High Falls District (Rochester, New York)

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Rochester’s commercial life began here in 1815 when brothers Matthew and Francis Brown built the area's first riverside canal, Browns Race, to harness the High Falls rushing water. Soon flour mills flourished, joined by other commercial enterprises. Add the Erie Canal to the mix and Rochester’s boomtown ethos led to its nickname, the “Young Lion of the West.”

Over time, the 19th century buildings in the High Falls neighborhood were abandoned, but thankfully not demolished, and today they offer residential, commercial and entertainment opportunities. Visitors find renovated button factories, saw mills and water works along with the iconic Kodak Office Tower. Several buildings in the neighborhood have been renovated to include a mix of office space and loft apartments.

Since 1992, the New York State Heritage Area Visitor Center and the High Falls Museum and Gift Shop and Art Gallery have been housed in the former Rochester Water Works, on Browns Race.

The best view of the High Falls can be found here on the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge and park, a modern landmark recreated in 1982 from the former Platt Street bridge (1891), an 858-foot-long, truss bridge.

Entertainment is also an essential draw to the Historic District. Frontier Field on North Plymouth Avenue is home to the Rochester Red Wings baseball team, the oldest and longest running minor league franchise in the history of professional sports. The High Falls also area attracts thousands each year to the free weekend Laser Shows that illuminate the Genesee River gorge with laser animation, special fireworks and music.