Inside Downtown 2011 Tour Guide

THE LANDMARK SOCIETY

INSIDE DOWNTOWN 2011

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MEMBERS

EAST AVE

F R I DAY , S E P T EMBER 23 5:30 - 8:30PM

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 11:00AM - 4:00PM

THE TOUR IS SELF-GUIDED and sites can be visited in any order. The ticket allows one-time entrance to all tour stops on both days. The Inside Downtown Tour is planned as a walking tour, covers multiple city blocks, and includes stairs. Some of the historic buildings are not handicap accessible. Please wear comfortable shoes and socks. Shoe covers required and provided at some residences.

TICKETS Price: $20 Order online: www.landmarksociety.org

Order by phone: (585) 546-7029 x11

On sale at: The Landmark Society 133 S. Fitzhugh (M-F, 9 to 4 pm) Landmark members may purchase discounted tickets directly from The Landmark Society only (online, phone or in person.)

Parkleigh 215 Park Avenue Arena’s Florist 260 East Avenue

NEW THIS YEAR!

Tickets available during the tour:

Your ticket will get you discounts at select East End businesses, PLUS admission to the “soft opening” test of a brand new event – Loftarama!

Rochester Contemporary Art Center 137 East Avenue

($25, if not sold out)

TOUR COMMITTEE Chairperson Anthony Bellomo Landmark Director of Public Programs Cindy Boyer Landmark Community Relations Associate Carolyn Haygood Landmark Architectural Research Coordinator Cynthia Howk Landmark Preservation Planner Caitlin Meives Tour Photography David Boyer

THE LANDMARK SOCIETY THANKS OUR SPONSORS

MEMBERS The Landmark Society gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Arena’s Florists, The Little Theatre, and the Rochester Contemporary Art Center.

| INSIDE DOWNTOWN TOUR GUIDE 2011

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East End and Grove Place This year’s Inside Downtown returns to two downtown neighborhoods that are a few blocks apart geographically, but worlds apart in character: tranquil Grove Place and the bustling East End. The Grove Place neighborhood is undoubtedly one of Rochester’s best-kept secrets. Nestled in the heart of downtown, this tiny neighborhood is a residential enclave whose residents take great pride in its special character, unparalleled access to the city’s cultural gems, and harmonious blend of notable historic and modern architecture.

When two of Rochester’s most distinguished pioneer families, the Wards and the Seldens, settled here in the 1840s, the area was considered a rural retreat, nicknamed “The Grove” because of its beautiful trees. The Wards and Seldens were the primary landowners in the neighborhood for more than a century. The sole surviving house from their original compound is the Ward House, a magnificent Italianate mansion built in 1850 and featuring an elegant entrance porch and rooftop belvedere.

The neighborhood today contains historic buildings representing a variety of architectural styles and eras, including a rare set of historic rowhouses, charming late-nineteenth-century cottages, and what may be the narrowest house in the city. It is also remarkable as an example of successful urban revitalization. The neighborhood was designated as a preservation district in the 1970s, when it was a mix of historic buildings and large surface parking lots. A committed band of residents worked with architect Bob Macon to revitalize the neighborhood through rehabilitation and sensitive infill development; keys to this effort included developing a vision of a dense urban neighborhood rather than suburban-style lots,

finding urban-friendly parking solutions, and rehabilitating as many of the existing buildings as possible. The result is a neighborhood in which historic buildings and strikingly modern townhouses coexist successfully.

A stone’s throw away is the thriving East End, one of Rochester’s social hot spots. The East End is centered on the westernmost end of East Avenue, the city’s original The East End thoroughfare, created in 1811. This relatively busy rural road, traveled several times a day by stagecoaches to Brighton and Pittsford, was a natural location for residential expansion. By the 1830s, modest city dwellings lined the road as far east as Union Street. Farther east – in the city’s outskirts just beyond Alexander Street – East Avenue became the favored location for Rochester’s elite families, who built elegant mansions in a pastoral setting beginning in the 1830s. Reflecting the growing importance of this section of the city, the University of Rochester moved to a 23-acre site at Prince Street and University Avenue, a block from East Avenue, in the 1860s.

