City Installs In Full Bloom Sculpture on Bridge

Rochester crews have begun placing a 25-foot sculpture on the pedestrian crossing over the Genesee River.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Isometric editorial illustration of a metallic floral sculpture on a pedestrian bridge, representing new urban public art.
Rochester city crews have begun the installation of the 'In Full Bloom' sculpture, a new 25-foot landmark on the Sister Cities Bridge. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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City crews are currently installing a new metal sculpture titled In Full Bloom on the Sister Cities Bridge in Rochester. The landmark features a granite base and illuminated center flowers designed to represent the city mark.

Why it matters

The installation follows a shift to a new fabricator, a move prompted by previous scheduling delays. The project aims to enhance the pedestrian bridge located north of East Main Street.

The completed sculpture will stand nearly 25 feet tall and incorporates a design inspired by the city mark symbol, which features five petals. Fabrication for the piece was shifted to Ironvine Studio in Dundee, Yates County.

The players

Sam Castner

He is the lead fabricator at Ironvine Studio tasked with constructing the new sculpture.

Ironvine Studio

Located in Dundee, this studio was selected by the city to fabricate the metal artwork.

The details

The sculpture includes a granite base and features flowers that light up in the center to match the city branding. Work on the site began recently to ensure the landmark is ready for public viewing.

Timeline

  1. October 29, 2026: Initial work on the sculpture began.

  2. October 30, 2026: Installation of the petals was completed.

  3. November 2026: The project is expected to be finished.

Market Landscape

This public art installation aligns with local efforts to revitalize urban pedestrian zones through thematic urban design. It marks a transition in city procurement strategy by switching to a regional fabricator to ensure the project meets its aesthetic and construction goals.

Residents crossing the bridge can expect ongoing work in the area through November as crews finalize the installation. The addition of the illuminated sculpture will create a new visual landmark for pedestrians traversing the Genesee River.

The takeaway

This project highlights how city governments adapt procurement strategies when faced with manufacturing delays to keep public projects moving. Residents should anticipate minor activity on the bridge as the city completes the final assembly phase.

Further reading

Find more details on urban development projects on our Rochester Openings & Closings page.

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Do you support the use of municipal funds for new public art projects in your city?