State Street Historic District

The State Street Historic District is a row of twelve connected brick commercial buildings in downtown Rochester with Federal and regional design features. These structures form an unbroken line of buildings from the 1800s that still retain their original details and proportions.

These buildings were constructed between 1825 and 1900 as Rochester expanded economically and merchants built their commercial spaces downtown. The oldest structure dates to the beginning of this growth period.

The buildings show how business owners in the 1800s designed their storefronts and how craftspeople expressed their skills through stone and woodwork. Walking along the street, you can see the materials and styles that merchants valued at that time.

The buildings are visible from the street and show their original facades and details from the sidewalk. It is best to visit during daylight hours when you can clearly see the architectural features and materials.

This is the last remaining continuous row of 1800s commercial buildings still standing in Rochester's downtown, surprisingly preserved amid modern development. The fact that this block survived intact while many other old streets were demolished makes it a rare window into the city's past.