As the city grew, the East End became more and more densely developed. The early residential character gave way to an increasingly varied mix of uses as large houses were converted into boarding houses, offices, and schools, then replaced by commercial

storefronts. In the early twentieth century, car dealerships, apartment buildings, and private clubs were at the forefront of new development along East Avenue and its side streets. There were many theatres in the neighborhood as well; today the Eastman Theatre and the Little Theatre represent what was a much larger collection of movie palaces and concert halls.

The dominance of the automobile, suburban sprawl, and the construction of the Inner Loop all took a toll on the neighborhood’s cohesiveness in the mid-twentieth century. By the end of the century, however, the East End was once again one of Rochester’s most popular neighborhoods.

Today, 21st-century housing and eye-catching new restaurants coexist with 19th- and 20thcentury landmarks and institutions, an exciting mix that infuses vitality into one of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods.

RAFFLE! A free raffle for ticket holders, for a Landmark Society Deluxe Gift Package including a household membership, Historic New York book, Erie Canal Legacy book, 2 tickets to the June 2012 House and Garden tour, and more! | INSIDE DOWNTOWN TOUR GUIDE 2011

The Landmark Society Rochester’s Past Becomes Rochester’s Future The creatively converted historic buildings and urban-oriented new construction you will enjoy on this tour exemplify the kind of intelligent and persistent preservation work to which The Landmark Society is dedicated.

Tragic abandonment of architectural treasures is all too common. Other cities have torn down their landmark buildings and historic neighborhoods, but many of ours continue as vibrant reminders of our heritage. East Avenue, lauded as “the finest gateway to any city in America” and Mt. Hope Avenue’s wonderfully preserved Victorian-era neighborhood remain as elegant and inviting as ever. Former industrial buildings are finding new life as trendy loft apartments and stylish offices.

Why? Because Landmark Society members and concerned residents worked diligently over the years to preserve these resources. In the 1960s, we successfully lobbied to change inappropriate zoning and helped create upstate New York’s first ordinance protecting historic buildings. Now, we focus on advocating for tax credits and identifying and protecting the next wave of historic resources of the “recent past.”

For over 74 years Landmark has been a vital force for historic preservation. Here’s what we do to improve and maintain our city and communities.

Advocacy Sharing a message and education are closely allied forms of communication, and Landmark Society advocacy has a far-reaching and historic place both locally and nationally. We have a seven-decade history of service to architectural preservation and cultural advancement. Advocacy allows a local message and its impact to be shared at the regional and national levels.

Preservation Planning Services Every day staff educates individuals and communities about how to save historic buildings and landscapes and encourages the adaptive reuse of structures. The effort involved in providing for vital and healthy neighborhoods, villages and urban centers is enormous, requiring the work of a highlytrained, exceptionally talented and dedicated staff.

We evaluate, document and protect irreplaceable historic resources, assist neighborhood and civic activists and provide leadership and guidance to property owners, developers, local governments and agencies that help shape your built environment.

Researchers, property owners, developers, local governments and academic institutions have learned to rely upon us to share our knowledge and facilitate their great achievements.

Events and Educational Programming Our educational programming is acknowledged as some of the finest of its kind in the nation, and we always have something going on! From our history-centered Landmark Society Ghost Walk every October, to our Walk the Walk program highlighting the amazing achievements of our African-American ancestors, to our annual preservation conference, we have something for just about everyone.

Museums The Landmark Society maintains the Stone-Tolan House Museum in Brighton, along with the historic Ellwanger Garden and the Hoyt-Potter mansion, an 1840s house adapted for our offices.

We love to share them with visitors and often give tours for school groups and others. (For tours information, please call 546-7029 x15 or visit www.landmarksocity.org.)

RochesterCityLiving RochesterCityLiving continues its work to inform and inspire city living, via our comprehensive web site www.rochestercityliving. com, our popular HomeWork house-of-theweek columns in CITY newspaper, our tour program, our education/training opportunities and through customized assistance to those who call and contact us through our web site, which has over 240,000 visitor sessions per year.

Searchable MLS listings, neighborhood profiles, featured homes for sale and information on purchase assistance programs are among the services offered at the site. RochesterCityLiving also conducts bi-annual training for realtors on historic home marketing and neighborhood bus tours for City Living Sundays.

We even blog (Confessions of a Preservationist) tweet, and make our presence known on Facebook!

