Swillburg

Swillburg is a wedge-shaped neighborhood of charming narrow streets and modest homes in Southeast Rochester. It offers the feel of a village with the convenience of urban living. In the mornings, children walk to the neighborhood elementary school on Field Street. Later, pets take their owners for a stroll up the quiet streets and allow them to chat with neighbors doing yard work. In the evenings, joggers and bicyclists make their way to Highland or Cobbs Hill parks, while couples walk to the deco-style Cinema to see double features for only $3!

"Swillburg is an ideal location for us," explains a Nelson Street resident. "[It's] within walking distance from the library, YMCA and many great restaurants and within biking distance of museums and shopping areas."

The neighborhood's unusual name dates back to the 19th Century, when George Goebel ran one of the city's most prominent pig farms and collected garbage for swill for their feed. Eventually the swine made way for German and Irish immigrants and their turn-of-the-century homes that make up most of today's housing stock.

That most of these historic structures are here today is a testimony to the tenacity and pride of Swillburg residents. In the 1960s, the neighborhood was slated to be divided right down the middle by a proposed extension of the Genesee Expressway. An impassioned fight ensued, with Swillburg neighbors determined to prevent the center of their community from being paved over by four lanes of asphalt. In 1975, they finally won their battle, but not before some 40 houses had been demolished. Part of the cleared land was turned into Otto Henderberg Square, in honor of the longtime resident who spearheaded the successful campaign. Surrounded by front porches and quiet residential streets, this green square is now a lovely spot for a picnic with the kids or for small community gatherings. A dozen new home filled other cleared lots throughout the neighborhood.

Today, Swillburg neighbors point with pride to their community's high rate of home ownership and the neighborhood's racial, economic and age diversity. Swillburg's housing is affordable, especially compared to other nearby Eastside neighborhoods and its size is cozy-about 20 blocks all together. Bordered on one side by the I-490 Expressway, drivers have direct access to the highway via two entrance ramps. Tops Brighton Plaza, with its various retail outlets and a Tops supermarket, lies south of the neighborhood, just a few minutes drive beyond Pinnacle Hill, the highest point in Rochester.

Always a bustling business district from its days beside the Erie Canal (before the canal was relocated), Swillburg boasts great eateries. Rooney's restaurant, a long-standing Rochester favorite, is located in a handsome 1890s brick two-story that originally housed a saloon for thirsty canal customers. Inside, high ceilings, a fireplace and an antique wooden bar create a romantic setting for a special dinner. Tucked away among residential streets, this hidden gem lies a block off today's main commercial thoroughfare, South Clinton Avenue.

On the Avenue itself, the Highland Park Diner, a Rochester classic, thrills children with old-fashioned swivel chairs at the counter and great fountain treats for all ages. A few doors down there are several Chinese restaurants, the India House restaurant and its sister specialty shop and vegetarian café offer a variety of international cuisine and goods. Continuing the cosmopolitan flavor of the strip, the Animas Traders sells a tasteful collection of colorful pottery, fine furniture and exquisite gifts from South America.

Across the street, the South East Area Coalition (SEAC), an umbrella neighborhood preservation group, runs a tool library, youth programs and a homeowner grant program. Here the Swillburg Neighborhood Association meets on the third Wednesday of every month to address neighborhood concerns. The Association sponsors the Swillburg Sweepers, a clean-up crew, the Greenthumb Club, a gardening group, and the PAC-TAC Team, a citizen's patrol.