A section of park space along the Genesee River in Rochester has been dedicated as the Austin Steward Plaza in honor of the first prominent Black business owner in the city.

Formerly known as the Charles Carroll Plaza, the downtown Rochester space has been renovated as a waterfront gathering space by improving access, lighting and green space. The project was funded through the Roc the Riverway Upstate Revitalization Initiative. 

“After years of having an underutilized riverfront in its downtown core, the City of Rochester, with the state’s initial investment, is leveraging the Genesee River as a great public space asset that will fuel the local economy,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul. “The upgrades to the newly renamed Austin Steward Plaza unlock the potential of the area, creating exciting opportunities for the future.”

The project upgraded the public space by improving access, safety and connectivity. Improvements to the plaza include updated lighting, greenspace and views of the river, as well as the creation of ADA-accessible connections between Main, Andrews, State and St. Paul Streets and on the Sister Cities Bridge. Multiple walls that had blocked views of the river were also removed. 

It's the first of a four-phase project known as the Riverway Main to Andrews segment.