We're just like you...
You might even say we're a little obsessed.
That's because we believe that a healthy, vibrant & beautiful downtown Rochester is essential to the prosperity of our entire region... All 1.1 million of us!
So our mission is to revitalize downtown Rochester through transformative beautification and placemaking projects that replace blight with beauty.
We achieve this through efforts such as litter removal, flower planting, public art, and other placemaking and "tactical urbanism" projects.
By collaborating with downtown residents and stakeholders, we develop "win-win" partnerships that help downtown realize its true potential as the beating heart of our community.
Our Story
The seed for Downtown ROCs was planted in 2018, when Mike Gilbert looked out the window of his new 4th floor downtown office and noticed a small unkempt park.
Overgrown with weeds, it was bordered on two sides by chain link fence. Garbage was strewn across a path leading to a statue, the view of which was swallowed by two rows of overgrown hedges.
Something had to be done.
So two weeks later, armed with rakes, shovels and bags, a dozen volunteers gave Schiller Park a much-needed makeover.
And so began a mission to beautify and activate downtown Rochester... One small space at a time.
Let's ROC!
We are always interested in talking about downtown Rochester. If you have an idea for a collaboration, or would like to participate in a Downtown ROCs project, we'd love to talk!
Contact us by email or at 585-370-5919
Connect with us on social media:
A Special Birthday for a Special Woman
This summer we are recognizing the life and contributions of Mrs. Margaret "Midge" Thomas with the creation of a new Community Garden in her name. You can help make this garden a reality with a tax-deductible gift towards this project that will beautify and inspire the very neighborhood Midge still calls home.
Barb & Tony Glassman
"It is amazing what you all are doing!"
"It makes me so happy to see the good work Downtown ROCs is doing - both the hands on work and the advocacy!"
"Thank you for the hard work and dedication to our wonderful city!"
- Evan Lowenstein
