News Summary
The historic Aqueduct Building in Rochester, New York has been successfully restored and is now the headquarters for Constellation Brands. This 135-year-old structure, recognized for its architectural excellence, boasts modern amenities including a rooftop deck and public plaza. The project is part of a larger initiative to revitalize the Genesee River area, enhancing both urban living and historical preservation. New businesses such as Orange Glory Café have also opened to cater to visitors and employees, contributing to the area’s economic growth.
New York – The Aqueduct Building in Rochester, New York, has been restored and is officially open as the new headquarters for Constellation Brands. This revitalization effort has been recognized with an architecture award from the Preservation League of New York State for Excellence in Historic Preservation.
The Aqueduct Building is 135 years old and is comprised of eight separate structures that are physically connected. The Preservation League pointed out that a major design challenge was to unify the building’s vast and varied footprint into a cohesive whole, which was successfully accomplished through careful planning and design.
Significant restorations included the addition of a new main entrance, a rooftop deck with bar, the installation of 800 insulated windows, new heat pumps, and the introduction of electric vehicle charging stations at the parking deck. Constellation Brands now fully occupies the 177,500-square-foot facility, having vacated its former headquarters in Victor, NY, in June 2024.
Historic Significance and Public Amenities
The Aqueduct Building is strategically located next to the Broad Street Bridge, an 800-foot masonry span that once serviced the Rochester subway and now adds historical context to the area. A prominent cast-iron statue of Mercury, the Roman god of commerce, adorns the roof of the structure.
This project also forms part of the ROC the Riverway initiative aimed at revitalizing the Genesee River area, which encompasses more than two dozen transformational projects. The building features a small outdoor plaza that is open to the public, providing an inviting space with views of the river and the iconic Broad Street Bridge. In addition, the new rooftop patio and bar are available to the public, offering panoramic views of downtown Rochester.
Complementary Developments
As a part of the new developments within the Aqueduct Building, Orange Glory Café has opened a location to cater to the needs of the continued influx of visitors and employees. This café provides an expanded breakfast menu along with daily specials, featuring items like chicken salad sandwiches, veggie burgers, and a variety of deli sandwiches. The café, which opened in mid-June, has adapted its services to create a cozy atmosphere suitable for its new clientele, operating from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday.
Customers can conveniently place orders by calling the café or exploring the menu online. The café is located adjacent to Aqueduct Park, further enhancing the dining experience for patrons and complementing the restoration efforts.
A Larger Vision for The Aqueduct District
The restoration of the Aqueduct Building is part of a larger mixed-use project known as The Aqueduct District. Future phases of this project will introduce a fitness center, yoga studio, rooftop terrace, and mixed-residential options, contributing to the overall revitalization of the area.
The preservation efforts and the new developments have underscored the importance of historical sites in urban planning and community engagement, providing a modern workplace while honoring the building’s rich history. Other Excellence Awards from the Preservation League were also awarded to projects in varying cities, including Brooklyn, Buffalo, Seneca Falls, Utica, and Yonkers.
The design architects for the restoration project were DJCA Cornerstone and CJS Architects, while general contracting services were provided by DGA Builders and Genesee Construction Service. The successful completion of these efforts not only revitalizes the Aqueduct Building but also promotes the long-term growth and sustainability of Rochester’s urban landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CoStar: Riverfront Office Topped by Statue of Mercury Wins New York State Architecture Award
- Democrat & Chronicle: Orange Glory Opens Constellation Building Rochester, NY
- 13WHAM: Constellation Brands Opens New Global Headquarters in Downtown Rochester
- Wikipedia: Rochester, New York
- Google Scholar: Aqueduct Building Rochester
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
