City of Rochester releases major RFP seeking firms for a $59.6 million plan to modernize the Rochester Riverside Convention Center

Rochester, New York – The City of Rochester has taken a major step toward reshaping one of its most recognizable public venues, formally releasing a Request for Proposals that sets in motion a sweeping $59.6 million modernization of the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center. While the building has long stood as a central gathering place on the Genesee River, city officials say the time has come for a complete reimagining—one that matches both the pace of Rochester’s downtown revival and the rising expectations of event planners across the region.

The modernization effort arrives at a moment when competition among convention destinations has only intensified, with cities throughout upstate New York investing heavily in updated spaces, improved guest experiences, and more flexible event halls. Rochester’s convention center has hosted countless trade shows, community banquets, and business meetings since first opening its doors in 1985. But aside from routine maintenance and smaller upgrades, the facility has not undergone a full-scale renovation in nearly four decades. City leaders say that reality underscores why such a transformative project is not only overdue but also central to sustaining Rochester’s economic momentum.

“For nearly 40 years, the Rochester Riverside Convention Center has been a cornerstone of our local economy and a source of civic pride,” Mayor Malik D. Evans said. “This modernization will help maintain its role as a vibrant gathering place that attracts visitors, supports jobs, and strengthens downtown. There has never been a better time to do business in or visit Rochester and experience the revitalization along the Genesee River. The momentum we are experiencing is a testament to strong city and state partnerships, and we are grateful to Gov. Hochul for her continued investments in moving the city forward.”

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The $59.6 million budget—funded entirely by New York State and administered by Empire State Development—covers every aspect of the overhaul, from design and engineering to construction, furniture, fixtures, and contingency costs. City officials stressed that the modernization will build upon work already underway through the ROC the Riverway initiative and the convention center’s Main Street Addition project. That separate phase, expected to wrap up in late 2026, includes a small expansion, accessibility upgrades, façade repairs, an outdoor LED display panel, and modernized restrooms.

But the newly announced RFP takes the vision to a far greater scale. Rochester is looking for multidisciplinary teams equipped to handle the full complexity of a project that touches nearly every inch of the sprawling facility. The City’s Bureau of Architecture and Engineering is seeking firms with broad expertise, from structural engineering and interior design to acoustics, cost estimating, food-service layout, audiovisual systems, and mechanical/electrical/plumbing planning. The city also encourages teams with experience in convention center operations, market assessments, building code compliance, and the logistical challenges associated with renovating an active, high-traffic destination.

The areas targeted for upgrades include the Empire Exhibit Hall, the Lilac Ballroom, surrounding meeting rooms, and nearly all public spaces throughout the building. According to the proposal documents, attendees will see updated finishes, improved lighting, enhanced acoustics, and expanded accessibility features. State-of-the-art A/V capabilities will be incorporated to meet the needs of modern conferences. Behind the scenes, the center’s infrastructure—HVAC systems, electrical networks, plumbing lines, and various code-related elements—will undergo substantial improvements. The kitchen and food-service areas, which support events both large and small, will also receive new equipment and stronger supporting systems.

Another noteworthy feature of the plan involves the convention center’s skyways. These elevated walkways, which connect the facility to nearby hotels, restaurants, and parking garages, have long been valued for their convenience. The modernization project aims to rethink those connections, enhancing access, visibility, and comfort for visitors moving between downtown destinations.

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City officials have set the proposal deadline for 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, giving interested firms ample time to assemble partnerships and refine their vision for the future of the venue. The full Request for Proposals and details on the pre-proposal meeting and site visits can be found at www.cityofrochester.gov/conventioncenterRFP.

For Rochester, the stakes extend well beyond the walls of the building itself. The convention center has always played an outsized role in the economic life of the city, drawing thousands of guests each year who spend money on hotels, food, entertainment, and transportation. City leaders believe that a fully renewed facility will broaden that impact—helping attract larger gatherings, diversifying the types of events hosted, and further strengthening the city’s reputation as a destination for business and community functions.

Sitting on the banks of the Genesee River, the convention center’s location has always been one of its strongest assets. Since its debut in 1985, it has been a hub of regional activity, a place where professional conferences blend with civic celebrations and cultural showcases. With the RFP now issued and planning soon to begin, Rochester is aiming to ensure that the landmark continues to serve that role for decades to come—modern in design, adaptable in function, and aligned with the city’s broader push to reenergize its waterfront and downtown core.