Thursday, December 28, 2006

Parma Italy to Rescue "Fading" Rochester NY Mall with "Made in Italy" Theme

The ANNOTICO Report

 

A 400,000 sq ft nearly vacant downtown Mall in Rochester NY is planned to be rescued by an "All Italy" upscale Mall.

 

About 150 vendors would sell Italian clothing, food, furniture, and other goods.

 

Rochester's high-tech businesses and colleges, it's copious underground parking, over-built road system, and it's geographical location able to attract visitors from Canada, Pennsylvania, and Ohio as the reasons for Riedman Properties and the Province of Parma, Italy to evidence interest.

 

It is hoped that the developers would not miss the opportunity to feature Italian Culture, not only for the benefit of the ItalianCommunity, but to better "flavor" the Mall, and make it a more strongly "Themed" Destination and more successful commercial venture.

 

 

Mayor Confirms Agreement With Parma, Italy 

 

WHAM-TV  

Rachel Barnhart    

December 28,2006            

(Rochester, N.Y.) Mayor Robert Duffy revealed he signed an agreement with the Vice-President of Parma, Italy regarding the future of Midtown Plaza in downtown Rochester.

Parma is interested in creating a first-of-its-kind "Made in Italy" shopping center at Midtown, which is nearly vacant.

Rochester officials say the project would take up 400,000 square feet, much of the retail space there. About 150 vendors would sell Italian clothing, food, furniture, and other goods.

"We have to work out the specifics. We have not made any final decision", said Duffy, who added he is open to other ideas.

Duffy is clearly excited about the idea, the first major proposal for the struggling complex since a casino was floated a few years ago.

The agreement between Rochester and Parma outlines the goals of each entity. The city agreed to assist in making the Midtown site available.

"It's a ceremonial gesture, but also one that solidifies our negotiations. It's not binding on either side, but it shows that both sides are very serious," Duffy said.

The city has a $250,000 option to buy Midtown for $6 million that expires in mid-February.

City officials say the complex would eventually be privately owned, and the venture would be paid for almost entirely with private funds.

The agreement cites Rochester's high-tech businesses and colleges as a reason Parma found the city attractive. Parma also likes Rochester?s location, hoping the mall would attract visitors from Canada, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.

Duffy says such a project could spur development downtown.

"Rochester is a jewel that needs be dusted off a little bit, and we're going to dust it off," Duffy said.

The text of the agreement can be read on the WebSite

http://www.13wham.com/news/local/

story.aspx?content_id=DA138A2E-

0DFE-4711-BAF3-003EE2B32870

 

"Made in Italy" Concept at Midtown Debated

13 WHAM –TV

Rachel Barnhart   

December 26, 2006

(Rochester, N.Y.)  Marco Filipetto seems just the kind of tourist that developers of a proposal to transform Midtown Plaza would hope to attract.

The Toronto resident visited Rochester Tuesday with his children to visit Strong  National Museum of Play.

He said if an idea to put an Italian emporium in Midtown takes off, hell come back.

Absolutely. I'll tell you we'll be loading up on the pastas, the pizzas. We love the Italian cuisine, he sa, id admitting some bias because he is Italian. Viva Italy!

Last week, Mayor Bob Duffy told 13WHAM News he wants to save the struggling mall from the wrecking ball and maintain its character as a retail center. Duffy said hes in talks with a local developer, who is serving as a conduit to an international group. The idea is to market high-end Italian goods at Midtown.

The Rochester Business Journal  identified the developer as Riedman Properties and the international group as the province of Parma, Italy.

The city has a $250,000 option to purchase Midtown. It has until February 15 to decide whether to spend $6 million on the complex.

Rochester Institute of Technology Professor Eugene Fram said the Midtown concept could be a regional draw if there is customer demand.

If you draw a circle around it, there is a very large population, Fram said.

He said Rochester is also attractive because of its over-built road system, and Midtowns underground parking.

Peter Romeo, head of the Italian American Community Center, hopes the concept features not just pricey products, but Italian culture.

Writers such as Dante, but also musical geniuses, the composers of operas, scientists, inventors, he said.

Fram said entertainment would have to be included.

It's got to be unique. It has to be what we refer to as a destination mall, where people will say, We have to go there, he said.

Fram said Bass Pro Shops in Auburn has become a regional draw, because the store offers something not found anywhere else.

City spokesman Gary Walker said the city may release more details about the negotiations Wednesday.

 

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