. An old Columbia Bank building will be demolished to make room for the 2,700 square-foot restaurant. Construction is scheduled to start this spring. (1/17)
Geneseo-- The Big Tree Inn, owned by Campus Auxiliary Services Inc. of Geneseo, currently undergoing a huge restoration project, reopened for business on January 11th. The CAS has spent roughly $800,000 so far on the restoration. That is in addition to the $314,000 paid for the building when they bought it at a foreclosure sale in March 1998. CAS is a nonprofit food service corporation operated at the college since 1952. (1/12)
Greece-- The Town Board has approved a rezoning request for a 124,000 square-foot Target store to be build on 4.26 acres of land that was previously zoned for single-family homes. The land, now zoned commercial, is owned by Wilmorite and is located adjacent to the Mall at Greece Ridge Center. The new store will cost approximately $12 million to build, will have between 150 and 200 full and part-time employees, and an annual payroll of $2 million. The Minneapolis-based retail chain has two stores in the region, one in Henrietta and one in Victor near EastView Mall. (1/21,1/28)
Greece-- RainBros Associates, LLC, is requesting approval to demolish an existing Rite Aid and Mr. Shoes Pizza on the corner of Dewey Avenue and Stone Road. The company has already demolished McBride's Tavern to make room for the proposed 11,348 square-foot Rite-Aid pharmacy. The site is zoned properly, but the plan's approval depends on RainBros' ability to create good traffic flow within the site. (1/7)
Henrietta-- Chicago-based Theatreplex Entertainment Properties Inc., has purchased the Regal Cinema 18 from Tennessee-based Regal Cinemas. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Regal will continue to operate the theater under a long-term lease. (1/27)
Henrietta-- Monroe Tractor, owned by Henry Hansen, was given approval for a 24,439 square-foot commercial building on Lehigh Station Road between West Henrietta Road and Route 390. The 10-acre parcel is located in an industrial district and is located on the other side of the road from its existing location at 942 Lehigh Station Road. (1/20)
Irondequoit-- Home Depot will apply to build a 142,000 square-foot store on the Caldor site near the intersection of East Ridge Road and Portland Avenue. Engineers do not know whether they would renovate the old store or build a new one. Construction of a new Home Deport is subject to the Planning Board's approval. The proposed store represents a move toward redevelopment on and near East Ridge Road. (2/11)
Mendon-- The Mendon Farms Big M grocery store will close leaving the area without a neighborhood supermarket. The 10,500 square-foot store in a mini-mall on Assembly Drive, of Route 64, opened in 1989. The Penn Traffic Co. is taking over the assets and inventory of the franchised store to satisfy debts the store owed the supplier. (3/4)
Mendon-- Bears Management Group Inc. is seeking a special use permit from the Planning Board to operate a coffee house with two, second floor, one-bedroom apartments to be located at 1384 Pittsford Mendon Road. The board has made no decision on the application pending discussion on landscaping, lighting details, plans and signage specifications. (3/3)
Pittsford-- MJDesigns Inc. will close its five remaining New York stores, including one in Pittsford Plaza, by the end of May. The struggling Dallas-based chain of craft stores, which is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, closed its Henrietta location in December. (2/12)
Rochester-- Syracuse-based, Empire Brewing Co., has cancelled plans to tear down the former Empire Trailways Bus terminal at 1636 East Henrietta Road and build a 250-seat brewery and restaurant. The brew pub-style restaurant, with locations in Rochester and Syracuse plans to open its third location in Buffalo. An operator or company can own a maximum of five brewpubs statewide. With the Buffalo project under way, the partners can select only two more sites for expansion. (1/6)
Rochester-- Fuel Pizza Café, a New York-style pizzeria, is scheduled to open in the Phoenix Mill building at Platt Street and Browns Race around March or April. The restaurant will offer both counter and sit-down service and replace the Phoenix Mill Publick House, which closed last August. The Phoenix Mill is considered a key location because the building serves as one of the gateways to High Falls. (1/7)
