Project of the Month: TAYLOR breaks ground for College Town; Local contractor will construct buildings #2 & #5 of new development

TAYLOR, a leading regional general contractor, was recently awarded the construction contract for a significant portion of the new 500,000 s/f mixed-use development at the intersection of Mt. Hope and Elmwood Aves. TAYLOR has teamed-up with Rochester-based CJS Architects for design-build services, joining a partnership called "CT Rochester" involving Fairmount Properties and Gilbane Development. Construction work is currently underway, with a project completion date slated for Fall, 2014. "TAYLOR is excited to be a part of this monumental project. This type of project is good for the city, and surrounding region as a whole," said TAYLOR president, Karl Schuler. "Helping to strengthen a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere within walking distance from the River Campus, College Town will enhance the quality of life for both the Mt. Hope neighborhood community, and the University of Rochester." Schuler added, "Working with CT Rochester and CJS on the project as a design-build team has been a true collaboration." TAYLOR will be responsible for the construction of two buildings of the new mixed-use office and retail development along Mt. Hope Ave., which includes construction of a main 4-story, 220,000 s/f residential/retail building, featuring a 2-story Barnes & Noble Bookstore, restaurants and shops; and a 3-story, 69,000 s/f residential/retail building, featuring street-level shops and restaurants. College Town is seen as an extension of the community surrounding the University of Rochester's main 534-acre River Campus, and the University of Rochester Medical Center, including Strong Memorial Hospital. Designed to create an engaging environment, the mixed-use buildings within the development are conceived in a "Main Street" vernacular that, true to the name, will maintain wide sidewalks and strong street edge to the surrounding streets, with a particular focus on Mt. Hope Ave. for on-street restaurants, cafes and retail. College Town will be host to several community events to be held in public gathering places within the College Town district, such as farmers markets, holiday walks, live performances, antique car shows, art festivals, sidewalk sales and international food festivals. TAYLOR is a second-generation general contractor with over 30 years of experience in the design and construction of commercial, industrial, multi-family, and institutional buildings. Having successfully completed literally hundreds of projects, TAYLOR has the resources to deliver superior execution on all phases of every project from the ground up.