The next big thing: Four-story mixed use building eyed for Hanson Street

An early rendering of the building that will be built on the site of the former Robbins Auto Parts store on Hanson Street. (Courtesy)

ROCHESTER - A recent purchase and sale agreement between the city and a developer moves the space at 38 Hanson St. one step closer to being razed and replaced by another mixed commercial/residential project in the city's downtown.

A meeting next week with be held with the Historic District Commission to see if it will sign off on the demolition.

The former Robbins Auto Parts store, which has been closed for several years, comprises a two-tenths of an acre plot on which StoneArch Construction is expected to build 14 three-bedroom apartment units above a first-floor commercial space, Rochester Economic Development Director Mike Scala said on Friday.

"The three-bedroom apartments are very popular with young professionals, especially remote workers who might use the third bedroom for an office," said Scala, who added they would be market rate apartments.

Scala said the developers will likely be seeking tax relief from the city's 79e program that assesses the property at its current valuation for a certain number of years.

The city sold the property for $258,000, its current assessed valuation.

Scala said with the purchase and sale agreement on the Robbins building, the opening of the Scenic Salinger block to potential renters in March and the new Ainslee Drug apartments also getting ready to open, there is a lot of energy in the downtown as these projects come to fruition.

"It's good to see Robbins Auto being developed into something great," he said.