How do we do it all?

Dedication, determination, – and support from Landmark Society volunteers and members!

Inspire. Encourage.

Advocate. JOIN. Make a positive impact.

Proceeds support our mission to protect the unique architectural heritage of our region and promote preservation and planning practices that foster healthy, livable, and sustainable communities.

Because EVERYONE deserves to live in a vital, interesting, green community.

Join online or by phone at 546-7029 x16.

J O I N B E FO R E T H E TO U R A N D S AV E !

Receive $15 tour tickets! (advance ticket price only, must be purchased from The Landmark Society ) a savings of $5 per ticket. Visit www.landmarksociety.org for more information on joining today!

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Inside Downtown 2011

To u r S t o p s

137 East Avenue Year Built: 1927 Architect: Leander McCord Architectural Style: Neo-Classical revival.

McCord (1874-1953) trained at both Rochester’s Mechanics Institute and the Ecole es Beaux Arts in Paris. The façade was the only part of the building that had a distinctive “style” – as the side wall (east elevation) is very plain. When built & up into the 1980s, there were elegant wrought iron railings (2nd story) and a unique arched canopy (with brackets) that made it look almost Beaux Arts/French, like something you’d see in NYC on Fifth Avenue. The details were removed when the façade was “modernized” in the 1980’s.

Look for on the exterior: The Ecole was the

most famous architectural training program in the world at that time and their classically inspired curriculum is evident in this elegant façade. Note the swag, scroll, and cartouche details on the façade cornice and in the 2ndstory, recessed arches You’ll enjoy knowing: Up until the 1920’s

this area was all residential. An ad in the 1925 Rochester Democrat and Chronicle advertises “137 East Avenue –new building for rent, especially suited for doctors, lawyers and other professional people.” The site served as a high end women’s clothing store when LuNette moved here in 1929. The 1933 newspaper lists a “help wanted” from this address for a “corsetiere -experienced in fitting highest class foundation garments.”

Don’t miss on the inside: Spaces open on the

first and second floor

Rochester Contemporary Art Center 137 East Avenue, ground floor Tour Headquarters: Ticket sales, restrooms

and a fabulous exhibit.

Graciously serving as tour headquarters, Rochester Contemporary Art Center is unique

Christ Church

and distinct in the Greater Rochester, NY area.

On view during the Inside Downtown tour will be State of the City: In The Loop. The exhibition takes Rochester’s unmistakable, often maligned, and nearly 50-year-old ring highway “The Inner Loop” as a departure point. The artists in the exhibition will employ diverse methods such as traditional landscape painting, photo documentation, interactive video, and psychogeography to consider and discuss the history, present moment, and future of Downtown Rochester.

This vital series of exhibitions will continue to generate important discussions across the art community and foster productive collaborations between artists, cultural institutions, urban planning/architecture professionals and the general public in Upstate/Western NY. Rochester Contemporary Art Center is a venue for the exchange of ideas. As a center for thoughtful contemporary art, they provide unique encounters for audiences and extraordinary opportunities for artists.

The Philipson Group 137 East Avenue, Suite 201

The Philipson Group is a strategic communications and new arts firm focused on delivering innovative marketing, smart design, memorable events and creative collaboration to

| INSIDE DOWNTOWN TOUR GUIDE 2011

consumer and enterprise marketers, nonprofits and community ventures.

Their corporate culture places a premium on innovation and experimentation. Don’t miss seeing an environment where creativity happens on a daily basis.

Christ Church 141 East Avenue Please note: Open Friday evening,5:30 –

8:30; On Saturday, open only at 3:30 pm when there will be a special organ demonstration by Music Director Stephen Kennedy.

Built in 1855 to accommodate Rochester’s growing population, Christ Church formed in 1854 from two preexisting congregations to serve the new and growing neighborhood. The original structure was a brick square-end church.

Over the next few years both the congregation and the church structure grew. In 1863 the nave was extended and an apse was added for the altar. Three windows with scenes of Christ between St. Phillip and St. John were added to the apse.

The present church was erected in 1894.

Much of the original brick church was demolished, however part of the old church remained to form the transept. English architect Robert Gibson designed the church in the French gothic-revival style. The buildings

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The Sagamore on East

were built of red Albion sandstone quarried 20 miles from Rochester.

