Rochester seeks experienced construction management firms to oversee $59.6 million modernization of downtown convention center

Rochester, New York – The City of Rochester is moving forward with plans for a major modernization of the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center, announcing a search for qualified construction management and inspection firms to help oversee the extensive renovation project.

City officials have issued a Request for Proposals inviting experienced firms to provide professional services throughout the project, which aims to improve the downtown facility’s infrastructure, accessibility and overall experience for visitors.

The convention center is one of the region’s leading destinations for conventions, trade shows, business gatherings and community events. The planned improvements will affect nearly every major section of the building.

The modernization carries a total budget of $59.6 million, with funding provided by New York State and the project administered by Empire State Development.

The budget covers several major expenses, including design, engineering, construction, construction management, furniture, fixtures, equipment and contingency costs.

Rochester’s Bureau of Architecture and Engineering is leading the search for a multidisciplinary firm capable of managing the technical and logistical demands of the project.

The selected company will be responsible for services beginning during the design and preconstruction stages and continuing through bidding, construction and final project closeout.

City officials are looking for firms with extensive experience in construction management, inspection, cost estimating, scheduling, quality assurance and quality control.

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Because the convention center is an active facility, the project will also require careful planning to coordinate construction activities while addressing the building’s operational needs.

Experience with phased construction will be particularly important, as different areas of the convention center may require work at different stages of the renovation.

The modernization will follow the ROC the Riverway Rochester Riverside Convention Center Main Street Addition Project, which is expected to be completed in late 2026.

That project will provide a foundation for the larger renovation effort, which is designed to bring substantial improvements throughout the existing convention center.

Among the spaces scheduled for upgrades are the Empire Exhibit Hall, Lilac Ballroom, meeting rooms and public areas.

The renovation will include new interior finishes, improved lighting and updated acoustics, along with enhancements to accessibility and audiovisual systems.

These changes are intended to improve the building’s ability to accommodate different types of events while creating a more functional environment for visitors and event organizers.

Beyond the visible improvements, the project will address several major building systems.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment will receive significant upgrades, along with electrical and plumbing infrastructure.

The renovation will also include improvements necessary to meet building code requirements.

Kitchen and food-service areas are another important part of the modernization plans. These spaces will receive updated equipment and infrastructure to better support the convention center’s food-service operations.

Access to the surrounding downtown area will also be addressed.

The connecting skyways will be redesigned to improve connections between the convention center and nearby hotels, parking facilities and restaurants.

These improvements are expected to make movement between the building and surrounding destinations more convenient for people attending events.

Given the project’s size and complexity, the city is encouraging proposals from firms that have previously managed major renovations in buildings that remained operational during construction.

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Successful applicants should demonstrate experience coordinating multiple contractors and stakeholders, managing construction logistics and ensuring compliance with accessibility and building regulations.

The selected firm will also be expected to oversee construction quality and help keep the project organized through its various phases.

The Request for Proposals represents another step toward the convention center’s planned transformation.

With state funding supporting the $59.6 million investment, Rochester is preparing to modernize one of its major downtown event facilities while improving its infrastructure and connections to surrounding businesses.