This adaptive reuse project transforms a historic brick building into 30 modern apartments—balancing character preservation with contemporary living and a rooftop view unique to the neighborhood.
Located along Dewey Avenue in Rochester, New York, this project breathes new life into a former industrial structure—recasting its robust brick façade and warehouse bones into a 30-unit HCR-funded apartment complex. FORM2 Architecture approached the building not as a blank slate, but as a textured archive—one whose irregular windows, brick detailing, and steel porches offer layers of inspiration for contemporary reinvention.
The design preserves the building’s original proportions and architectural language, while introducing new systems and layouts to meet today’s residential standards. Existing openings were strategically retained or adapted to maximize natural light and ventilation. Materials and finishes inside strike a careful balance—celebrating the building’s grit while delivering warmth, comfort, and modern functionality.
A standout feature is the rooftop terrace, providing residents with a rare urban amenity: an elevated, open-air space for gathering, relaxing, and enjoying skyline views. It also signals the project’s core principle—that reuse doesn’t mean compromise, but opportunity.
FORM2’s approach ensures that the building’s character endures while its use evolves, offering affordable housing that is rooted in place, rich in story, and ready for the future.