Rochester-- Two Rochester developers are converting the former Patrick Media Group building at 745 Park Ave. into a retail and office complex. Four storefronts will occupy a 7,600 square-foot stucco arcade in the front and offices will fill a 5,600 square-foot building in the back. Baker Street Bread Co., based in Philadelphia, will become a tenant in the $1.2 million redevelopment at the corner of Park and Somerton Street. In addition, a computer and clothing store may rent the retail space. (12/26)
Rochester-- 2 Vine, which specializes in European county food, will open in the renovated auto repair shop at 24 Winthrop Street. The owners, Jerry Vorrasi and Jerry Serafine, spent six months rehabilitating the building, which was the former Hallman Chevrolet care preparation building. (1/12)
Rochester-- Tops Friendly Market has opened a 42,000 square-foot store at 450 West Avenue. The West Avenue supermarket is the prototype store for the new Tops philosophy aimed at time-pressed shoppers and two-worker households. The West Ave. store is the third, of the five stores that Tops agreed to build or renovate in an economic development plan negotiated between Tops and the city in 1996. The company broke ground in January for a new store on Lake Avenue and has plans to remodel its location at Winton and Blossom roads. (2/9)
Rochester-- The city of Rochester has settled its case with C&A Playmates, paying the two owners $10,000 in damages and conceding it could not block the proposed nude juice bar from operating at 1845 Mt. Read Blvd. U.S. District Judge, Charles J. Siragusa, citing a case involving the Klassy Cat Tavern in the town of Henrietta, concluded the section of law requiring a special permit for adult entertainment establishments was unconstitutional. The property in question lies within the city of Rochester and the town of Greece. Greece code requires that adult-entertainment businesses locate in areas zoned for industrial uses. The proposed site is located in an industrial zone, therefore a special use permit is not required. (3/9)
Rochester-- The Good Company General Store, a worker-owned cooperative located in the Genesee Coop building at 715 Monroe Avenue, is going out of business. The 4,000 square-foot eclectic store will close after 23 years in the retailing business. The store sells jewelry, clothing, body care products, gifts, and housewares. The liquidation is a result of a disagreement with former partners. (2/12)
Wheatland-- The McDonald's restaurant in the Shurfine Food Market Plaza, 3992 Scottsville Road, closed after approximately two and a half years of operation. The restaurant was opened in June of 1996 and was operated by Jim Kmet, who also operates McDonald's restaurants on Monroe Ave. in Rochester and on East Ridge Road in Irondequoit. McDonalds has a twenty-year lease on the site. According to corporate officials, the shutdown was based on business factors. All the employees were offered employment at other McDonald's in the area. (12/19)
Victor-- Laura Ashley announced it will close its 6,000 square-foot store in EastView mall. The store, opened in March of 1997, was the first of its large format stores in upstate New York. The closing is part of a downsizing of the British firm's North American retail operations. The company announced it would close, reduce in size or relocate 19 of its large North America stores. (1/22)
4th Quarter 1998
Brighton-- Developer, Fred Rainaldi has obtained Planning Board approval on the preliminary site plan for a new Rite Aid drugstore at the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Winton Road South. The site plan, which calls for the demolition of the vacant Princess Restaurant and the building currently occupied by Mail Boxes Etc. and the old Bagel Bin, requires approval by the town Zoning Board. Both buildings would be replaced with a 15,230 square-foot multi-use building that would house a new 11,350 sq. ft. pharmacy, a 1,400 sq. ft. Mail Boxes, Etc. and a 90-seat restaurant. (11/25) The town Zoning Board has approved two of Developer, Fred Rainaldi's five requests for variances on the new Rite Aid proposed project. The two variances would allow a 15,230 sq. ft. building to be constructed on land that is partially zoned residential and allow two Rite Aid signs on the building. (12/9)
