City of Rochester opens request for proposals to redevelop 125 Charlotte Street in the heart of the East End

Rochester, New York – The City of Rochester is taking another step toward reshaping its urban core with the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the redevelopment of 125 Charlotte Street. The property, just under half an acre, has been vacant but sits in the middle of one of the city’s liveliest districts—the East End—making it a focal point for potential investment.

City officials say the parcel’s location, nestled within what was once the Inner Loop East corridor, positions it perfectly for a project that could carry forward Rochester’s downtown transformation. Over the past decade, the East End has become a hub for dining, arts, housing, and nightlife, drawing more residents into the center city than at any other time in recent history.

“This site represents one of the most exciting development opportunities in Rochester,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “Downtown is the fastest-growing neighborhood in the city, with more residents today than ever before. This parcel is a great spot to explore homeownership opportunities or other creative uses that focus on residential services and community needs.”

Read also: RIT sets new record by securing 105 million dollars in sponsored research funding during fiscal year 2025

The property is bordered by Charlotte Street to the north, North Union Street to the east, Pitkin Street to the west, and the 270 on East Apartments complex to the south. Its surroundings reflect the neighborhood’s momentum: new apartments, busy coffee shops, the Eastman School of Music, The Little Theatre, and the Rochester Contemporary Art Center all within walking distance. Each summer, the Rochester International Jazz Festival fills the area with crowds, creating an energy that spills into the streets just steps from the lot.

Officials envision proposals that do more than simply fill empty space. The city is encouraging developers to think about projects that expand residential choices while also offering services or cultural amenities that reflect the neighborhood’s diversity and vitality. The focus, they say, is on harnessing the East End’s growing appeal to create something lasting for both new and long-time Rochester residents.

The transformation of the Inner Loop East corridor has already yielded hundreds of new housing units and a mix of businesses that have changed the fabric of the area. What once was a highway dividing downtown has become a walkable, people-centered neighborhood. The new call for proposals aims to build on that success.

Read also: Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce unveils new GRYP Leadership Program designed to guide early career professionals ready to grow and make an impact

Developers interested in competing for the 125 Charlotte Street site have until October 28, 2025, to submit their plans. The city will review submissions with an eye toward creativity, community impact, and alignment with Rochester’s broader vision for downtown growth.

With one small but strategic piece of land up for grabs, Rochester is signaling that its downtown evolution is far from finished. Instead, the city is looking to partners who can shape the next chapter in a neighborhood that has already proven its ability to thrive.