News Blog

Despite some lingering concerns about the size of the project and the planned removal of some older trees, members of the City of Rochester’s Preservation Board seem reassured about a proposed apartment complex for 933 University Avenue.

The board met last night on Morgan Management’s controversial proposal for a 99-unit apartment building on the site, which is in the East Avenue Preservation District. No vote was taken.

The purpose of the meeting was for the board to come up with a position on whether the project might have a significant adverse effect on adjacent properties, the character of the neighborhood, traffic, noise, and other concerns.

The project has been through several design revisions. Originally, Morgan planned to demolish the 1920's house on the northeast corner of the property, and the city seldom grants permission to demolish a structure in a preservation district. Morgan now says it's willing to save the original house and provide space in it for the building's current owner, the Monroe Voiture veterans group.

Preservation of the Voiture building seems to have clinched the deal for the Preservation Board. A couple of members said that they still had concerns over the size of the project and the planned removal of some older trees in the southwest corner of the property. But the board, overall, agreed that the project would not have a significant negative impact.

A couple of board members said that with proper screening, the view from nearby properties, including the George Eastman House, would be protected.

Morgan’s application now goes to the City Planning Commission for its consideration, and then back to the Preservation Board for final approval.