The LIBERTY
An Adaptive Re-use &
Urban Infill Building
Liberty Pole Plaza, Rochester, New York
DiFelice Development, Inc
Built in 1928 as the Rochester Savings Bank, this National
Historic Landmark was designed by McKim, Mead & White in the
Byzantine architectural style. The wedge-shaped building fronts on
Liberty Pole Plaza in the center of Downtown. This underutilized
and underappreciated building includes one of the most spectacular
interior spaces in Rochester, its first floor bank
lobby.
With Rochester's Center City experiencing a rebirth, and the
influx of new housing and cultural amenities, the need for a
centrally-located landmark hotel with a residential component was
addressed in this design. The program includes a 180-room hotel, 72
condominium units, and a 340-space parking structure. Amenities
include a fine dining restaurant, casual rooftop grille, event and
conference space, spa and fitness center.
The design solution respects the original historic building (the
Artifact), with strategically-placed additions on the existing
surface parking lot behind. The three distinct masses are clad in
separate yet complementary materials: (Existing) natural stone on
the Artifact, terra cotta panels on the horizontal v-shaped hotel,
and metal panels on the vertical condominium tower. The vertical
circulation spire takes cues from the Liberty Pole and offers views
out toward Main Street at each floor level.
The grand interior space is preserved and serves as the main
lobby for hotel guests, residents, and includes restaurant seating
for the public. The proposed renovations are minimally-invasive, to
retain the character-defining elements and details.