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.