City announces $2 million investment to help restore and redevelop vacant properties along downtown Main Street

Rochester, New York – In a bold move to breathe new life into downtown Rochester, city officials have unveiled a new $2 million grant initiative aimed at transforming rundown and vacant buildings along the city’s central corridor. The funding, part of the newly launched Re:Main Grant Program, will support major renovations of properties located on Main Street—from West Broad Street to North Clinton Avenue—bringing fresh opportunities to property owners and developers ready to invest in the city’s urban core.

The announcement came earlier today from Mayor Malik D. Evans, who emphasized the city’s commitment to making Main Street a vibrant and attractive destination for both residents and visitors.

“Main Street is the pride of any city center, and while we have seen major improvements to our Main Street in recent years, there’s still work to be done,” said Mayor Evans. “The Re:Main Grant Program is an amazing financial opportunity for investors and property owners looking to convert deteriorated buildings, some which are historic properties, into ready-to-use commercial spaces and residential units. This program will help restore our sense of pride in our Main Street, and provide visitors with a more positive experience in our Downtown neighborhoods.”

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The grant program isn’t just handing out money without oversight. To qualify, projects must be serious in scale and impact. Each proposed development must carry a minimum total cost of $1 million, and the grant funding will cover no more than 25% of the entire project. That means applicants will need to come with secured financing and a solid plan in hand. The program is targeting significant change—moving beyond cosmetic fixes to meaningful, long-term upgrades that will energize downtown Rochester.

Applications for the grant will be reviewed on a rolling basis, allowing the city to fund ready-to-go projects while the momentum is high. Final eligibility also includes a firm deadline: all successful projects must have their Certificate of Occupancy by October 1, 2029.

City officials noted that selection criteria will prioritize not just financial feasibility and readiness, but also compliance with broader community goals. Projects that include participation from Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) and align with State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) guidelines will receive extra consideration.

The launch of the Re:Main program follows a wave of reinvestment in Rochester’s downtown, where several older buildings have already been converted into new restaurants, offices, and housing over the last few years. However, many properties still sit empty, neglected, and underutilized—creating eyesores in an area that holds immense potential.

By focusing efforts on Main Street, city leaders hope to set a strong example for the kind of revitalization that can ripple outward to surrounding neighborhoods.

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The grant program is also a clear signal to the private sector: the city is ready to partner with developers who share a vision for a thriving downtown. Whether it’s restoring a historic structure or transforming a long-abandoned storefront into a bustling business hub, the Re:Main program is set to change the face of Rochester’s Main Street—one building at a time.

As funding begins to roll out, city officials are urging interested property owners and developers to come forward now. With a finite pool of money and high interest expected, timing will be key.

This initiative, fueled by public investment and private ambition, could mark a turning point for downtown Rochester, offering the chance to replace blight with beauty, vacancy with vibrancy, and neglect with opportunity.