Canandaigua-- Construction at HEP Sales and Iversen Lumber Co. joint venture on Route 332 is nearly complete. Renovations and a building expansion at the current HEP location north of the city include construction of a 10,000 square-foot addition, the installation of a 3,000 square-foot showroom and separate entrances for the two businesses. (9/21)
Canandaigua-- The Ontario County Historical Society has declined the gift of the Colonial Inn, a 159-year-old, three-story landmark. The historical society determined it would cost in excess of $250,000 to bring the building back up to code. The building's owner, Dr. John A. Garnish of Rochester, offered to give the building to the not-for-profit historical group. Garnish continues to pay ~ $49,000 a year in taxes, insurance and mortgage on the building that is assessed at $315,000. (10/13)
Greece-- Wilmorite Inc., the owners of the Mall at Greece Ridge Center are asking the town to rezone 4.26 acres of land adjacent to the mall for construction of a 122,250 square-foot Target store. Wilmorite wants the town to rezone the rear 375' portions of the property it owns at 376, 392 and 418 Homes Road from single-family residential to general business. There is a house on each site, which Wilmorite rents out. The proposal leaves enough property for the houses to remain. (10/10, 10/22)
Greece-- The Planning Board has approved Benderson Development Co.'s proposal to build an Eckerd Drugs at 4419-4433 Dewey Ave. The Eckerd Drugs in Parkway Commons will close and be replaced by a new, drive through store in Dewey Latta Plaza. Two boarded-up buildings will be demolished to make room for it. In addition, A.D. Simonetti Properties has received Planning Board approval to construct a CVS pharmacy at 4370-4450 Dewey Ave. The new CVS will be located at Parkway Commons in the portion that houses Eckerd Drugs. The existing building will be razed, and the pharmacy will be built in its place. (9/23)
Henrietta-- Coppell, Texas based MJDesigns, a chain of art materials and craft shops, will close its Jay Scutti Boulevard location. A closing date has not been determined. The MJDesigns store in Pittsford Plaza will remain open. (11/10)
Penfield-- A new Rite Aid pharmacy will replace a gas station built less than three years ago at routes 441 and 250. Developer Fred Rainaldi is planning to demolish the Sunoco at the northwest corner and replace it with an 11,000 square-foot drug store. The town Planning Board approved the proposal and construction will begin once a permit to demolish the gas station is issued. Work could begin by the end of the year. (11/3)
Pittsford-- Developer, Fred Rainaldi, has submitted a proposal to construct a 15,000 square-foot store, called PETCO, on Monroe Avenue, directly across the street from Wegmans superstore. If approved, the project would take four months to complete, creating 40 construction jobs and 25 jobs in the store. (10/16)
Rochester-- Syracuse-based, Empire Brewing Co., has applied to the Town Board for permission to tear down the former Empire Trailways Bus terminal at 1636 East Henrietta Road and build a 250-seat brewery and restaurant. The new brewery, which will be similar in size to the downtown location, will feature a full-service restaurant and offer at least seven custom-crafted beers daily. Empire stated that the site would be privately financed. (11/19)
Rochester-- The CVS Pharmacy at 241 East Main Street will close on December 27th. CVS's corporate office decided not to renew the East Main lease because sales were too slow. The store's 10 employees will be placed at one of the other CVS locations. (11/12)
Rochester-- Jeffrey Kaiser, owner of the Metro Station and Vertex dance clubs on Liberty Pole Way, has leased the ground floor in the former Spaghetti Warehouse building on Central Avenue. He plans to open a 6,000 square-foot nightclub and restaurant called Zoot Suits. The Central Avenue night spot will feature swing dancing to a mix of live bands and 1940s big band recordings until 11p.m. nightly. The Spaghetti Warehouse space has been vacant since the Texas-based chain shut down its Rochester restaurant in 1996. (10/9)
