Rochester Council Approved Funds for Terrence Building

The city authorized a $20 million state grant to begin asbestos abatement and demolition of the vacant structure.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Construction

Rochester Council Approved Funds for Terrence Building

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The Rochester City Council has unanimously approved the transfer of $20 million in state funding to facilitate the demolition of the abandoned Terrence Building on Elmwood Avenue. This state-backed project aims to clear the 500,000-square-foot site for future development.

Why it matters

The building has sat empty since 1995 and presents significant safety concerns, including asbestos and deterioration. Removing the structure clears the way for the construction of over 500 new housing units in the area.

The Terrence Building stands 17 stories tall and encompasses 500,000 square feet. The site required 17 police interventions in 2026 prior to the approval of the $20 million demolition grant.

The players

Rochester City Council

This is the legislative body responsible for municipal governance and the approval of fiscal transfers for city projects.

Whitestone Development Partners

This firm serves as the lead developer tasked with managing the abatement and demolition process for the site.

Rochester Police Department

This local agency provides law enforcement services and responded to the derelict building multiple times throughout 2026.

The details

The city will act as a pass-through entity to reimburse Whitestone Development Partners for the costs of abatement and demolition. The project requires extensive regulatory paperwork, financial reviews, and audits to satisfy state funding mandates.

The Terrence Building was originally completed in 1950.
The structure was abandoned in 1995.
The New York state government announced the $20 million funding package on June 9, 2026.
The Rochester City Council voted to approve the fund transfer on October 6, 2026.
Demolition is scheduled to commence before the end of 2026.

Market Landscape

This project represents a broader trend of repurposing aging institutional infrastructure to address regional housing shortages. By clearing blighted 1950s-era properties, the city positions itself to convert stagnant assets into high-density residential developments.

Residents may see an increase in activity and potential traffic adjustments on Elmwood Avenue as demolition crews begin work this year. The long-term impact for the community is the removal of a vacant hazard and the addition of 500 new housing units.

The takeaway

The demolition of the Terrence Building marks a significant transition for the local neighborhood by addressing a long-standing eyesore. This project serves as a model for using state remediation funds to unlock land for new residential growth.