RAHS March 2014 Brown Bag Meeting

Eric Bothwell will be the featured guest speaker at the Rochester-Avon Historical Society Brown Bag program on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, beginning at noon at the Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow Street in Rochester. Eric will be speaking about the recent Main Street Makeover project and about some of the interesting artifacts that were discovered during the reconstruction. He will present photos of the construction process as well as historical images of Main Street over the years. There were … [Read more...]

Rochester time-travels through artifacts found in downtown makeover

Now that the construction has wrapped up, findings from the latest Main Street makeover are on display at the Rochester Hills Public Library—taking residents and visitors on a journey through history. “They were thinking they were going to find all kinds of things,” June Hopaluk, of the Rochester Historical Commission said, “they didn’t find a lot.” But below layers of concrete and early 1900 bricks, several wells, gas tanks and coal bins were unearthed during last year’s project. And … [Read more...]

Rochester Streetscape begins to take shape

With Main Street now open to traffic, over the next several weeks, streetscape elements will begin to appear downtown.  Recently, the Main Street Makeover Team visited Future Fence Group to see the products being fabricated exclusively for Rochester.  These elements include custom fencing for all planting beds and seating areas.  Structural preparation for these enhancements is currently underway with installation planned for September. “The City’s recent visit to Future Fence was very … [Read more...]

Get your Green on, Downtown

With the Main Street Makeover in full swing, there’s never been a better time to explore the Downtown Rochester area. That’s right. Even with our streets in various stages of repair, residents should seize this opportunity to go off the beaten path and discover some city gems that we’re usually too busy driving by to notice. Just in time for summer (and located right along the detour route) is the seventh annual Green Living Festival. Presented by MI Green Team, the free fun kicks off Friday, … [Read more...]

Two-Wheelin’ It To Rochester

Bicyclists large and small are encouraged to ride to Downtown Rochester, park their bikes, shop, eat and enjoy all Rochester has to offer on Saturday, July 28, 2012 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. during Two-Wheelin’ It To Rochester.  The new event is co-hosted by the Green City Committee of Rochester and the Rochester Downtown Development Authority, and is sponsored by Rochester Bike Shop. “Rochester is a bike-friendly place, with easy access from local neighborhoods and regional trails that connect … [Read more...]

Main Street Makeover moves into Phase 2

Rochester’s Main Street Makeover is well underway and moving into the next phase. Beginning Tuesday, May 15, Main Street will be closed north of Second and south of University. Second and University will remain open, while Third & Fourth will be closed to traffic. Pedestrian crossing will only be available at Second and University. Sidewalks will continue to be open and access from the alleys will be maintained. This phase of construction will be completed by late July. Downtown and all … [Read more...]

Sass in the City – Girl’s Night Out in Downtown Rochester

Spring is in the air and Girls’ Night Out is back again! Ladies, join us on Thursday, May 17, from 5:00-9:00 pm, and go GLAM for some Sass in the City! “Girls’ Night Out is a fun way to kick off the spring and summer months Michiganders live for,” said Stephanie Schwager, Rochester Downtown Development Authority events coordinator. “The event gives ladies the opportunity to bring out their spring wardrobe, and of course, shop for one, too!” 29 participating businesses will provide upscale … [Read more...]

Main Street full closure begins May 15

Getting through downtown Rochester is about to get more interesting with the total closure of Main Street between Third Street and Olde Towne. So far, one lane in each direction has been open. But from May 15 until sometime in July, the road will be closed so a full reconstruction can take place. The detour for northbound traffic is east on Second, north on Water and then West on University to return to Main Street. For southbound traffic, the detour is west on University, south on Walnut … [Read more...]

Main Street Makeover on the Move!

Rochester’s Main Street Makeover is well underway. The project includes a complete reconstruction of Main Street from the Clinton River Bridge to the Paint Creek Bridge. The final project will reveal a fresh Main Street, complete with reclaimed brick planters, street seating, LED lightpoles, improved water service and much more. The City is hosting a Main Street Makeover Community Project Update Meeting on the last Tuesday of every month, 7:00 pm at the Rochester Fire Department, 277 E. … [Read more...]

Rochester’s Main Street Makeover

Starting in April, downtown Rochester is getting a makeover. Well, at least Main Street is. This project includes a complete reconstruction of Main Street from the Clinton River Bridge to the Paint Creek Bridge. The finished project will reveal a fresh Main Street, complete with reclaimed brick planters, street seating, LED light poles, improved water service, and much more! Downtown and all downtown businesses will remain open throughout the construction period. In addition to all the … [Read more...]