Rochester-- In the past four years, at least $11.3 million has been invested along a two-mile stretch of Lake Avenue. One of the largest projects has been the $6 million renovation of the former Bill Gordon Chevrolet, 214 Lake Ave., into a new headquarters, out-reach center and child-care center for Volunteers of America. McDonald's and Wendy's recently invested $1 million each to open new restaurants on the avenue. Tops Markets Inc. will spend $10 million to rebuild it Lake Avenue store. In addition, ABC Supply Co., a wholesale roofing and window company moved into the former B&B Oldsmobile dealership at 340 Lake Ave., and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children/New York, will move into a two-story brick building at 275 Lake Avenue. The retailers all cite one reason for coming to Lake Avenue: visibility. With 30,000 cars driving by every day, there is little need to advertise. (11/30)
Victor-- Target opened the doors of its new store in EastView Commons just north of the mall. The Minneapolis-based Target, the largest division of the Dayton Hudson Corp., operates 851 stores in 41 states across the country. The Victor store and a new location in Henrietta are the first in the Rochester area. The 123,000 square-foot Target will be joined at the site by a 120,000 square-foot Home Depot and another store that has yet to be named by the developer, Wilmorite Inc. Target is expected to hire ~ 200 employees. (10/14)
Victor-- Ann Lolis, owner of Lolis Family Restaurant, located at 34 E. Main St. has sold the diner to Carl and Brenda Eldredge of Canandaigua. The new owners stated one of the only changes the customers will see would be the name change to Brenda's Family Restaurant. The Lolis diner has been in business for 21 years. (10/29)
3rd Quarter 1998
Brighton-- The new Bagel Bin Café has opened in the old post office building at Brighton Commons near the Twelve Corners. Designs and structural problems over the past several months were cited as the main reasons for the delay in opening. The Bagel Bin employs approximately 23 part-time and full-time people. The café has seating capacity for 100 people as is open Mondays through Saturdays from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. (8/26)
Brighton-- Developer Fred Rainaldi, has proposed adding a 90-seat "family restaurant" as part of a single building that would also house a Rite Aid and Mail Boxes, Etc. at Twelve Corners. In a statement submitted to the town planner, Rainaldi proposed tearing down the Princess and a nearby building that house Mail Boxes Etc. and the Bagel Bin. The developer would replace them with a single 15,230 square-foot building. (7/23)
Greece-- According to the town's 1992 master plan, Greece has about 2.8 million square feet of retail space. The Greece Chamber of Commerce reports that approximately 274,500 square feet of retail space on Ridge Road is vacant, which represents ~ 10% of the existing space. The total number of parcels on Ridge Road from Mt. Read Boulevard to Manitou Road is 343.
Greece-- Captain's Attic North, formerly in Greece Ridge Center mall, will open under a new name, "aaahs" in the vacant Cantina del Rio Mexican restaurant on Center Place Drive. The new location will increase the size by 3,300 square feet over the former building, to 8,700 square feet and fill a vacancy in the town. High overhead at the mall was cited as the reason for the move. (9/3)
Greece-- The development on the 84,000 square-foot shopping plaza at the corner of Long Pond and Latta Road has stalled due to the size and location of the largest tenant, a Vix Discount drugstore. Last year, the town approved plans for the plaza and a 30,000 square-foot Vix. Benderson Development Co., a Buffalo-based development company, is under contract to buy the plaza, but the purchase is contingent on getting approval for the pharmacy. (8/6)
Henrietta-- Representatives from the Roadhouse Grill are seeking Town Board approval for a special permit to build a 7,292 square-foot restaurant on roughly two acres at 900 Jefferson Road, just east of the Marketplace Inn. The Roadhouse Grill Corp. is five years old, but has already acquired 47 locations, with plans to build at least 20 more next year. If approved, the Henrietta location would be the second in the Rochester area. (7/8)
Hopewell-- Maurice's women's apparel store in the Wal-Mart plaza will close its doors after five years. Officials at the Duluth, Minnesota-based chain's headquarters stated the outlet was unable to compete with area mall stores. (8/26)
