Jan 26

Jan 26 Imagine Rochester: Introducing a new column for the Med City Beat

Opinion • 2016

Imagine means to to think of or create (something that is not real) in your mind. Children imagine whole worlds to play in and explore. As adults we imagine what it would be like to win the lottery and live without limits. But much like we did as children, we also continue to engage with the world through the lens of our imaginations every day. We can imagine a new kitchen, the perfect vacation or a dream job because we see those images and hear the stories through our ever expanding access to the world.

In 2014, we began to see the framework of Destination Medical Center (DMC) come to life through sketches of downtown Rochester. We all imagined what it would be like to have an ice skating rink like Rockefeller Center, a streetcar or light pavilion. The consultants created for us the vision of a city that did not exist anywhere but in our imaginations.

To imagine Rochester today is to believe that anything is possible. With $6 billion, more than we could ever win in the lottery, there exists the opportunity to create just about anything. Some dream of water parks and bike trails. Many desire updates to transportation. And then there are those of us who see the complete picture: a downtown Rochester held to the highest standards of urban design, where the transportation informs the streetscapes of buildings that provide amenities to the bustling neighborhood residents and visitors.

In our news series, published exclusively on the Med City Beat, we will be discussing urban design related topics and how they impact the Rochester we imagine for our future. Recent events have shown us that we are at a crossroads as a community. With DMC we have the possibility to create the city of our dreams, but only if we see each development as an opportunity be aspirational and raise the bar for design, sustainability, and functionality.

Our next topic will be the importance of on-street parking.

Jesse Welsh is a member of the nonprofit advocacy group Imagine Kutzky.

Featured content:

Featured

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The Landing opens new, larger day center in Rochester

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(Cover graphic: DMC Development Plan)