Rochester — Developer Angelo Ingrassia has revived plans for a major $46.28 million residential development on the historic Colgate Rochester Divinity School campus at 1100 South Goodman Street, according to reporting from the Rochester Business Journal on January 7, 2026. The phased project will create 136 affordable housing units on the historic 13-acre Monroe County property, transforming the vacant campus into a vibrant residential community.
After previous development attempts faced neighborhood opposition, Ingrassia has submitted new plans for the serene South Goodman property. Through a series of limited liability companies, the developer intends to repurpose four existing historic buildings into primarily residential space while constructing two new 48-unit residential buildings within the existing campus layout.
The phased project is titled the Vistas at Divinity series and will bring the 13-acre Colgate Divinity campus back to active use. The project represents a significant investment in Rochester's residential housing stock, with plans to address local housing demand near downtown.
Ingrassia and his development team are requesting $9.1 million in tax incentives from the Monroe County Industrial Development Agency (COMIDA) to ensure residential rents remain affordable. The incentive package includes:
The 136-unit residential community will include a mix of unit types and affordable levels. According to the COMIDA application, 27 of 136 units will be reserved for tenants earning up to 60 percent of Area Median Income (AMI), making approximately one-fifth of the development accessible to very low-income households.
Rent ranges are projected to be:
The mix of unit affordability levels addresses market demand for quality housing options near downtown Rochester while maintaining accessibility for lower-income residents.
Repurposing the former president's residence (5,557 square feet) into five boutique apartments designed for professionals, medical staff, or visiting professors.
Refurbishing the former dormitories (21,600 square feet) into 32 affordable units at a project cost of $6.45 million. This phase extends the life of historic structures while creating mid-range affordable housing.
Transforming the campus centerpiece building into mixed-use residential and community space with:
Construction of two new 48-unit buildings within the existing campus:
The COMIDA board will consider the tax incentive request at its January 20, 2026 board meeting. A public hearing on the project is scheduled for 10 a.m. on January 15, 2026, at City Place (50 West Main Street, Rochester).
If tax incentives are approved, construction could begin by April 1, 2026, marking the start of the phased development. The timeline allows for seasonal construction and orderly development of the four residential phases.
The Colgate Rochester Divinity School campus was added to the State and National Registers of Historic Places in May 2025. The historic designation unlocked $4.22 million in state and federal historic tax credits, which substantially reduce the project's financing burden and support preservation of the campus architecture.
The 13-acre property features Collegiate Gothic buildings with spires, oriel windows, leaded panes and ornate carvings, as well as Tudor Revival dormitories—representing significant architectural and historical assets to Rochester.
The Colgate Rochester Divinity school operated on this campus for over 150 years before relocating downtown to the Sibley Triangle Building (corner of East Main Street and East Avenue) seven years ago due to declining enrollment and changing student needs. The campus has been largely vacant since that transition.
Monroe County is actively working to expand housing supply after a recent study concluded the rental market is constrained by insufficient inventory. The 136-unit Vistas at Divinity project directly addresses this shortage and supports local housing goals.
The location near downtown provides convenient access to Rochester's emerging commercial and cultural district. The mixed-use aspects—including community space at Strong Hall and banquet facilities—support broader downtown activation efforts.
Rather than demolition, the project preserves and adapts historic campus buildings for modern residential use. This adaptive reuse honors the campus's cultural and architectural significance while creating contemporary housing.
The $9.1 million incentive request represents effective use of development incentives. The private investment of $46.28 million catalyzed by public incentives demonstrates the leverage effect of tax programs—approximately $5 in private investment for every $1 in public incentive.
Industry Insight: Westside Construction Group brings 20+ years of experience managing historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and large-scale residential development projects across Rochester and the region. From landmark campus transformations to mixed-use developments, WCG specializes in complex projects that balance architectural preservation with modern housing needs. For historic or adaptive reuse projects: (585) 440-0304 or www.buildwcg.com
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