Rochester City Council approves finances to renovate 45 Vick Park A

Mark Siwiec of Nothnagle Realtors and one of Rochester's leading real estate agents, was approved by Rochester City Council on Dec. 17th to receive support to renovate 45 Vick Park A. Siwiec was approved for a $115,000 grant and $285,000 low-interest loan to transform the building from 29 rooms to 10-12 one-bedroom and studio apartments. According to Siwiec, his investment and dedication to the neighborhood are part of his commitment to Rochester. "I have always focused on getting responsible, reputable and safe tenants in our community and getting rid of the tenants who make their neighbors feel unsafe and uncomfortable," Siwiec said. "Thanks to my partnership with the city of Rochester, we will continue to make our community an even better place to live." Siwiec purchased several Vick Park A properties in March 2012, when the majority of the rooming houses were occupied by drug dealers. Over the past year and a half, he has renovated one of the buildings, 47 Vick Park A. The former drug house now features six one-bedroom apartments with new appliances, tile showers, windows and hardwood floors throughout the building. Siwiec also recently spearheaded the renewal of 43 Vick Park A, which has been half renovated, with five of 10 units complete. The building features the same amenities as 47 Vick Park A and is currently occupied. Siwiec's efforts are refining the building in a popular neighborhood into one that houses the highest-in-demand rental properties in the Rochester community. As a result of securing the support from Rochester City Council, Siwiec will take the time to use top-of-the-line materials to renovate 45 Vick Park A. He estimates that the renovation will take approximately six months and anticipates renting the new units by mid to late September 2014. "We are so thankful for all that Mark Siwiec has done for this neighborhood," said Paula Zimmer, resident in Vick Park A area. "He truly cares for the safety and well-being of those who live in this community as well as for his tenants. We trusted him to get the job done and we thank him for helping us build a community we can all be proud of."