Penfield-- Wegmans Food Market's received final approval to develop the 75-acre parcel at the corner of Routes 441 and 250 and to alleviate the anticipated increase in traffic. The board approved the final environmental impact study in July but expressed concern over the size of the Target building. The proposal includes construction of a 123,000 square-foot Target store, a 160-bed nursing home, a restaurant, bank, day care center, and medical office. Wegmans plans to increase the size of its 85,000 square-foot grocery store by 20,000 square feet. Preliminary work at the Target store is scheduled to begin in late September. (8/4, 9/9)
Perinton-- The Town Board approved a special-use permit for Monro Muffler Brake to build an eight-bay garage on ~10 acres on Route 31 in the hamlet of Egypt. Monro Muffler must comply with the following conditions: Hours of operation must not exceed 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, they must donate 8 acres to the town for buffering and obtain approval from the Planning Board. (9/14)
Perinton-- The Perinton Planning Board granted approval to Jay Birnbaum to build ~ 22,000 square feet of retail space. The two buildings - one 14,300 square feet and the other 7,791 square feet - would both be rented as retail businesses. They would border the south and east sides of the First National Bank on Route 31. (7/8)
Pittsford-- The village's joint Planning and Zoning Board has approved E.J. Del Monte Corp.'s plans to renovate the Depot Inn at 41 N. Main Street. The plans for the newly named Del Monte Lodge call to enlarge each of the hotel's 102 rooms, build a new lobby and restore and remodel a turn-of-the-century warehouse south of the hotel. The warehouse will house meeting rooms, the hotel laundry, a pool, and a coffee shop overlooking the Erie Canal. Renovation work on the restaurant, Ernie's, in the old train station building is on hold pending Planning and Zoning Board approval. (7/17)
Pittsford-- Clover Monroe Associates LLC has purchased the vacant Eber Brothers Wine & Liquor Corp. building on Monroe Avenue for $2.1 million. Developer, Fred Rainaldi, has received Planning Board approval for a new 11,384 square-foot Rite Aid store. (7/16)
Rochester-- The York, Pa. based McCrory Corp. confirmed it will close the 21,000 square-foot store, which occupies three buildings on East Main Street, near Clinton Avenue, when the lease expires at the end of January. The McCrory store at Westgate Plaza in Gates will remain open. The five-and-dime store employs about 20 people. (8/10)
Victor-- Borders Books & Music will join the Route 96 retail market as the first tenant announced for the Benderson Development project near EastView Mall. Borders is a national chain of super bookstores, complete with music store, coffee shop, and an extensive book collection. Borders, which already has a store in Henrietta, has over 200 stores worldwide. (9/4)
Victor-- The Fishers Landing Plaza is now under new ownership, following a foreclosure action. The International Order of Foresters, a Canadian pension fund that loaned plaza owner Mike Valle the bulk of his money, purchased the plaza for $1.8 million. Valle owes the fund more than $4.2 million. (6/30)
Victor-- The Town Board approved the application from Benderson Development Co., to rezone the 24-acre triangle of land across Turk Hill Road from Cobblestone Court Plaza south of the Perinton town line from residential to a planned development district. Plans call for construction of three stores and a restaurant on the site. The three stores will be 30,000, 25,000, and 20,000 square feet, and the restaurant will be 7,500 square feet. There is also an option to build 35,000 square feet of office space. The land was purchased for $2.5 million and is assessed at $59,700. (7/14) The Perinton Town Board voted unanimously to take Victor to court over the rezoning of the 24-acres of land, located at the northwest corner of Turk Hill road and Route 96, from residential to commercial use. (9/2)
Victor-- Buffalo-based developer, Benderson Development Co. has purchased 94.4 acres stretching from the New York State Thruway to Route 96 along I-490 for $4.25 million. The land is assessed at $1.1 million. It is not known what Benderson plans for the property. (7/5)
2nd Quarter 1998
Canandaigua-- City Planning officials approved a site plan for a 7,333 square-foot masonry building that will house Auto Zone Inc. The company is based in Knoxville, Tenn. Developers hope to close on the sale of the property by May 1 and begin construction soon after the closing. (3/27)
