A commercial corridor in Irondequoit could be transformed by $4.5 million in state funding, bringing pedestrian infrastructure to the plazas and parking lots.
The Titus-Cooper-Hudson District is the target of the funding, which encompasses the iconic House of Guitars, a Wegmans plaza, Titus Tavern and adjacent properties. Now, about half of the requested funding will be coming to the town to bolster private and public projects in the community.
The target area also includes I-Square, which combines dining, drink, event space and housing in a walkable mixed-use development. It includes The Market at I-Square, Imaginarium, Irondequoit Beer Co. and Brookside Cottages, as well as an open lawn and stage.
New York Forward is similar to the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, but for smaller communities, including villages and hamlets. Once communities in each region are selected, a local planning committee creates a strategic investment plan that highlights projects to receive funds based on community outreach and input. From there, the projects highlighted in the plan are implemented.
So, what were the initial projects included in Irondequoit’s application? More than $10 million in funding opportunities were included in the application, a mixture of residential and commercial projects. Only some will make the final award, but these “transformative projects” highlight priorities for the community.
Hudson Avenue housing: $8 million project cost, $1.5 million funding request
This project would be built on a 4.6-acre parcel near the Aldi on Hudson Avenue. The three-story building would bring 40 two-bedroom, market-rate apartments to the commercial corridor in walking distance to grocery stores and other shopping. The site is currently a vacant wooded lot.
Irondequoit Plaza redevelopment: $5 million project cost, $1.5 million funding request
This proposed project would feature either mixed-use or commercial development in the underutilized regions of the plaza parking lot where Wegmans is located. In the town’s application, the redevelopment is touted as a chance to increase pedestrian use and walkability on an auto-centric parcel.
Hotel at I-Square: $4.5 million project cost, $1.5 million funding request
A part of the original vision for I-Square, this 18-room hotel would be built on a vacant lot on Titus Avenue. The application said the hotel would be blend short-term homestyle stays and a traditional full-service hotel.
Titus Avenue housing: $4.3 million project cost, $1.5 million funding request
Two multi-family apartment buildings with 16 market-rate residential units would be built on a vacant wooded lot across Titus Avenue from the Titus Mall. The project received final site plan approval, with conditions, at the town’s planning board meeting on Nov. 24, 2025.
Streetscape improvements: $1.5 million project cost, $1.5 million funding request
A project proposed by the town itself for Titus and Hudson avenues, the streetscape improvements include improvements and installation of lighting, sidewalks, benches and landscaping to improve the safety and aesthetics of the target area.
Pedestrian safety enhancements: $1.2 million project cost, $800,000 funding request
A separate project from the streetscape improvements, this town and Monroe County project would add pedestrian walk buttons, flashing turn signals and sidewalk reconfiguration to aid pedestrian crossings in an area with high-volume traffic.
Reimagine the Imaginarium: $1 million project cost, $750,000 funding request
The two-story building once housed a gallery and art space but is looking to be repurposed into boutique retail and/or office space with shared amenities like a lounge and conference rooms. The former Imaginarium space has solar panels and geothermal heating and cooling.
Wayfinding and signage: $500,000 project cost, $500,000 funding request
Another town project, this would create new signage to direct residents and visitors through the mixed-use Titus-Hudson district and to landmarks, restaurants, businesses and more.
Joshua Park Phase II: $350,000 project cost, $350,000 funding request
The town already upgraded the park with an athletic field, basketball court, walking track and sensory playground in 2024. The second phase of improvements includes expansion of the playground for younger children, swings, additional seating and a row of shade trees on the park’s eastern edge.
Titus Mall revitalization: $370,000 project cost, $250,000 funding request
The former home of the Irondequoit Department of Motor Vehicles office is about 75% vacant and would see some demolition and repartitioning inside to make it more appealing to possible new clientele.
— 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: What $4.5M in state funding could mean for Irondequoit
Reporting by Steve Howe, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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