Rochester, NY construction projects are reshaping the region's neighborhoods through innovative partnerships between faith-based organizations and professional development firms. On Monday, November 13, 2025, First Genesis Baptist Church officially broke ground on a transformative $13 million residential development in one of Rochester's historically underinvested communities, marking a significant shift in how community-led development is reshaping the city's landscape.
First Genesis Development Corp. (FGDC), an economic development arm of the Hudson Avenue landmark ministry, partnered with Rochester Management Inc. as project developers to construct 22 single-family homes in the historically redlined neighborhood off Hudson Avenue and Upper Falls Boulevard. This initiative represents a growing trend in Rochester real estate development where faith-based organizations are taking active roles in residential construction to create homeownership opportunities in underserved communities.
According to the Rochester Business Journal (November 13, 2025), the homes include a mix of architectural styles designed to serve diverse family needs:
The construction team brings significant expertise to the project, with Atlas Construction serving as the general contractor and Passero Associates handling architectural design. This partnership creates a proven model for effective residential development in Rochester.
The $13 million project is funded through a strategic combination of state and local resources, demonstrating collaborative government support for housing development:
"When we invest in housing, we're investing in our people," said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello at Monday's ceremonial groundbreaking. "This is hope, this is our future, one family at a time."
The First Genesis project represents more than just residential construction—it's a strategic initiative to create generational wealth in neighborhoods that have historically faced disinvestment. Pastor Fredrick Johnson Sr. of First Genesis Baptist Church emphasized the church's mission extends beyond traditional ministry into community economic development.
"This effort is not social work, it's kingdom work," Johnson said at a seminar at Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan University. "What we're doing is God's work in the community, to transform lives and to build generational wealth. The American dream has not changed; it starts for anybody with homeownership."
The church's development arm was formally created in response to a 2017 request from former Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren to consider expanding into real estate development. After six years of planning and securing funding, the project now moves into construction.
Rochester's embrace of faith-based housing development mirrors successful initiatives already established in Buffalo and other upstate New York communities. According to Leonard Skrill, assistant commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal, faith-based nonprofits have been instrumental in Buffalo's housing growth.
"In over 50 percent of housing that has been created on the east side of Buffalo, a faith-based not-for-profit was a substantial partner," Skrill stated. "It's important that project sponsors look like the people that live in the community."
This is the second faith-based partnership for Rochester Management Inc. In 2022, the organization collaborated with Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church to build Zion Hill Apartments on Dr. Samuel McCree Way, establishing a successful model for community-led development.
Scott Procious, president and CEO of Rochester Management Inc., has been instrumental in developing this partnership approach. Rochester Management, operating as a nonprofit real estate firm since 1949, understands the critical role churches play in their communities.
"The church really understands the needs of their neighborhoods," Procious noted. "We are proud to be part of such a transformative project—one that will provide 22 families the opportunity to experience homeownership, an achievement that may have otherwise remained out of reach. This initiative is a powerful example of what can be accomplished through collaboration."
For construction contractors and real estate professionals in Rochester, this project demonstrates the growing opportunities in community-focused residential development. The partnership model shows how professional construction firms can align with community organizations to access dedicated funding streams and create meaningful housing solutions.
Atlas Construction's involvement in this project highlights the demand for contractors experienced in residential development, quality construction management, and community engagement. The inclusion of ADA-compliant units also reflects the industry shift toward inclusive design standards.
This single-family home project is just the beginning of First Genesis Development Corp.'s expansion plans. The organization is already finalizing funding for a second major project that will significantly expand housing options in the neighborhood.
First Genesis Apartments, slated to begin construction in spring 2026, will add 106 residential units to the neighborhood, further solidifying the area as a revitalized housing destination. This two-phase approach creates both immediate homeownership opportunities and longer-term rental options for diverse household types and incomes.
"After many years of prayer, planning and collaboration, the First Genesis Single Family Homes project will be the anchor project to transform families and neighborhoods while changing the landscape for generations," Johnson said. "This project fulfills the testimony that collaboration with the faith community, civic and private entities can transform our city and start to build generational wealth in underserved and underinvested communities."
The First Genesis project offers valuable insights for Rochester's construction industry:
Sources: Rochester Business Journal (November 13, 2025), Rochester Management Inc., Monroe County Executive Office, First Genesis Baptist Church
EPA announces $7B in WIFIA water infrastructure financing with 5 new loan approvals, opening major construction opportunities for water systems nationwide.
.jpeg)
Rochester City School District seeks $125M state funding to accelerate facilities modernization across five aging school buildings, citing tariffs and inflation impacts on construction costs.
Rochester construction executive Thomas Murphy elected chair of national Associated Builders and Contractors board, bringing local expertise to national construction industry leadership.
.svg)
