Plymouth-Exchange

From its beginnings at the dawn of the 19th Century, Plymouth-Exchange is a large Southwest neighborhood along the banks of the Genesee River that has been closely tied to the riverfront. It was the Genesee that first brought European merchants to the "Rapids," the bend in the river located near the current intersection of Brooks and Plymouth Avenues. Here, before the construction of the Erie Canal, merchants unloaded their goods to avoid the treacherous falls downstream and a thriving trade community of taverns and inns known as Castle Town sprang up to serve their needs.

Now, as the Plymouth-Exchange (PLEX) neighborhood looks to the 21st Century, residents hope to once again capitalize on the beauty and utility of this major waterway. Neighborhood groups and the City of Rochester are currently working with developers to design a vibrant and friendly waterfront district for the area. The plans include shopping, dining, offices and a hotel on the bank of the Genesee - a kind of student town where residents and University of Rochester students can meet. This development at the southern end of the Plymouth-Exchange neighborhood will compliment a similar waterside project already under construction at the northern end called Corn Hill Landing.

Sandwiched between these riverfront showpieces lies a working class neighborhood of affordable single and double family homes. Victorian-era styles such as Queen Anne, Colonial Revival and American Foursquares line comfortable city streets offering many of the classic interior features from this era, including gumwood trim, hardwood floors and stained and leaded glass windows.

"I like it here because I love my spacious home," confirms Dorothy Hall, a 33-year resident. She also appreciates her excellent neighbors and the area's proximity to downtown, the airport, area hospitals, the University of Rochester and Genesee Valley Park. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the park features extensive grounds, an outdoor Olympic-sized swimming pool, indoor skating rink, and a boating facility.

Hall and other long-term neighborhood activists work to create a sense of community pride through the PLEX neighborhood association. Each winter, PLEX and local businesses sponsor a special dinner to raise money for college scholarships. Spring brings the annual community cleanup and summer the annual community Health Care Festival and the National Night Out parade. This fall, the 25-year-old neighborhood association opened its first office. Located at 1149 South Plymouth Avenue, the storefront is open three days a week to help residents with housing, health and employment issues.

Key businesses and institutions enrich the Plymouth-Exahange neighborhood. The successful Canfield & Tack Printing company provides local jobs while the Phyllis Wheatly branch library, the Flint Street Community Center and the Montgomery Neighborhood Center offer programs for area residents. Dozens of small and large churches call the area home.

One of the newest and most exciting congregations is the Church of Love Faith Center on Exchange Street. When this 650-member community outgrew its former location it went looking for a space not just roomy enough for Sunday worship, but large enough to hold community outreach programs as well. Two years of renovations and nearly $2 million later, they have stunningly transformed a former industrial building into a lovely church. A sun-drenched foyer now overlooks the Genesee River and Ford Street Bridge, leading into an expansive 800-seat sanctuary. Soon a bookstore will serve both church members and the public and a food pantry is already up and running.

Discussion is underway for the next phase of renovations to the 30,000-square-foot building. Possibilities include a banquet facility, parenting classes, employment training and an arts school. Explains Church Administrator Betty Jenkins, "We want to become a true community based organization."