ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The new owners of the First Federal Building downtown are asking for public input on what to do with the distinctive 21st floor.
The former revolving restaurant spans 7,000 square feet. Excelsior Communities, the new owners, say they’re open to suggestions.
News10NBC’s Brett Davidsen asked viewers on social media to share their ideas earlier this week. He then took those suggestions to the top floor and met directly with the company vice president.
The views are spectacular from the 21st floor. Perched atop the First Federal Plaza, on a clear day you can see the Bristol Hills to the south and Lake Ontario to the north.
Davidsen met with Ami Notis of Excelsior Communities at the location.
“Ultimately what we want to do is make sure that whatever use we put in here, we take advantage of the 360 views,” Notis said.
Excelsior bought the building this month for $2.8 million with plans to bring it back to its former glory. Of most interest to many is what will become of the 21st floor.
“That’s optimally what we would want,” Notis said when asked if the space would be available to the public.
In its heyday, it was a revolving restaurant known as “The Changing Scene.” It opened in 1977 to great fanfare.
After 11 years it closed and was converted to offices. But now there’s an opportunity to re-imagine this iconic space.
“We’re really looking at ideas that people put forth,” Notis said.
After soliciting ideas from viewers, Davidsen ran a few of them by Notis to see what he thought. Some viewers said to make it an event space.
“If somebody had any event, whether it’s a wedding or birthday or just corporate event, just to come up here and have these 360 views of downtown Rochester, especially at night, it’s beautiful as well,” Notis said.
Most viewers wanted it to be some kind of restaurant or bar. One suggestion was a 70s-themed restaurant lounge with piano bar.
“Well, if there’s somebody that’s interested in something like that, I think that could be a great use,” Notis said.
Another viewer suggested an alien-themed revolving restaurant.
“An alien themed — I get where that’s coming from,” Notis said.
Others said comedy club, carnival ride and even IKEA. One viewer suggested an observation deck with gift shop, coffee shop and art gallery.
“Yeah, I think that’s also an interesting idea,” Notis said.
As for the rest of the building, Notis said it’ll be a mix of residential, office and retail space. There are even plans to revive the glass exterior elevator.
“We know this building is going to be an amazing building with lots of multi-family, office, retail, and we think this could really be the cherry on top — or the spaceship on top, so we want to make sure to take advantage of that,” Notis said.
Notis said they are getting started with design plans right away and hope to start construction in the next 12 to 18 months.
New owners of First Federal Plaza talk about the building’s one-of-a-kind 21st floor WHEC.com.
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