New details have emerged for the proposed Mary Cariola Center at The Marketplace mall, which received site plan approval from the Henrietta Planning Board on July 21.
The proposed school will be built in two phases in the footprint of the existing mall, with the first phase consisting of 62,500 square feet located just south of the JC Penney, which remains open. It will serve middle school students.
The remaining 127,500 square feet will be developed in the second phase, with the square footage located south of the initial phase and west of Floor and Décor. Preschool and grade school students will be based in the second phase.
The plans call for a newly constructed single-story construction, and the designs align with the incentive zoning district around the mall. Mary Cariola will purchase not only the existing square footage but parking northeast of that portion of the mall for a total of 15.5 acres.
The new construction is in design development, but elevations show a blue and grey exterior to contrast with the white University of Rochester Medical Center buildings already located at the mall site. If any changes are made to the elevations presented on July 21, Mary Cariola would need to come back before the planning board to present them.
Entrances to the new building will be located in the same place as the existing mall building. The drop-off and pick-up area will be coordinated by Mary Cariola, with buses and other vehicles coming from 50 school districts.
The redevelopment has already passed through its environmental review and special use permit process. The site plan was approved unanimously by the planning board.
Wilmorite retains ownership of outlying parcels and big box storefronts. Even though the mall interior 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.
Billionaire Paychex founder and philanthropist Tom Golisano — who made a $25 million donation to the Mary Cariola Foundation — suggested the space and co-location. The center’s relocation will also be supported by $4 million in state funding.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Mary Cariola site at Henrietta Marketplace mall approved | Exclusive
Reporting by Steve Howe, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Steve Howe, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | USA TODAY Network
