Mayor Lovely Warren calls it the “port of opportunity,” and she joined other local officials and state representatives in cutting the ribbon on the $22 million project.
What was once a parking lot is now home to 84 boat slips, a new public promenade, benches, picnic tables, and park areas, among other amenities.
There are also new restaurants in the terminal building, and new construction on the Port of Rochester Terminal Link Building is expected to attract more cruise ships to the port.
Steven Burnett is executive director of the Great Lakes Cruising Coalition.
"We have several cruise ships on the lakes, we have two more headed down the St. Lawrence Seaway as we speak, and Rochester is essentially the first port of call," he said.
Further development plans are still in the works, according to Warren.
"The next step is to really build either a hotel or some housing here, we are in constant contact with the developer that we chose to do this, and hopeful that he will get the financing needed to start this project," she said.
Some neighborhood groups have voiced their concerns over a proposed condominium, saying it doesn't fit in with the Charlotte area and would block the view of the water.
Warren says they are in contact with business and neighborhood associations about further development.
Here's Warren at today's ribbon-cutting ceremony:
Here's a quick tour of the marina: