Huge Multi-Use Community Venue In The Works for South Wedge
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First a DISCLAIMER NOTICE: The Rochester Pillar Church is not and never has been affiliated with the Rochester Pillars, the Jonathan Child House or Pillar Media Enterprises who formerly operated an event space also known as "The Mansion" at the Child House. Please visit the Church's web site for an explanation of their similar-sounding name.
A new community space is in the works for Rochester's South Wedge neighborhood, just over the bridge from downtown! It is being founded by the Pillar Church of Rochester an inter-denominational fellowship of the United Methodist Church. While it will be a church in that it will host religious worship events, it is organizers plan much more.
The space is located in an old factory building at 46 Mount Hope Avenue and backs up to South Avenue across from St Joseph's House of Hospitality. At 6400 square feet it is huge compared to similar venues such as the Monroe-Park Vineyard or the Flying Squirrel Community Space. There are three large rooms one of which will be used for religious services, several classrooms, and smaller offices. The building housed a physical therapy and rehabilitation clinic until 2012 and is fully wheelchair accessible complete with ramps and electric doors. It is all on one floor so elevators are not required. All four bathrooms are handicap accessible. All rooms are fully heated and air conditioned. Getting there will be no problem. There are four entrances. A parking lot outside can hold up to 22 cars and additional parking is available on the street. It is on several bus routes and the organizers plan to have a secure storage area for bicycles.
There is a parking lot that can hold 22 cars as well as handicap parking, ramps and electric doors
Reverend Devin Lyles, the project's organizer, describes it as being more about community than religion. In his words: The attractional model of the Church is dangerous. We want to see where the spirit of God is already working and work along side of that rather than creating edifices and programs. For so long we so narrowly defined the idea of worship. Worship is the idea of living out the fullness of what you have been created to be. God did not create us to be all the same. How do we encourage the diversity of culture/gifts?
Rev Devin Lyles (center) and local musicians Brian McCormick (left) and Brock Thrasher (right) survey one of the large auditorium-type rooms. There is as much space behind the camera here as there is in front of it.
This is another large room, not the same one as in the previous shot. Doors lead to office and classroom space.
So what sort of activities are planned for the space? Lyles describes it as "transformational." Community outreach, education, child care, after school activities and the hosting of forums and discussions are all proposed. Zoomba and Yoga classes, stand up comedy and even full-blown theater have been proposed as well. No alcohol will be sold or permitted in the space so all events will be open to people of all ages. We want to hear from the community, what does the community want/need/desire? Let's partner with the people who have talent and resources.
One stall in one of the 4 bathrooms is larger than the entire bathroom in a lot of venues.
There's room for even more. One of the most exciting and promising proposals is a "collaborative art space" providing for both creation and exhibition. This should come as welcome news to local artists and musicians looking for places to exhibit their work and perform. Of special interest to local bands and musicians will be what Rev Lyles calls the "garage space" at the rear of the building. This area is planned to be designated for music and dance events that might be too "rough" for other venues such as metal or punk shows. The area even has a loading platform for moving equipment in and out and backstage storage. No more tripping over the other band's equipment while moshing! At the same time, "finer" artistic work such as paintings or sculptures can be displayed in other areas of the building without fear of damage.
The "garage space" and loading area is well suited for music shows. The blue divider would be removed and bands would play in front of the closed door. It would provide an interesting backdrop for photos.
Local musician Brian McCormick doesn't feel like waiting to bring music to the space!
The goal is to have the space open sometime in the fall of 2015. Meanwhile a lot of work needs to be done. The wiring is what probably needs the most attention. We need a city-licensed electrician. Also needed are architects, engineers, carpenters and drywallers. Plus of course cleaners and painters. Those interested in helping or contributing to the project can reach the Pillar Church at their web site. Until the site is ready for use, the Pillar Church is renting space for Sunday worship at the Rochester Pinnacle school at 194 Field Street.
Tangled wiring is what needs the most immediate attention
This link has a video tour of the space by Rev Lyles as well as an opportunity to help fund the project
for more information on the Pillar Church click here
Once more for the record: The Rochester Pillar Church is not and never has been affiliated with the Rochester Pillars, the Jonathan Child House or Pillar Media Enterprises.
