Michael's site slated for demo

Developers are moving ahead with plans to demolish the former Michael's restaurant site, located at 15 South Broadway in downtown Rochester.

Titan Development & Investment has put in a request with the city to proceed with adoption of a resolution indicating the building is substandard and also to enter into an early demolition agreement. The request will be considered Wednesday night by the Rochester City Council.

By demolishing the property, Titan and its partner, Harbor Bay Real Estate Advisors, would preserve the right to create a tax increment financing (TIF) district for a three-year period. Preliminary plans drawn up last year showed the property being used for the construction of a 30-story tower and hotel.

(It is important to note that approval by the council to demolish the building does not create an obligation on the part of the city to proceed with any future project proposed for the site. The redevelopment project for the Michael's site has not yet gone through the city's planning process.)

"Our desire is to demolish the structure now but we would like to preserve our ability to establish a Tax Increment Financing District ... and apply for Tax Increment Financing assistance at a later date," said Mark Steege, president of Titan, in a memo to city administration.

Michael's closed its doors in late 2014 after 63 years in business. It had been one of the city's most popular locally-owned restaurants. 

Cover photo by Med City Beat