Rochester, New York — The historic Four Corners of downtown Rochester is undergoing a major transformation. OakGrove Companies has recently acquired the Wilder Building at the intersection of East Main Street and Exchange Boulevard, announcing plans for a $20 million mixed-use development that promises to reinvigorate the city's downtown core. Published by WHAM on January 5, 2026, this project represents a significant investment in Rochester's urban renewal efforts.
The Wilder Building redevelopment is part of a broader vision to revitalize Four Corners, an area that co-founder Matt Drouin describes as a "blank canvas that we can work together as a community and reactivate." According to Drouin, many buildings in the district have substantial vacancies and are ripe for redevelopment.
The project specifically targets the middle-income, middle-class population that has been priced out of downtown Rochester's current housing market. Drouin noted in interviews that both low-income and high-income housing exist in the city, but there's a critical gap in workforce housing at affordable rates. The Wilder Building will fill this gap by offering apartments, offices, and commercial space at rates that middle-income families can afford — while maintaining the same quality as market-rate luxury developments.
While the $20 million project cost is significant, development consultants note that converting older historic buildings frequently exceeds the property's market value, creating major financial challenges. To bridge this gap, the developers are working with NYS Homes and Community Renewal for low-interest loans and grants, while also layering in tax credits and local incentives to make the project financially viable.
The city's Small Building Participation Loan Program has been instrumental in creating workforce housing opportunities. Drouin has called for significant state expansion of this program, citing it as a "game changer" for affordable middle-class housing development in Rochester.
The project has generated significant community enthusiasm. Galin Brooks, president and CEO of Rochester Downtown Development Corporation, stated that "This has some really exciting potential to infuse new investment into the heart of Four Corners." Brooks emphasized Rochester's strong advantages for future development, including a robust cultural community, thriving artist population, and innovative business sector.
Project coordinator Lily Loveless from Bace Build, who has lived downtown for four years, described the revitalization effort as "a Rochester Renaissance," highlighting the transformative potential of breathing new life into historic buildings in the heart of the city.
The Wilder Building project is part of a larger pattern of downtown reinvestment in Rochester. Combined with other recent projects and city initiatives, this development signals that Rochester's downtown is transitioning from a district with significant vacancies and limited activity to a vibrant, mixed-income neighborhood. The focus on workforce housing — apartments affordable to teachers, nurses, trade professionals, and other middle-class workers — addresses a genuine market gap that has plagued Rochester for years.
By pairing historic preservation with modern amenities and affordable pricing, OakGrove Companies and its partners are demonstrating that downtown revitalization can benefit existing residents while attracting new investment and talent to Rochester.
Industry Insight: Westside Construction Group brings 30+ years of experience managing complex mixed-use and historic renovation projects across Upstate New York. Whether you're planning affordable housing, adaptive reuse, or downtown revitalization, WCG understands the regulatory, financial, and construction complexities involved. Learn more about WCG's portfolio: (585) 440-0304 or www.buildwcg.com
For more on Rochester development, read our coverage of Rochester's $100M Inner Loop North Transformation.
Additional details available from City of Rochester Government and WHAM News.
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