Rochester, N.Y. – Freshly drawn-up renderings sat on easels at the Visual Studies Workshop Wednesday night as people living the East Avenue Preservation District learned about the revised plan for an apartment complex on University Ave.
The developer, Morgan Management, had accepted the invitation to unveil the drawings in hopes of convincing the crowd the complex would fit in the neighborhood.
“We want to be good neighbors, we think this would be a good project for the neighborhood,” said Kevin Morgan, vice president with Morgan Management.
The first proposal was denounced by neighbors as too big and too out of touch with the area’s character.
Morgan revised the plans and presented those changes Wednesday night.
The developer cut the number of apartments to 102, created more parking and made the façade more traditional.
Neighbor Bill Barry remained staunchly opposed.
“It’s like putting a square in a round hole,” he said.
The building would be constructed in back of the George Eastman House.
Bruce Barnes, director of the George Eastman House, says the project – even in its updated form – would “loom over” the museum.
"It will completely change the experience of being in our landmark grounds,” Barnes said.
The developer still needs approval from the city.
