Powers Building, Rochester
Rising above the heart of Rochester鈥檚 historic Four Corners district, the Powers Building stands as a monument to 19th-century ambition and architectural flair. Originally constructed in 1869 and continuously expanded through the late 19th century, the building reflects both the aspirations of its namesake, businessman Daniel Powers and the vision of celebrated architect Andrew Jackson Warner. At nine stories tall, with its distinctive triple mansard roof and observation tower鈥攁dded between 1873 and 1888鈥攖he building was intentionally designed to retain the title of Rochester鈥檚 tallest structure during a period of rapid urban growth.
The building's footprint, measuring 165 by 171 feet, wraps around a dramatic central stairwell that now forms the core of a soaring, sky-lit atrium. Designed for prestige as much as for function, the interior boasts marble floors, mahogany doors, and ceiling heights reaching up to 15 feet. Originally built on the site of Rochester鈥檚 first cabin鈥擧amlet Scrantom鈥檚 1812 homestead鈥攖he Powers Building blends local legend with innovation: from its early use of man-made pressed stone resembling limestone to the cast iron facades on its later additions.
Declared a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and joined by the adjacent Powers Hotel in 2019, the building has undergone sensitive restoration that merges Victorian grandeur with modern utility. Class A mechanical systems, new windows, weatherproofing, and lighting upgrades have ensured the Powers Building remains a vital part of Rochester鈥檚 downtown core. Its central atrium now serves bright retail and office spaces, drawing tenants and visitors into a setting where historic charm meets contemporary function.
Whether admired from Main and State Streets or explored from within, the Powers Building continues to impress鈥攊ts layered design echoing a city鈥檚 evolving skyline, and its ghostly folklore lending a touch of mystery to one of Rochester鈥檚 most iconic structures.
The building's footprint, measuring 165 by 171 feet, wraps around a dramatic central stairwell that now forms the core of a soaring, sky-lit atrium. Designed for prestige as much as for function, the interior boasts marble floors, mahogany doors, and ceiling heights reaching up to 15 feet. Originally built on the site of Rochester鈥檚 first cabin鈥擧amlet Scrantom鈥檚 1812 homestead鈥攖he Powers Building blends local legend with innovation: from its early use of man-made pressed stone resembling limestone to the cast iron facades on its later additions.
Declared a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and joined by the adjacent Powers Hotel in 2019, the building has undergone sensitive restoration that merges Victorian grandeur with modern utility. Class A mechanical systems, new windows, weatherproofing, and lighting upgrades have ensured the Powers Building remains a vital part of Rochester鈥檚 downtown core. Its central atrium now serves bright retail and office spaces, drawing tenants and visitors into a setting where historic charm meets contemporary function.
Whether admired from Main and State Streets or explored from within, the Powers Building continues to impress鈥攊ts layered design echoing a city鈥檚 evolving skyline, and its ghostly folklore lending a touch of mystery to one of Rochester鈥檚 most iconic structures.
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Powers Building on Map
Sight Name: Powers Building
Sight Location: Rochester, USA (See walking tours in Rochester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Rochester, USA (See walking tours in Rochester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Rochester, New York
Create Your Own Walk in Rochester
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rochester is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rochester Introduction Walking Tour
Rochester is New York's third-biggest city. The location of the Genessee River helped to establish Rochester as a mill town early in its history. English settlers arrived in the area that would become the city when the Iroquois tribe ceded their territory after the American Revolution.
The Eerie Canal construction in the 1820s helped the city grow into an urban center that would set the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
The Eerie Canal construction in the 1820s helped the city grow into an urban center that would set the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.9 Km or 3 Miles
Historical Industrial Buildings
Once a major manufacturing center, Rochester, NY went down in history as one of the United States' first boom-towns. Back in between 1860 and 1900 the city's population grew threefold on the back of the inflow of numerous immigrants 鈥� Italians, Germans, Irish and others 鈥� that saw Rochester expand dramatically on both sides of the Genesee River. During that period the city rose to... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Historical Churches
The city of Rochester's community is diverse, with many religious denominations coexisting peacefully within its borders. The spiritual attitude of locals is duly reflected by the historic churches, their congregations and architectural elements. A good number of places of worship found in the city are designated historic sites. Here are some of the most prominent of them.
Downtown United... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Downtown United... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles