Now that Parcel 5 is no longer the proposed site for a new downtown theater, supporters of a plan to use the location as a public gathering space say they're optimistic.
"This 1.17 acre lot in the heart of downtown Rochester is already beloved, even though it has a lot of work and improvement that needs to occur on it," said Ben Woelk, who helped put together the Visionary Square proposal two years ago.
It called for a multi-use, public green space with active programming throughout the year.
Woelk said he is excited about the possibilities now, even if that does include a larger development.
"I'm open to the idea that something could be built on that space,” he said, “as long as it continues to have the ability to gather tens of thousands of people downtown and has the public space that could be programmed."
Developer Andrew Gallina’s Parcel 5 proposal included, along with a mixed use high rise, some street level public space. Woelk said his group has had an ongoing “open dialogue” with Gallina.
Advocates for open green space at Parcel 5 no longer have to use their energy to oppose the theater project, Woelk noted. "Given the new synergy behind the situation, we can rally and mobilize the community support (behind the) Rochester Broadway Theater League proposal because now we see it can integrate and be synergistic to downtown."
City hall says residents and other stakeholders will be invited collaborate on a plan for the future of Parcel 5 in the coming months. The lot has been used as a venue for the Rochester Jazz Fest, Fringe, and other events.
Woelk said he has spoken to a private company that is interested in sponsoring a winter-themed event at the site in early 2019.
