Downtown Window Decals Celebrate Rochester’s History for America 250
ROCHESTER, N.Y., July 1, 2026 — Rochester Downtown Development Corporation (RDDC) is celebrating America 250 with history-themed window decal installations at three prominent downtown locations. Produced in partnership with the Office of Rochester & Monroe County History and Visit Rochester, each set of window decals focuses on local Rochester history.
The themes and locations for each set of window decals are as follows: “America’s First Boom Town” at The Wilder Building (Main & Exchange Street), “A Continuing Revolution” at First Federal Plaza (Main Street), and “The Power of Place” at The Granite Building (Main & St. Paul Street). Each location’s theme focuses on history specific to that area of downtown, aimed at informing locals and visitors alike of Rochester’s past while enhancing the street-level experience downtown.
“Monroe County is proud to partner with the RDDC to highlight our region’s vibrant history as we lead up to the nation’s 250th anniversary. These window installations offer a unique, accessible way for residents and visitors alike to engage with our collective past right at the street level,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “We are grateful for the expertise of Rochester & Monroe County Historian Christine Ridarksy in bringing these stories to life, ensuring that our local contributions are properly celebrated as part of the broader America 250 initiative.”
“I am proud to partner with the Rochester Downtown Development Corporation on this window decal initiative that honors Rochester’s esteemed place in American history within the broader context of our nation’s 250th Anniversary,” said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “These window decals offer a unique opportunity to celebrate the people, places, and moments that have shaped our community, and by bringing our history to life at the street level, we not only honor our past but also enrich the experience of residents and visitors exploring downtown. I am grateful to the RDDC for launching this innovative project to embed this proud history in the Downtown experience.”
“America 250 presents a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate the rich history and many contributions our region has made over the nation’s 250 years,” said Don Jeffries, President & CEO, Visit Rochester. “We’re thrilled to partner with Rochester Downtown Development Corporation on the window cling project which brings the rich history of downtown Rochester directly to the locations tourists and local residents will encounter as they explore downtown.”
“Downtown Rochester is rich in history– and America 250 is an opportunity to celebrate downtown’s past while looking towards our future,” said Heidi Zimmer-Meyer, Interim President & CEO, Rochester Downtown Development Corporation. “These installations invite the community and visitors to discover the stories behind three iconic downtown locations while supporting our ongoing placemaking efforts. Thank you to each of our participating property owners– Matt Drouin, Chris Hill, and Robert Bartosiewicz, for supporting this project.”
Window decal installations will remain in place over the coming months. Special thanks to Rochester & Monroe County Historian Christine L. Ridarsky for her services in preparing this information.
About Rochester Downtown Development Corporation
RDDC, established in 1977, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to driving economic vitality in downtown Rochester. RDDC achieves this by promoting downtown's assets to attract businesses and investments while fostering innovative ideas to create a more vibrant and inclusive community. In 2020, RDDC founded The Commissary, the region's first food business incubator and shared kitchen.
Media Contact:
Gabby Garcy
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