Safdie Associates Bows Out of Ren Square Project

By Bud Lowell

Rochester, NY – In another Renaissance Square development, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks thanked the original design architect for the project, Moshe Safdie.

Safdie and Associates were the original Master Planners and Design Architects for Renaissance Square. In announcing that their work is now done, Brooks says it's time for the project to transition to a local design team.

Safdie said in a statement that the conditions of the project have dramatically changed since his firm was brought on board two and a half years ago. Safdie says he came in to plan the renewal of the Main and Clinton block, but the budget limitations don't guarantee that his concepts can be fully realized.

Brooks says Safdie set a strong concept and framework for the project as it moves forward.

Main-Clinton Associates, the public corporation set up to manage the project, voted today to extend the design phase another year.