The Marketplace Mall in Henrietta is opening the door to a major redevelopment focused on education and health care after closing its interior stores on Dec. 31.
On March 20, Gov. Kathy Hochul and billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Golisano announced that part of the former Marketplace Mall will be transformed into an educational campus for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The campus will be operated by the Mary Cariola Center and co‑located with the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Golisano Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Institute.
Hochul and Tom Golisano announce Mary Cariola campus at former mall
The redevelopment will be supported by $4 million in state funding and a $25 million gift from Golisano to the Mary Cariola Center in 2025.
“This has always been about building something bigger than a facility,” Golisano said in a statement. “By bringing Mary Cariola Center School and the Golisano Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Institute together on one campus, we are creating an environment where education, research, clinical care, and family services work hand in hand.”
Hochul called the project a first-of-its-kind model in the state and nation for integrated education, health care and support services.
“New York is proud to support the Mary Cariola Center as it reimagines this former retail space into a hub of opportunity, care and inclusion for children and families,” Hochul said in a statement. “This investment will help create a safe, accessible and innovative learning environment where students with complex needs can thrive close to home while strengthening connections to critical health services.”
While Mary Cariola and the University of Rochester will continue to operate as separate entities, officials say the proximity is expected to improve coordination for families, strengthen educational programming, accelerate research and expand workforce development and professional training opportunities. Golisano donated $50 million in 2024 to establish the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Institute that bears his name.
Even though the mall closed at the end of 2025, businesses with exterior entrances — Dave & Buster’s, IndyKart Raceway, Floor & Décor, JCPenney, Lands’ End and Sportsman’s Warehouse — remain open.
“I was very disappointed when the landmark Marketplace Mall shut down despite multiple incentive zoning efforts by the Town to save it. So, I am very elated that there will be a bright future for the facility,” said Steve Schultz, Town of Henrietta supervisor, in a statement. “We are pleased to be adding Mary Cariola to our community and very excited about the possibilities that this comprehensive, new facility will bring to the lives of those who need or can benefit from their services.”
Mary Cariola Center, founded in 1949, provides educational and therapeutic services to children with complex disabilities. Beginning with just eight students, the agency now employs more than 725 staff members and assists students from 58 different school districts and 11 counties.
— Steve Howe reports on suburban growth, development and environment for the Democrat and Chronicle. An RIT graduate, he has covered myriad topics over the years, including public safety, local government, national politics and economic development in New York and Utah.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Marketplace Mall’s next chapter focuses on education and care
Reporting by Steve Howe, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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