Rochester's ARTWalk 2: Growing in every direction

Daily Record (Rochester, NY), Apr 6, 2009 by Elizabeth Stull

The City of Rochester will use designated federal stimulus funds to extend ARTWalk in every direction and improve University Avenue, Mayor Robert J. Duffy announced late last week.

The permanent urban art trail connects arts centers and public spaces in Rochester's Neighborhood of the Arts.

ARTWalk was one of 59 projects statewide to receive some of $81 million in federal money designated for non-traditional transportation. Roch-ester received $3,839,000.

"The federal stimulus dollars will go a long way towards creating needed jobs and enhancing the neighborhood," Mayor Duffy said.

In connection with "ARTWalk 2" the city plans reconstruction on University Avenue to match the sections of the road to the east.

The project plans also include extended sections of artistic sidewalk trails along University Avenue to the west, and on Goodman Street; a raised pedestrian crosswalk along North Goodman to create a safe connection between the art trail and Village Gate; a new artistic bus shelter for RTS buses at College Avenue and Goodman Street.

A pedestrian welcome plaza at the corner of University and North Goodman on the Memorial Art Gallery grounds will offer seating, lighting, iconic public art and interpretive elements, the city announced.

The University of Rochester and Stern Properties, which owns Village Gate, also will contribute financially to the project. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2010.

Since ARTWalk began in 2000, neighborhood housing prices in- creased by 30 percent, and crime has dropped, according to the city.