Gates-- Cinemark USA, owner of Tinseltown movie theater complex, has submitted a proposal to build a $1.5 million Imax Corp. theater next to Tinseltown. The theater would be approximately 8,500 square feet with seating capacity for ~ 260 people. The screen, measuring 52 feet high and 70 feet wide, would show two-dimensional and three-dimensional large-format films. Additional parking will be added to accommodate theater patrons. Pending Town Board approval, construction is scheduled to begin early this summer. (5/3)
Geneseo-- The Big Tree Inn was purchased by Campus Auxiliary Services Inc. of Geneseo. In addition to the purchase price of the Inn - $272,000 for the building and $11,050 for its contents - CAS will pay three years of back taxes, ~ $27,000. CAS is a nonprofit food service corporation operated at the college since 1952. (4/3)
Greece-- Henrietta developer Dale Scutti wants to demolish 123,600 square-feet of the Greece Park Mall - the theater and space that used to house Ames discount department store and a Chuck E. Cheese - and replace it with a 135,000 square-foot Lowe's store. Scutti also proposes building two freestanding restaurants at the mall, located at 3122-3160 West Ridge Road. A total of 152,543 square feet would be built. Two businesses still open in the plaza, Marshalls and Value City Furniture, wouldn't be affected by the plan. The Town Board must approve a permit in order for the project to proceed. (6/12)
Greece-- The DR & F Operating Company wants to open a Don Pablo's Mexican Kitchen on a town-owned 2-acre parcel of land on Paddy Creek Circle, off West Ridge Road. According to the proposal, the town would sign a 10-year lease with Don Pablo's for $75,000 annually. A formula based on sales at the restaurant would generate another $15,000 a year for the life of the lease. The Town Board must approve a special permit. The project would have to be reviewed by the Planning Board as well. (5/19)
Penfield-- Wegmans Food Market's plan to develop the 75-acre parcel at the corner of Routes 441 and 250 and to alleviate the anticipated increase in traffic could receive Planning Board approval by the end of summer. The project includes construction of a 125,000 square-foot Target store, a 160-bed nursing home, a restaurant, bank, day care center, and medical office. Wegmans plans to increase the size of its store by 20,000 square feet. In addition, Wegmans plans to construct a left-hand turn lane in each direct on Route 441. (6/11)
Pittsford-- The Maplewood Inn will remain closed for the next few months while negotiations are underway with the new owner. The fine-dining establishment at 3500 East Avenue closed its door on June 7th. The current owners are selling the restaurant because they are retiring. The name of the new owner was not disclosed. (6/8)
Rochester-- A $1.2 million development plan to divide the vacant Patrick Media Group building on the corner of Somerton Street into two separate sections is being met with mixed reactions. Plans include four storefronts facing Park Avenue in a 7,600 square-foot stucco arcade, with the building's middle section being demolished to make room for 36 parking spaces. The back end would become a 5,600 square-foot office complex. The building, at 745 Park Ave., became vacant two years ago when Patrick Media, a billboard company, was bought out by a company from Parma, Ohio. (5/4)
Rochester-- The new Tops Friendly Markets open on Upper Fall Boulevard on April 1st. Surrounding the Tops is a new $11.3 million shopping plaza that includes a McDonald's Family Restaurant, a First National Bank office and headquarters for the Rochester Police Department's Clinton Section. The next step for Tops is building a new store on West Avenue, scheduled to be completed early next year. (4/2)
Rochester-- Sheridan Hollow Inc., who operate The Big House Brewing Co. in Albany, presented a preliminary plan to the Rochester Preservation Board for a similar restaurant in the old Trolley Barn building. The restaurant includes a micro-brewery and would cost between $5 million and $6 million. The 40,000 square-foot redbrick building would be restored to the way it looked when trolleys were repaired there. The city has spent $25 million to convert the aging industrial area into an entertainment district. (5/7)
Rochester-- The Little Theater, an East Avenue landmark, is up for sale. The asking price for the business and real estate is $2.9 million, or $1.3 million for the business only. A $7 million apartment complex is being built next door at the corner of East Avenue and Mathews Street. The theater includes a full kitchen, a jazz club and a bakery. (4/20)
