From Midtown to Momentum: Tower280 Celebrates 10 Years of Downtown Revival
ROCHESTER, N.Y.— Buckingham Properties is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Tower280, the mixed-use development that transformed the former Midtown Plaza site into a cornerstone of downtown Rochester’s resurgence.
Once a vibrant community hub, Midtown Plaza defined downtown life for decades before closing in 2008. After years of uncertainty, the site was reimagined by the late Larry Glazer, whose vision turned the former Midtown Tower into a modern residential and retail destination. Following his passing, his son, Ken Glazer, carried the project forward—cementing Tower280 as both a catalyst for revitalization and a lasting part of his father’s legacy.
Tower280 welcomed its first residents in January 2016 and quickly reached full occupancy. That same year, Branca Midtown opened as the building’s first retail tenant and remains a fixture of the property today.
“Branca Midtown was the first restaurant to open in Tower280 a decade ago, and here we are, still thriving years later. The renovation of the building catalyzed substantial growth in the area—what was once a desolate neighborhood is now a safe, vibrant, and attractive destination to live, work, and play,” said Josh Miles, owner of Branca Midtown. “Buckingham’s vision has exceeded expectations. They’ve been an excellent partner, and we couldn’t be happier.”
Since its opening, Tower280 has helped anchor the transformation of the Midtown District. Parcel 5 now serves as a year-round gathering space, while Buckingham’s nearby 260 East Broad Street development—approaching its five-year anniversary—further expanded downtown’s residential and retail offerings. Together, these projects brought to life The Grove, a growing corridor of restaurants and retail designed to reconnect the neighborhood.
“It’s my pleasure to extend a warm congratulations to Buckingham Properties on the 10-year anniversary of Tower280,” said Senator Jeremy Cooney, whose office is located in the building and who previously lived there as a resident. “Being downtown allows us to better connect with the community and serve Rochesterians.”
A piece of Midtown’s legacy remains within Tower280: the Clock of Nations, now displayed in the lobby near its original location.
Ten years after opening, Tower280 stands as both a tribute to Rochester’s past and a driving force behind its continued momentum.