Longtime downtown eyesore gets new lease on life with opening of NAPA store

The building at 60 Wakefield St. was the former home of a Ben Franklin store, which vacated the building decades ago. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - A longtime eyesore in the city's downtown will soon be gone and replaced with a new NAPA Auto Parts store.

The building at 60 Wakefield St. was the former home of a Ben Franklin store, which vacated the building decades ago.

Last year the city acquired a 10-year lease on the property, which includes the adjacent parking lot.

The decision to lease the building was made in part to alleviate parking concerns in the downtown area, according to a release today from the city. The site includes more than 100 parking spaces, which will remain open to the public.

According to Finance Director Mark Sullivan, NAPA Auto Parts expressed a need for a larger, more accessible location to support its growing operations.

"The newly signed sublease allows NAPA to achieve their goals while generating revenue to help the City offset the cost of the property without compromising public access to downtown parking," said Sullivan.

Economic Development Director Michael Scala noted that this is the kind of outcome the City was aiming for: keeping parking accessible to the public while generating income and activating an unused building.

"NAPA has been a part of our community for years, and we're excited to support their growth while also bringing life back to a building that's been vacant for too long," said Scala. "This effort is a win-win for Rochester. We're addressing a long-standing vacancy, helping a local business grow, and preserving public parking for those who live, work, and visit downtown."

NAPA's operation will utilize the entire building.

City officials affirm that downtown parking remains a top priority. The nearby municipal parking lot on Union Street is scheduled for major refurbishment this year. The $1.75 million project aims to improve both functionality and environmental sustainability. The lot's capacity will increase slightly - from 97 to 99 spaces - and will include handicapped-accessible spots, electric vehicle charging stations, and a consolidated Dumpster corral for nearby businesses and residents.

Scala added that although some parking spaces will remain available throughout the construction period, the new municipal lot on Wakefield Street will be needed to ease parking challenges while the Union Street refurbishment is completed.

City officials were unaware of when the move to the new store would be completed.