In 1903 Johnson Tower was built based on Gibson’s design. The Ward Memorial Chime (made up of seven bells) was brought in 1973. The chime is played by a keyboard.

The windows, mosaic work and carved stone were done by craftsman Frederick Wilson of Tiffany Studios.

Ferris House was built to the west side in 1924, (replacing the 1887 Wilder Hall) providing classroom and social space as well as a gymnasium, a theater and a kitchen.

Today Christ Church serves a diverse multilingual congregation and is an urban center of mission and ministry. Music plays an important role in the church.

Christ Church has three choirs, a baroque pipe organ, a grand piano, handbells and chimes. In a partnership with the Eastman School of Music the installation of a major North German baroque pipe organ was completed in 2008. Complete your tour on Saturday with a special demonstration of the instrument at 3:30 by music director Stephen Kennedy.

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130 East Avenue

The Sagamore on East General information: Constructed in 2005 on

what had for many years been a surface parking lot, The Sagamore on East was developed by Christa Construction, and design by the local architectural firm of CJS Architects. The design of the building emulates that of prewar apartment houses found in Manhattan, and is composed of brick and stone. The seven storey mixed-use building occupies a full City continues on page 8

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block at 130 East Avenue, between Scio Street and Swan Street. The first floor is occupied by restaurant and retail uses, while the second floor is fully occupied by Citizens Bank, serving as their local headquarters. A gated courtyard entry on East Avenue leads to the lobby which serves the residences which can be found on floors three through seven. In total there are 23 owner occupied condominiums inside, each which has been customized by its owner, so the style and décor of each unit is completely unique. Floors three through six contain five residences each, while the seventh floor is home to three penthouse units. All residences have private outdoor space by way of balconies or terraces which take in wonderful views of the surrounding East End. The Sagamore on East tour stops are sponsored by Centra Financial Group.

Sagamore, No. 520 Look for on the interior: Upon entering the

residence, an entry foyer opens up to a large living space which served as living and dining room. Rich Brazilian cherry wood floors provide warmth, while various shades of grey on the walls provide unity throughout.

To the left of the main living space is a more intimate sitting room which looks out over East Avenue. The walls have been covered in a silver grass cloth and the addition of curtain panels of grey silk, metal accented furniture, and mirrored cube side tables, add to the feeling of sophisticated elegance.

The adjacent master bedroom has been recently redecorated, at which time panel molding was added to the walls, and painted in a three tone palette of warm greys. The charcoal colored upholstered headboard, and geometric pattern of the carpeting add boldness to the space. Also don’t miss the neo-classical inspired mantle surround of the corner fireplace.

Don’t miss on the outside: The exterior balcony

is embellished with large containers of seasonal plants, which add a surprising lushness to this small urban outdoor space. The balcony is efficiently broken into three distinct zones, with a grilling area to at one end, seating group at the center, and table and chairs at the opposite end.

Sagamore, No. 540 Look for on the interior: At the opposite end

of the hall from No. 520, this residence is in fact the mirror image in layout of its neighbor,

Sagamore, No. 520

but with an entirely different feel. Guests are greeted by rich tones, warm woods, and a cozy and inviting seating area in the main room.

The fireplace is a focal point of the space, and is made of a yellow toned marble that is backlit for a dramatic presentation. The ceiling of the main room has sports wooden beams adding to the eclectic and cozy atmosphere.

Not to be missed is the striking kitchen which includes unique lacquered cabinetry in a bold reddish orange with metal accents. From the kitchen there are wondering views looking down East Avenue in one direction, and Broadway in another. The fountains at Manhattan Square Park can be seen spraying in the distance. The home also includes a more intimate sitting room off of the main living space, and two bedrooms and two and a half baths.

houses in the area. Those small houses on Mathews were about to be demolished in 1924, for the construction of the East Avenue branch of the Post Office. The increase in businesses and apartment buildings in this formerly allresidential neighborhood mean the need for a post office other than the one west of the river, in the federal building (today’s City Hall.) The building didn’t stay a post office for long, as the main post office was constructed in 1933 on Cumberland street. The large structure fulfilled a variety of purposes over the rest of the century, including offices and storage spaces. Today it’s the East End Lofts and a stop on our tour.

Don’t miss on the outside: The balcony

Year Built: early 20th century

attached to this unit has a phenomenal view of Christ Church and its adjacent garden.

Looking at the church from this vantage point, one is afforded an opportunity to experience the architectural details of the façade in a different way than can be had on-street. This outdoor space also looks directly into the garden in front of Christ Church which serves as a neighborhood park for the East End.

14 Mathews Street East End Lofts Architect: Unknown Look for on the exterior: A utilitarian,

block-like structure, although Stern Properties has highlighted it with a very nice paint scheme. Since the building was originally constructed as a branch office for the US Postal Service, you’d expect a “no-nonsense” design.

Apartment 100

Mathews street General Information: If you were to visit this

street 100 years ago, in 1912, you would not recognize the location. Imagine a row of small, single family homes lining Mathews street and East Avenue. If you jumped forward to 1924, you’d still see small houses on the west side of Mathews – but you might recognize the big building on the corner of Mathews and East.

It was the Sargeant Motors – soon to become Hallmans Chevrolet. You’d also notice the appearance of high end shops and apartment

| INSIDE DOWNTOWN TOUR GUIDE 2011

East End Lofts

You’ll enjoy knowing: This easily accessible

rental apartment is a favorite of visiting business people who plan an extended stay in Rochester, but want something in a more interesting location than the typical suite hotel.

Don’t miss on the inside: This 767 square foot

apartment may seem small by the numbers, but note how the soaring ceilings contribute to a feeling of spacious openness. The décor is clean and welcoming, with exciting touches of color.

(Hint: if you want to know who designed the interior, make certain you note the color scheme at 137 East Avenue - Suite 201, above the Rochester Contemporary Art Center.)

Apartment 203 You’ll enjoy knowing: This is the home of

the interior designer who worked on the initial design of all the interiors, in partnership with Stern Properties.

Don’t miss on the inside: The interesting

thing about loft apartments is to find clues to the original form of the spaces. In this apartment you’ll see original hardwood floors, and a clue telling you where a wall used to stand. Also enjoy how the designer/resident has

made an office workspace that does not intrude on the open, serene feeling of the study.

Windsor Street General Information: Windsor street has

a number of historic structures, and a few modern surprises. Take a look at the exterior of number 56. It’s an Italianate house from the late 1800s. It has typical Italianate architectural details, such as a front-gabled roof with brackets supporting the eaves, shallow hoods over the windows, a small round window in the attic, and a bracketed, broken-pediment canopy over the entrance. Now note the connecting structure to the back of the house. This house and the connector were on the tour in 2008, and in 2011 we’re visiting its mirror twin: 48 Windsor.

48 Windsor Street Year Built: 2008 (that’s right!)

Architectural Style: A contemporary

designed to harmonize with the late 19th century streetscape.

Look for on the exterior: The new building on

the right has been carefully designed to match

56 Windsor Street

the dimensions, gable angle, and the three-bay appearance of the original house. The new structure, however, has a full-width covered porch supported by four columns, whereas the original house has just a bracketed pediment over the entrance door. The front porch is accessible only to the family, enhancing the privacy and security of the home. continues on page 10

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You’ll enjoy knowing: In the days before

automobiles, the houses on Windsor Street were all built close to one another without driveways or garages. People walked in those days, or they rented a carriage for family outings. Today, however, automobiles are a practical necessity, so these three residential units each have a two-car garage that is accessible from Carpenter Alley, which runs between University Avenue and Main Street.

The current owners moved from Pittsford to this home, since “we were spending all our time in the East End area anyway.”

Don’t miss on the inside: The custom built open

staircase connected to the entrance hall, and the variety of spaces, from cozy enclosed rooms to a soaring atrium filled with wonders collected in the owners’ travels. They have enjoyed collecting the work of local arts from the many places they’ve lived – and we enjoy the benefit today!

Selden Street General information: If the barn still stood

here (and if Henry Ford hadn’t hired such good lawyers) this street might be a national historic site. Selden Street is where George B. Selden invented the internal combustion engine for his automobiles in 1877 in his uncle’s barn.

Today, the street is a handsome row of brick townhouses on both sides of the street. They were designed by the late Rochester architect, Robert (Bob) Macon, and built in the 1980s.

