Rochester board weighs community-center and housing proposals for 501 W. University

What happened

The board heard two proposals for the former 501 W. University administrative building and said it would take no action that night, with a vote planned for November 16. One group proposed reusing the building as a nonprofit and community center; another proposed a residential development and offered $4.36 million for the 4.36-acre property, with a higher offer tied to a nine-month wait for Brownfield funding.

Why it matters to families

The decision could determine whether the former district property is reused for nonprofit and community services or sold for housing redevelopment, and how much revenue the district receives.

The evidence

The board stated that the October 26 presentations were informational and that it planned to vote November 16. The Harrison Center group described phased nonprofit/community reuse, including an initial occupancy phase and a later $3.6 million capital campaign. The residential developer described a housing proposal and an offer of $1 million per acre ($4.36 million), with an additional roughly $1.2 million contingent on allowing nine months to pursue Brownfield funding. No decision was made at this meeting.

The source