Victor-- The Town Board approved the application from Benderson Development Co., to rezone the 24-acre triangle of land across Turk Hill Road from Cobblestone Court Plaza south of the Perinton town line from residential to a planned development district. The town will require Benderson to add a westbound double left-turn lane on Route 96/Turk Hill Road intersection, along with a westbound right-turn lane. Also, a traffic signal and more right and left turn lanes must be installed at the intersection of Turk Hill Road and the road connecting the property and Cobblestone Court. Plans call for construction of three stores and a restaurant on the site. The three stores will be 30,000, 25,000, and 20,000 square feet, and the restaurant will be 7,500 square feet. There is also an option to build 35,000 square feet of office space. The land was purchased for $2.5 million and is assessed at $59,700. (4/28)
Victor-- Home Depot has signed a purchase contract with Wilmorite Inc. for space in the EastView Commons shopping plaza. The store will be 120,000 square-feet, and will include a 15,000 square-foot garden center. It will be the first Home Depot outlet in Ontario County. In addition, Target plans to open a 122,500 square-foot discount department store, in the 345,000 square-foot shopping plaza. A tenant for the 100,000 square-foot retail store adjoining Target has not been announced. Along with the three stores, a Rochester Asphalt plant will be constructed on the 46-acre site, which is visible from I-490. (4/28)
1st Quarter 1998
Brighton-- The new Bagel Bin Café will be opening in the former post office building in Brighton Commons plaza near the Twelve Corners. The café will have seating capacity for 99 people and will have a separate room for business meetings. The eatery expects to open its doors the first week of April. (3/4)
Brighton-- Loehmann's, a women's retail store, located in the Loehmann Plaza on South Clinton Avenue is closing. Loehmann's, which has been in operation since 1985, is closing because it's too limited in scale and productivity. According to corporate headquarters, there are no plans to move the store into a different location in the Rochester area. (3/11)
Brighton-- Montana Mills Bread Co., the two-year-old bread bakery, located on State Street in the village, expressed an interest in expanding to the Twelve Corners Plaza in Brighton. The 1,600 square foot space has been vacant since T.J. Cinnamon's Bakery left last fall. (3/11)
Chili-- A new restaurant, Amelia's, has opened in the former T.F. Brown's Family Restaurant at 3240 Chili Avenue. T. F. Brown's closed last July after only seven months due to a lawsuit field by The Ugly Mug, a sports bar in the plaza. The Chili Paul Plaza eatery is expected to employ ~ 15 people and is targeted to open by March 1998. The restaurant will serve a blend of American and Italian cuisine. (2/21)
Gates-- Hollywood Video has opened a 7,488 square foot store in the Westgate Plaza. The video store is located in a new building on the site where the Ponderosa Steak House was formerly located. The 6,000 square foot restaurant was demolished last October. (1/26)
Gates-- FWS, a 30-year-old Buffalo furniture store company, will open its first Rochester location on Spencerport Road in the 102,000 square foot site formerly occupied by an Ames department store. FWS offers deep discounts off suggested retail prices on middle to high-end furniture. The store will employ approximately 35 workers. (2/18)
Greece-- Construction on an 84,000 square-foot shopping plaza at the corner of Long Pond and Latta roads will resume in late March. The project, comprised of retail space and a restaurant, will be anchored by a Vix Discount Drugstore. Benderson Development cited permit approval and weather as the reasons for the delay. (1/27)
Greece-- Aldi Foods, a Batavia, Ill. Based grocer, will open a 15,000 square-foot store at 3600 Mt. Read Blvd., near Maiden Lane. Aldi, a subsidiary of a German company, operates 500 stores in 20 states. (2/10)
Greece-- Valley Cadillac Corp., announced plans to expand its dealership at 3950 W. Ridge Road, adding new display and service areas. The firm will purchase a 1.5-acre parcel adjacent to the Greece site for an outdoor-display space for new cars. Valley Cadillac, which also operates a South Winton Road store, added the Greece satellite location in 1991. (2/6)
