Dear Rochesterian,
Have you heard about our city’s third chapter?
I’m sure you know about the first two.
The first one was of the uplifting variety, the one in which our humble city on the Genesee River blossomed to international prominence. Along the way, it birthed brands like Western Union, Bausch + Lomb, Kodak, Xerox and Champion.
The second chapter was, well, less uplifting. Companies downsized or relocated, and the urban core shrank considerably. It’s the chapter that many in Rochester still talk about.
But quietly, with relatively little fanfare, a group of hard-working locals has started something new—the third chapter. This group has realized that despite obvious hiccups, the enterprise and creativity that have defined Rochester are alive and well. The fruit of their labor is captured in data, some of which might surprise you:
As of the 2020 Census, the city’s population was no longer declining.
In the same Census, Monroe County’s population was its largest ever.
Downtown has seen its residential population triple in the 21st century.
The same downtown is now home to a Fortune 500 company--Constellation Brands.
The regional workforce today is greater than it was in Kodak’s heyday.
These figures serve as a welcome complement to a truth about Rochester that has never changed: It is a cultural juggernaut.
Over the past two decades, what started as a modest jazz festival is now one of the most prominent in the entire country—in the heart of downtown.
Also based downtown is Rochester’s Fringe Festival, a celebration of the performing arts that is one of the largest of its kind nationally.
Anchoring the city are a collection of institutions that, while taken for granted locally, are the envy of many elsewhere.
The Eastman School of Music is one of the world’s best music conservatories, helping ensure a pipeline to the highly respected Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Memorial Art Gallery and Rochester Contemporary Art Center remain sources of pride, as does the George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography museum.
Live theater continues to prosper, both at the iconic Auditorium and the always-innovative Geva.
The charming Little Theatre more than delivers when it comes to independent and foreign films.
And finally, there’s the expanded Strong Museum, also known as one of the best children’s museums in the nation.
Taken together, the third chapter has a vision, one that sees past the bruises and understands that a place this enriching is destined to move forward again.
Those involved would love if progress were exponential, but they’re rightfully proud of all that has been accomplished thus far.
Highway removal has facilitated development and reconnected neighborhoods. Meanwhile, a transit center has opened up possibility on Main Street, and a much-needed Amtrak station has refreshed train travel.
Real estate developers see opportunity, and every city’s lifeline—bold entrepreneurs—see hope.
The goal is not to go back to what we had, because what’s flowering today is something altogether original.
None of this, dear Rochesterian, is about denying the pain of the city’s second chapter.
It’s about appreciating the good people who have helped us turn the page.
The narrative of revitalization is, of course, still being written, and there’s plenty of space for fresh voices.
Those already on board know they’re on a bumpy ride—but also an exhilarating one.
Please, come be a part of the story.
Sincerely,
Amol V. Shrikhande
Amol Shrikhande is a nephrologist on Long Pond Rd. at Rochester Regional Health. He moved to Rochester with his family in 2010. In 2021, he started the website ComposeMD, where he writes about his passion—the undervalued American city. He recently began a series of short books called “The Essence of Our Cities.” The first in the series, of course, is “The Essence of Rochester, New York" available on Amazon.
"The goal is not to go back to what we had, because what’s flowering today is something altogether original."