Work has begun to rehabilitate four historic buildings in downtown Rochester. 

"We didn't give up on this eyesore that was in the middle of our city for far too long, and this vital street corner in the heart of our downtown, where we have more people living than ever before will no longer represent neglect," said Rochester Mayor Malik Evans. "It now is a symbol of our progress."

Evans was among those cheering the start of construction of what will be called Harper's Corner.

The $12.7 million project will turn those old four buildings into a mixed-use community with stores on the bottom floor and 11 apartments above.

The name Harper's Corner was chosen to honor Rochester businesswoman Martha Matilda Harper, who was the first female member of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce and was posthumously elected into the National Women's Hall of Fame. 

“We are breathing new life into Rochester’s historic downtown in a way that is emblematic of our rich history and sets us up for a vibrant future,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “Our Downtown Revitalization Initiative, combined with talented developers and homegrown ideas, is a recipe for miraculous change. This derelict block will soon be a lively shopping destination with new affordable homes that will bring community back to the corner of Clinton and Main."