Palmyra-- A Family Dollar Store will be moving into the former Big M grocery store off William Street in the village. Approximately $50,000 will be spent to renovate the facility for the new tenants. No moving-in date has been set yet for the chain. (2/16)
Palmyra-- The former Hermans Appliance Store on Route 21 north at North Creek Road, which has been vacant for several years, will become the training facility for the Payroll Store, located on Main Street, and the new home of B&S Auto, an automotive repair business currently located on Main Street. (2/16)
Penfield-- Wegmans Food Market's plan to develop the 75-acre parcel at the corner of Routes 441 and 250 is continuing to meet opposition from town officials. In an attempt to alleviate the anticipated increase in traffic, Wegmans has proposed to widen Route 441 from its western entrance through Route 250, install left-hand turn lanes, and install a three-way light at a new entrance to the plaza on Route 250. Wegmans wants to complete the expansion within the next two years while town officials want the Rochester-based grocery chain to postpone construction until after the state completes more substantial improvements in 2000. (1/14)
Perinton-- Paul & Gene Habeck have opened North Eastern Pools and Spas, a business that specializes in the sale of above and in ground pools and spas, at 303 Macedon Center Road. The Fairport brothers renovated an old ranch house into a 17,000 square foot retail space. North Eastern Pools and Spas has been in operation for 21 years. (3/18)
Pittsford-- Cohoes, an upscale clothing retailer for men and women, has relocated its operations from Jefferson Road to the building below Chase-Pitkin in Pittsford Plaza. The clothing retailer expects to complete the move into the old Raymour & Flanigan Furniture building by the end of March 1998. (2/11)
Pittsford-- The Planning Board had granted approval for the construction of the Dakota Square Steak House on Monroe Avenue. The proposed restaurant will be built on a parcel between Leary's Cleaners and Eber Brothers Liquors. (2/11)
Pittsford-- E.J. Del Monte Corp. has submitted final site plans to the Planning Board for the Depot Inn on Route 96. The proposed $7 million renovation project requires a state environmental quality review before any approval can be granted. The plans call for a "business hotel'' with 101 rooms, a restaurant with 124 seats, and a bar area of 324 feet. The footprint of the building will be expanded due to the addition of meeting rooms. A fourth floor would also be added, but the height of the building would only increase by a foot. If approved, the hotel will be know as the Del Monte Lodge and the restaurant will be called Ernie's. Combined, the two facilities would employ 46 workers. (3/11)
Rochester-- Bert Orr has been named general manager of Midtown Plaza by LaSalle Partners. LaSalle Partners, a real estate service firm based in Chicago, manages the property for Arnold Industries. Arnold Industries purchased Midtown Plaza from McCurdy & Co. in November of 1997, for $18.5 million. A redevelopment plan for the 400,000 square-foot mall is expected within three months. (1/22)
Rochester-- World Wide News has purchased the former Village Green bookstore at 766 Monroe Avenue. James Lombard, owner of World Wide News bought the 10,000 square-foot building from owner Paul Adams for $400,000. (2/4)
Victor-- Benderson Development, a Buffalo-based developer, purchased the 24-acre triangle of land across Turk Hill Road from Cobblestone Court Plaza south of the Perinton town line for $2.5 million. The land is assessed at $59,700 and is called the Dowling property. Benderson, who hopes to develop the land into a shopping center, has submitted an application to rezone the land from residential to commercial. The town has stipulated that Benderson keep commercial development under 100,000 square feet before any plans will be approved. (3/24)
Victor-- The Target Discount department store chain plans to open a 125,000 square-foot store at Eastview Mall. Target will be part of a three-store, 345,000 square-foot strip mall plaza adjacent to the 1.3 million-square-foot mall in Ontario County. Target, the discount division of Dayton Hudson Corp., plans to built a store at the Wegmans Plaza site at Routes 441 and 250 in Penfield and next to the Marketplace mall in Henrietta. The chain operates 797 stores in 39 states. (1/13)
