City Newspaper Archives - 9/2007
DOWNTOWN: Here's a model for Ren Square
Published on Sep 18, 2007
Regarding the recent discussion about Renaissance Square: not only should the performing arts center be built, but it should include a mid-sized theater across East Main Street from the Eastman Theatre. The Midtown Plaza site or the corner of Main and Plymouth - which was previously eyed for the new Damon Center - could be alternative sites for the mid-sized theater if the site across from the Eastman Theatre gets developed.
It makes little sense to renovate the Nazareth College Arts Center and move shows out there instead of building the midsized theater downtown.
If enough private funds cannot be raised, state funds could be raised through the efforts of local legislators.
The Greater Rochester Sports Authority should be changed into a "venues" authority, and its duties should be expanded to include operating Ren Square's main concourse and performing arts center, as well as the Blue Cross Arena and the Riverside Convention Center. Syracuse's OnCenter, which contains the three-theater John H. Mulroy Civic Center, the War Memorial arena, and the Onondaga County Convention Center, should serve as a model for Renaissance Square.
Kevin F. Yost, Henrietta
