Part of the financial piece of RIT setting up an Urban Entrepreneurship Center in downtown Rochester is solidified.
Senator Chuck Schumer joined RIT President Bill Destler in Rochester on Tuesday to announce the approval of a $1.5 million federal grant.
RIT is seeking to boost the economic and new business development in downtown through programs offered at the center.
RIT president Bill Destler says he is eager to get to work, with construction already underway.
"Right now we are already cleaning up the facility for renovations,” says Destler, “This is an iconic downtown Rochester facility. We can actually transform this facility into a point of pride for the city and the region. And I think the activities going on there in terms of building local entrepreneurship downtown can revitalize the city's economy in a very very real way."
RIT’s Urban Entrepreneurship Center is slated to re-purpose the former Rochester Saving Bank on Franklin Street. Destler say they anticipate opening the Urban Entrepreneurship Center this fall.