Member News

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — City Blue Imaging (CBI) enters a milestone year as the company begins its centennial celebration on January 1, 2026.  This marks 100 years since City Blue’s 1926 incorporation and a full century of continuous business in downtown Rochester. The year-long observance also highlights 40 years of family ownership by the Cleary family, whose leadership has shaped City Blue’s growth, culture, and enduring ties to the Rochester community.

Founded as City Blue Print Company, the business has evolved alongside major changes in technology, design, and printing. The company grew from a traditional blueprint and photography printing operation into a full-service imaging and graphics firm serving architectural, construction, commercial, nonprofit, educational, and arts organizations throughout the region.

“Reaching 100 years in business is a rare achievement, especially in an industry that has changed as dramatically as ours,” said Vice President Mark Cleary     . “What has remained constant is our commitment to people — our employees, our customers, and this city. City Blue has always been rooted in downtown Rochester, and that connection is at the heart of our centennial celebration.”

Cleary Family Leadership

The Cleary family purchased City Blue Imaging in 1986, with nine family members initially holding ownership stakes. The acquisition was led by E. Garrett Cleary, Esq., who named his eldest son, Mark Cleary, as President later that year. Over time, other family members have held executive positions, including Amy Cleary Mealey, Peter Cleary, and Kaitlin Cleary, to help guide City Blue through periods of expansion, technological change, and strategic growth.

In 2005, John Mealey, Amy’s husband, joined the firm as Sales Director.  When a devastating fire destroyed City Blue’s building in 2020, Mealey was instrumental in re-organizing the business. In 2023, he was appointed President and Mark Cleary transferred ownership while assuming the role of Vice President.  This intentional move ensures continuity of leadership as the company enters its second century.

“The idea of ‘family’ means everything here,” Cleary said. “We treat our non-related employees like family and many of them have been with City Blue for 20, 30, even 40 years. That kind of loyalty speaks volumes about the culture we’ve worked hard to build.”

A Century Downtown

City Blue Imaging has always called downtown Rochester home with the earliest operations  located at East Main Street and North Clinton Avenue.  In less than a decade, the company outgrew that location and moved to Atlas Street, remaining in the shadow of Midtown Tower until 1995. With continued growth and the adoption of new digital printing technologies, the firm needed to relocate again and chose a building at 68 Scio Street.

In 2016, Mark Cleary commissioned independent artist Shawn Dunwoody and others to start painting large-scaled exterior murals on the City Blue building.  Positive feedback from customers and neighbors fueled additional creativity and community engagement.

“People coming down our street look for the murals and often take ‘selfies’ in front of them,” said Cleary.  “It’s kind of become a City Blue ‘thing’ and we think the messages really resonate in downtown Rochester.”

Resilience After the Fire

An important chapter in City Blue Imaging’s history occurred on December 24, 2020, when a late-night fire destroyed much of the company’s longtime headquarters at 68 Scio Street. The blaze claimed equipment, archives, and irreplaceable physical history, but it did not stop City Blue’s momentum.

In the days and weeks following the fire, customers, competitors, and members of the Rochester business community rallied to support City Blue. Temporary workspaces were established, operations resumed, and what began as a short-term relocation at 84 Scio Street ultimately became the company’s new headquarters — located just north of the original site.

“The fire forced us to rebuild quickly and re-think how we operate,” said President John Mealey. “Starting fresh allowed us to invest in new technologies and position the company for long-term success.”

While staying true to its original mission of serving architectural and construction companies, City Blue continued to expand its portfolio of printing services for a wide-range of organizations. Current customers include Visit Rochester, WXXI, St. John Fisher University, The Little Theatre, the Rochester International Jazz Festival, the Fringe Festival, and institutions such as the Memorial Art Gallery, George Eastman Museum, and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.  City Blue is also committed to supporting the arts through funded exhibits at the Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo).

Looking Ahead to the Next Century

City Blue Imaging will host a series of events throughout 2026 to thank customers and recognize the broader community that has supported the company for generations. The new century will officially begin on January 9, 2026, with a ceremonial toast at the company’s headquarters, followed by additional celebrations planned for May and September.

“As we celebrate 100 years, we’re not just looking back — we’re looking forward,” Cleary said. “This company has endured because it adapts, it cares about people, and it believes in Rochester. We’re proud of our past and excited for what’s ahead.”

For more information, visit City Blue Imaging Services and follow the company on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

About City Blue Imaging Services:
City Blue Imaging Services is considered one of the premier, comprehensive printing firms in the Western New York region. Established in downtown Rochester in 1926 as the City Blue Print Company, the business specialized in architectural and construction printing. In 1993, City Blue Print merged with a graphics firm and changed its name to City Blue Imaging Services. While remaining committed to its legacy of blueprints for construction and engineering firms, CBI is also focused on digital and offset printing for the office, marketing and event materials, posters, banners and trade show displays.