The highly anticipated Bull’s Head Street Improvement Project began this year. However, the city’s $350 million transformation came at a cost for some local businesses.
Francis “Andy” Winterkorn, owner of Andy’s Automotive Enhancements, is one of many businesses forced to relocate outside of the Bull’s Head Neighborhood. The property at 22 York St. has been a home to Winterkorn since 1997, working part-time at the auto shop while it was under the ownership of Doug Williams.
Winterkorn acquired the auto shop in 1999 to reestablish himself and build generational wealth for his family. “I feel this is my home. I’ve been here 30 years. I love the neighborhood. I love that every time someone rides by, they blow their horn, and they wave at me. I’m part of the neighborhood. I’m part of the community,” said Winterkorn.
This project will be a $350 million project that will transform over 10 acres across the 19th Ward. Many properties were acquired through foreclosures and eminent domain, giving the City power to take private property and convert it into public use, if they provide just compensation to the property owners.
Winterkorn was approached by the City with an offer of $121,000 in 2021, but Winterkorn refused to leave.
Andy Winterkorn fights to stay in Bull’s Head
If Winterkorn did not accept the City’s offer, he would be responsible for repairing the soil contamination beneath the building after years of chemical usage within the auto shop.
Winterkorn, willing to fix those repairs and fight for his home, spent the last five years finding a way to stay at 22 York St. However, in 2025, Winterkorn received a final notice and was given no choice but to relocate.
The Urban Renewal Agency reached out to Winterkorn to assist with relocation. Winterkorn’s lawyers collaborated with the neighborhood development to come up with a plan for relocating the auto shop.
Plans for the future of Andy’s Auto Enhancements & Bull’s Head
Once plans were approved by the City council, Winterkorn proceeded to move to acquire a new property at 1540-1549 Dewey Ave and Pullman Avenue.
Repairs are still needed at the property, but Winterkorn looks forward to being a part of the Dewey Avenue neighborhood and enjoying his own parking lot. “I got some benefits to go along with it being on the main street, and hopefully I’m not out of sight, out of mind,” said Winterkorn
Winterkorn hopes to continue seeing familiar faces on Dewey Avenue.
“This whole situation has been very stressful. Put a major burden on my family, me, friends, customers. I don’t wish it on nobody,” Winterkorn said. “I wouldn’t be as upset if it was something benefiting the community.
According to Winterkorn, the property at 22 York St. will be transformed into a parking lot as plans for the Bull’s Head Revitalization Project continue.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Local auto shop pushed to move amid Bull’s Head project finds new home
Reporting by Genae Shields, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