Macon favored a dark brown brick that gives these townhouses a solid, dignified appearance.

What makes the townhouses particularly interesting is that no two are alike. Each has elements that are different, although there is the unity of one building material and a distinctive design theme. As you walk down the street, notice how each entrance and each façade varies.

You will see that the same is true of the interiors.

Selden Street

rather than architect-designed. Imagine this street filled with houses of a similar size - this is the sole survivor.

This home is currently unoccupied, as the new owners have delayed their move so that we could invite you in!

Don’t miss on the inside: the original

colored glass windows on the staircase, the detailed heating grates in the living area – and original fancy millwork around the windows. Also inside: a special display on the neighborhood history, and a framed collection of newspaper found in the wall when the house was restored.

10-7 Selden Street

Grove Place

Architect: Robert Macon

General Information: Imagine a beautiful

Architectural Style: Post Modern Look for on the exterior: 10-7 is reached by

Year Built: c1890 Architectural Style: Vernacular Queen Anne

You’ll enjoy knowing: The two sculptures

Architect: Unknown Look for on the exterior: Projecting bays on

the front and east side of the houses, a variety of textures, asymmetrical façade, and stair step windows on the north side all point to Queen Anne style.

You’ll enjoy knowing: It’s a vernacular (not

high style) interpretation of the form, and may have been built from a house kit or plan book,

the townhouse has an open concept layout which lends itself well to the contemporary furnishings and décor. The living space includes an eclectic mix of furnishings, artwork, and objet d’art from the various travels of the homeowner.

The kitchen was completely remodeled in 2009, and includes light colored cabinetry with grey colored stone counters. The most unique aspect to the kitchen is the green house style ceiling and rear wall which dates to the homes original construction. The glass allows soft northern light to enter the spaces, and affords a lovely view onto the intimate private patio in the rear of the house.

Year Built: 1985

a pedestrian gate located in a brick wall along Selden Street which adds to the charming atmosphere of the street. Instead of a lawn in front of this townhouse, the front yard has instead been planted as a woodland style garden with boxwood, sweet woodruff, and several varieties of hostas among many other plants.

14 Selden Street

Don’t miss on the inside: The interior of

found in the front yard of the townhouse are

by Brockport artist Bill Stewart. Titled The Elders, these pieces were created as part of the 1989 series which resulted in the majestic five part cluster called The Council installed at the Monroe County International Airport.

This installation is one of several pieces of art that can be found sprinkled throughout the neighborhood, including decorative street side benches by artist Paul Knoblauch.

10 | INSIDE DOWNTOWN TOUR GUIDE 2011

small forest of trees in this area, offering a welcome retreat from the crazy-busy business and milling district of Rochester’s “Four Corners.” - That is how the Ward and Selden families found this area in the 1840’s. They named their neighborhood “The Grove” - and the home you will visit is the last remaining structure from that earliest time.

18 Grove Place The Ward House Year Built: circa 1850 Architect: Unknown Architectural Style: Italianate

Look for on the exterior: The wide, overhanging eaves and the wide entablature underneath the eaves, the heavy stone lintel at the top of each window – all clues that you are looking at an Italianate style home.

You’ll have to step back to Windsor Street

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The Ward House

to see another classic detail – the cupola centered on the hip roof. Its purpose was not as a lookout, but rather “19th century air conditioning.” Residents would open the windows at the top, permitting flow of hot air to exit as it rose.

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The Alliance Building 183 East Main Street

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You’ll enjoy knowing: The house was built

for Dr. Levi Ward, who came to Rochester from Connecticut and originally worked as a physician, eventually branching out to other businesses. Today it is the Law Office of Van Henri White, Attorney at Law, and the Center for the Study of Civil and Human Rights Don’t miss on the inside: This is two visits in one – there’s the lovely rooms of this well maintained Italianate home, and the collections of the Center for the Study of Civil and Human Rights occupy the Ward House.

You’ll find an extensive collection of media materials, historic documents and artifacts related to human and civil rights. The Center, which opened in 2005 serves as a resource and provides programming for the community in order to promote diversity, tolerance and to help build community.

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Don’t miss in the back yard! A vintage

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12 | INSIDE DOWNTOWN TOUR GUIDE 2011