An update from the Design Center 

The CDCR board of directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Dawn Noto to the position of Executive Director. Dawn's experience and passion for her neighborhood and City of Rochester make her the ideal candidate to advance the mission of the CDCR.

As President of the Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood Association, I have been deeply involved in fostering neighborhood connections and advocating for the preservation of the historic Susan B. Anthony Preservation District.

My commitment to the public realm and its impact on community life is at the core of my professional philosophy. I am excited to bring my experience and enthusiasm to Community Design Center of Rochester, continuing to advocate for thoughtful, inclusive urban development that reflects the city’s heritage while shaping its future.

In addition to my professional work, I am a dedicated volunteer, with a particular focus on animal welfare. Over the years, I have rescued and cared for numerous stray cats in the community, a personal passion that aligns with my love for nurturing and supporting those around me. Outside of work, I enjoy exploring Rochester’s vibrant music and art scenes.

Dawn is taking over for our Acting Executive Director Bill Price who will resume his position on the board and continue to help guide fundraising, programming and policy.

Our other staffing announcement is for the position of Design Manager. Sophie Redmond has been hired to direct our design workshop projects, community engagement and our educational programs.

Sophie Redmond holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies and Studio Art from Hobart and William Smith Colleges. With over six years of experience as a freelance commission artist, she combines her passion for architectural design with extensive artistic practice. During her senior year at HWS, she completed an Honors Project in silkscreen printmaking, further elevating her creative skills. Sophie is eager to advance sustainable communities in Rochester with CDCR by applying her creative experience and passion for public collaboration.

In her time at Hobart William Smith, Sophie led many academic workshops and engagement events similar to the work she will perform with the CDCR.

Design Workshop Updates

Greentopia and CDCR have completed the High Falls State Park Design Workshop report. This report documents the recommendations from the leadership breakfast and the design workshop focus groups. It also offers next steps and specific neighborhood outreach still to be accomplished. The report is available here on the website for the CDCR, Greentopia and Genesee Land Trust /River Alliance.

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NYS Announcement

The NYS Empire State Development and Vinnie Esposito have announced the selection of Olin Studios of Philadelphia to lead the planning and design team for High Falls State Park. Olin Studios, NYS Parks representative will be collaborating with CDCR, Greentopia and Genesee Land Trust on community engagement efforts. We will be reviewing the results of the public survey conducted by Greentopia and the Genesee Land Trust regarding desired park features. We are very excited to see High Falls State Park advance to the next phase.

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The CDCR has scanned and transcribed all the documents form the Design Workshop on July 12th. We have worked with the RGVRM Steering Committee on the design recommendations, program opportunities and operational requirement. The CDCR will prepare a recommended campus master plan and employment strategies to guide future fundraising and improvements. The plans will be presented to the RGVRM Board and membership for review and comment.

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Our work with the El Camino Revitalization Area Steering Committee continues. We have held meetings so far and have planned another to refine the workshop agenda, focus areas, themes and desired outcomes. Save the Date: The El Camino workshop will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 9 – 4pm. Stay tuned for a location and promotional materials postings on Ibero and CDCR’s websites

All are welcome. Please consider joining on the steering committee meeting on September

11, 2024 at 216 Clifford Ave from 5:30pm – 7pm.

Back to School

The students are back in school now! The CDCR collaborated with the Curiosity Camp program at Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) this summer. We provided simple and fun exercises to teach the 6 – 8-year-old campers about architecture and place making. Volunteers from the CDCR included Dawn Noto, Mariam Yaqub, Troa Vimahi, Cassidy Kress, Emma Faulkenstein, Roger Brown and Howard Decker. All were pleasantly surprised by the kid’s knowledge of their neighborhood environment and creative thinking. Campers created 3D models of their ideal parks, playgrounds and cities. The CDCR intends to continue to expand our educational program with RMSC and throughout the community.

EUREKA! 

Greentopia, the CDCR and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) will be collaborating with RIT’s annual Eureka workshop experience for social good. Eureka is planned and hosted by RIT’s College of Arts & Design, School of Design and the Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement. 

This year the EUREKA! project has selected the High Falls State Park in downtown Rochester. The workshop will engage RIT students who are passionate about using their skills to initiate social change. In a 48 hour timeframe, multi-level and interdisciplinary teams collaborate with Greentopia, CDCR and RPO to propose solutions following the project prompt. The event concludes with team presentations to a panel of experts who select one proposal to go forward toward implementation.

Prompt - How can we promote the New York State Park at High Falls as a must-visit destination for residents and visitors to Rochester?

• Music/Culture/ Entertainment on High Falls Waterfront
• Cultural History/Heritage of High Falls
• Recreation and Park Activities

The EUREKA! workshop will begin Thursday, October 24th and wrap up Saturday, October 26th.

Climate Solutions Accelerator is turning 10 years old and would like to celebrate with you!

 This milestone is a celebration of a decade's worth of organized climate action in the Genesee-Finger Lakes region.

September 19, 2024

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Event 180

180 Saint Paul Street

Rochester, NY 14604

Hors d'oeuvres and beverages provided by Tapas

(vegan, with gluten-free options)

CDCR is supported, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature.