City of Rochester selects Hinge Neighbors as developer for Charlotte Street parcel project
Rochester, New York – The City of Rochester has taken a key step toward advancing development in its downtown core, selecting a preferred developer for a long-anticipated project on a city-owned parcel.
City officials announced that Hinge Neighbors has been chosen as the recommended developer for the property located at 125 Charlotte Street, following a competitive request for proposals process that attracted four submissions. The decision marks progress on a site that has been part of long-term redevelopment plans for several years.
Long-Planned Site Moves Closer to Development
The parcel was created in 2017 as part of the City’s Inner Loop East project, an effort aimed at reconnecting neighborhoods and encouraging new growth in Center City. From the beginning, the site was intended for development, though plans have evolved over time.
Earlier ideas for the property included a larger mixed-use residential building that would have featured a parking garage. Other concepts discussed over the years included a daycare facility and a headquarters for a local small business.
After the City regained ownership of the parcel in 2022, officials began holding discussions with potential developers to explore new possibilities. Those efforts led to the release of a formal request for proposals in fall 2025, ultimately resulting in the selection of Hinge Neighbors as the preferred choice.
The proposed sale of the property is still pending and will require approval from the Rochester City Council in the coming months before moving forward.
Focus on Affordable Homeownership and Accessibility
If approved, the project would be developed through a partnership between Hinge Neighbors, The Housing Council at PathStone, Patrick Tobin LLC, and CJS Architects.
The proposal centers on expanding affordable homeownership opportunities in the area through the construction of 11 townhomes. A notable feature of the plan is its focus on accessibility, with nine of the units designed to include fully accessible, ground floor Accessory Dwelling Units.
City leaders say the project aligns with broader goals of creating more inclusive housing options while continuing to invest in the revitalization of Center City neighborhoods.
As the proposal moves toward council review, the project represents another step in transforming underutilized land into housing that supports both community growth and accessibility.
