Asbury First Methodist Renovates Historic Campus

The church and Bero Architecture have completed nearly 40 projects to adapt spaces for community needs.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Home Renovation

Screen-print poster illustration featuring a stone gothic archway and stained glass window, evoking historic preservation and community renovation. — Asbury First United Methodist Church in Rochester has completed nearly four decades of renovations to adapt its historic campus for community needs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should historic local buildings be renovated to serve modern community needs?

Asbury First United Methodist Church on East Avenue in Rochester has spent four decades reimagining its historic campus. The initiative focuses on adapting existing spaces to serve contemporary community requirements.

Why it matters

By repurposing historic architecture, the church preserves the character of its landmark campus while ensuring facilities remain functional for its congregation. The effort demonstrates a long-term approach to maintaining aging infrastructure for modern use.

The partnership between Asbury First United Methodist Church and Bero Architecture has spanned 40 years, resulting in nearly 40 total projects. A columbarium project was most recently completed in 2025.

The players

Asbury First United Methodist Church

This religious institution is a prominent historical landmark located on East Avenue in Rochester.

Bero Architecture

This firm specializes in the preservation and renovation of historic buildings and institutional facilities.

The details

The renovation strategy centers on modifying existing areas to maintain the historic integrity of the buildings on East Avenue. This approach allows the church to continue its mission while accommodating new community requirements.

The professional partnership between Bero Architecture and Asbury First lasted from 1986 to 2026.
A columbarium project was completed at the campus in 2025.

Culture Shift

The renovation project reflects the broader Adaptive Reuse movement, which prioritizes the modernization of existing historic structures over new construction. This strategy helps the church maintain its legacy footprint in Rochester while successfully evolving to meet modern standards.

The completed renovations ensure that the church facilities on East Avenue remain accessible for local community programs and events. Residents can expect the historic character of the building to be preserved as it continues to function as a public meeting space.

The takeaway

Maintaining historic properties requires a long-term commitment to incremental updates rather than complete demolition. Property owners can learn from this partnership how to balance modern utility with the architectural significance of their buildings.