NEAD
360 Webster Avenue
Rochester, NY 14609
(585) 482-7320

info@neadrochester.org

Commercial Development

In addition to housing development, NEAD renovates commercial properties. Doing so reduces the number of blighted areas in our neighborhood and increases/protects surrounding property values. The most noteworthy of these renovations are the famous Landmark Building, the Dazzle Theatre and the latest venture, the NEAD/CDF Freedom School.

Current Development Projects
NEAD has completed the renovation of this former plastics manufacturing plant to accommodate the year round home of the NEAD/CDF Freedom Schools program. This structure is currently occupied by youth from K-12, who receive cutting edge programming which helps them develop a love for reading, learn conflict resolution skills, and engage in civic and social action activities. The renovation of this former eyesore was made possible by grants from the Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation, The Davenport Hatch Foundation, the NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal, HSBC Bank, M&T Bank, the City of Rochester and endowments through the Rochester Area Community Foundation.

Landmark / Wehle Building - 90 Webster Avenue
North East Area Development Inc. was honored by the Landmark Society for the rehabilitation of the historic building at 90 Webster Avenue in the city's Beechwood neighborhood. Located at the intersection of Webster and Grand Avenue, the flatiro-shaped building, designed by Rochester architect J. Foster Kelly in 1884-1885 by businessman William C. Wehle. It included a saloon, community meeting hall, and spacious living quarters. After years of decline, the building was acquired by North East Area Development, Inc., which has led an impressive rehabilitation. With funding from the Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation and the Rochester Community Development Collabortive, the Landmark / Wehle Building has been transformed from a pigeon-infested shell to a child-care center and gallery / studio space.
Dazzle Theatre - 112 Webster Avenue
	Originally built in 1915, it was established as The Plaza Theater, a neighborhood movie house until 1941. Since then, the building has been utilized as a bakery, heating supply company, auto part store and a Mini Mart, which later became a haven for drug activities. NEAD has transformed this eye sore into a stage providing a bright future for Dazzle School of Visual and Performing Arts, developing the stars of tomorrow.
634-636 Garson Avenue
	Known as the Bayer Building, this structure was completely renovated by the NEAD agency in 1998. Converted to serve as a mixed-use facility, the building is home to 2 families (one which is wheelchair accessible) and a beauty salon.