Rochester, NY Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the one million s/f Sibley Building located downtown, has become a redevelopment touchstone and success story. Now, it’s also the new home for state- and federally-designated business incubator NextCorps, which is supported by the University of Rochester. 

This 42,800 s/f collaborative workplace, built inside the converted former department store’s sixth floor, has been reimagined by The Architectural Team, Inc. (TAT) with a contemporary vision that respects the building’s history. Incorporating a combination of coworking setups, private meeting areas, and flexible office suites, the NextCorps interiors also support innovative biotech labs and maker spaces — accommodating a wide range of uses expected by NextCorps’ entrepreneurs, and allowing for growth and reconfiguration.

The interior design, led by TAT’s Melanie Conant, NCIDQ, LEED, includes amenities such as a roof deck, large auditorium, and common gathering areas such as a game room and café lounge. Preserved and restored historic detailing, including original custom millwork in chalk-white hues, is featured throughout the space, along with murals by local artists highlighting a connection to the city’s history as a center of architectural and technological innovation. 

A neutral color palette creates a sense of visual unity, contrasting with wall coverings, carpeting, acoustically sealed booths, and movable furniture elements whose bright colors help define distinct workspaces and create points of accent for the historic features. To encourage activity and occupant wellness, TAT provided showers and locker storage for cyclists.