# Rochester downtown historic housing development

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rochester-downtown-historic-housing-development
> Updated: 2026-08-24T18:15:13.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The Rochester City Council approved a controversial development project to add a seven-story housing addition to several historic buildings on the 300 block of South Broadway Avenue. The project, proposed by GH2 Investments and developer Hal Henderson, includes 35 tower units and eight renovated units.

The council’s 4-3 vote overturned a prior rejection by the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC). The decision faced significant public opposition, including a petition with over 3,500 signatures and testimony from more than 40 citizens.

Following the council's action, Mayor Kim Norton announced she would not veto the decision, stating the council’s process and vote were “legally defensible.” While the plan aims to preserve parts of the existing structures, the Treedome will be required to relocate.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Rochester Mayor declines veto of downtown housing project

Rochester Mayor Kim Norton declined to veto a City Council decision approving a controversial seven-story housing addition to historic buildings on South Broadway Avenue.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rochester-mayor-declines-veto-of-downtown-housing-project

### 2026-08-18: Rochester City Council approves historic building housing addition

The Rochester City Council voted 4-3 to approve a seven-story student housing addition atop historic buildings in downtown Rochester, overturning a previous rejection by the Heritage Preservation Commission.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rochester-city-council-approves-historic-building-housing-addition

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Cite as: Rochester downtown historic housing development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rochester-downtown-historic-housing-development