Rochester City Hall Old Federal Building - Image 1
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Rochester City Hall Old Federal Building

4.3
·7 reviews·Rochester, United States

Discover Rochester's hidden history beneath its streets and admire the architectural grandeur of its City Hall, a former bank tower with stunning tile...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better access

CrowdLow
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Rochester City Hall Old Federal Building - Image 1

Rochester City Hall Old Federal Building

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better access

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Rochester's hidden history beneath its streets and admire the architectural grandeur of its City Hall, a former bank tower with stunning tile ceilings.

4.3
(7 reviews)

"Cool building with fascinating history and impressive architecture."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Explore the Underground

Venture beneath downtown to discover the abandoned subway tunnels, a unique urban secret. 🔦

🦅 Watch the Falcons

Look up to spot the peregrine falcons nesting on the building's rooftop. 🐦

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.3 · 7 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Abandoned Subway Station

Abandoned Subway Station

Beneath downtown Rochester

Explore the eerie remnants of a once-bustling subway station, a hidden piece of Rochester's urban history.

TikTok+1
Vaulted Tile Ceilings

Vaulted Tile Ceilings

Interior of City Hall

Admire the intricate and beautiful vaulted tile ceilings crafted by master artisan Rafael Guastavino.

TikTok
Peregrine Falcon Nesting Site

Peregrine Falcon Nesting Site

Rooftop of City Hall

Observe the majestic peregrine falcons that call the top of City Hall their home.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Uncover Rochester's Hidden History

Rochester City Hall, also known as the Old Federal Building, holds secrets beneath its surface. Explore the fascinating history of its abandoned subway station and learn about the building's past as a bank tower. TikTok+2

A Glimpse of the Past

Discover the architectural marvels of Rochester City Hall, including its stunning vaulted tile ceilings designed by Rafael Guastavino. TikTok Keep an eye out for the peregrine falcons that nest on top! Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better access
Crowd
Low
When
During historical tours
Why
Exclusive access & insights
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Old City Hall subway station Opened Oct, 1904 and was decommissioned Dec 1945.  It was designed  architect George Heins & Christopher LaFarge.  The vaulted tile ceiling are by master artisan Rafael Guastavino.  It’s the southern most station on the original IRT 6 line.  The stationed was decommissioned for multiple reasons.  Some being that it was designed for only 5 cars, and the next design was ...
@day.venturesnyc
6.6K likes • 76.3K views

🎯 Explore the Underground

Venture beneath downtown to discover the abandoned subway tunnels, a unique urban secret. TikTok 🔦

🦅 Watch the Falcons

Look up to spot the peregrine falcons nesting on the building's rooftop. Reddit 🐦

#RochesterNY #HiddenHistory #AbandonedPlaces #UrbanSecrets #rochester
@howtowhatnow
4.2K likes • 77.3K views
The @cityofspokane sold their City Hall to a railroad company in 1909 and agreed to be move out in 1913. They hired architect Julius Zittel to design a sturdy, but temporary Hall at Wall Street and Spokane Falls Boulevard to expedite the move. But #Spokane voters never agreed to many replacement plans floated over the decades and city offices stayed for almost 70 years. The city bought the former ...
spokesmanreview
204 likes • 0 views

🏛️ Admire the Architecture

Don't miss the stunning vaulted tile ceilings by Rafael Guastavino. TikTok :building_construction:

📅 Check for Tours

Join a historical society tour for in-depth knowledge and access. Reddit 🎟️

This is our 24th mural! Cool project based on an old Libby photograph, you will be able to see it where old city hall meets the second floor of the mall by @fromherespokane
vintage_print_and_neon
90 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Explore the Underground

Venture beneath downtown to discover the abandoned subway tunnels, a unique urban secret. TikTok 🔦

🦅 Watch the Falcons

Look up to spot the peregrine falcons nesting on the building's rooftop. Reddit 🐦

🏛️ Admire the Architecture

Don't miss the stunning vaulted tile ceilings by Rafael Guastavino. TikTok :building_construction:

📅 Check for Tours

Join a historical society tour for in-depth knowledge and access. Reddit 🎟️

What Travellers Say

4.3
(7 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Rochester City Hall to be a 'cool building' with significant historical and architectural appeal, particularly its unique vaulted ceilings and the intriguing abandoned subway station. While some note minor upkeep issues like debris at the entrance, the helpfulness of staff, especially in the clerk's office, is often praised. Renovations are underway, promising an enhanced future experience.

"In the middle of renovations. Once completed it should look great. A lot of cigarette butts and debris at the entrance. Building owners need to pay better attention to some easy details."

William Powers

"Officers are usuall nice and the people in the clerk's office are very helpful."

Eyvette Walker

"Cool building"

Shaun Wright

What People Like

Cool building
Historical architecture
Helpful staff

What People Dislike

Entrance debris
Minor upkeep issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Rochester City Hall is located in the heart of downtown Rochester. It's easily accessible by car, with several parking garages nearby. Public transportation options, including bus routes, also serve the downtown area. TikTok

Yes, there are multiple parking garages and street parking options available around Rochester City Hall. Consider the Times Square Building garage for convenient access. Reddit

Access to the abandoned subway tunnels is typically limited to guided tours organized by historical societies. Keep an eye out for announcements regarding these special tours. TikTok

Walking is a great way to explore downtown Rochester and discover its hidden gems, including City Hall and its surroundings. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General access to the exterior and public areas of Rochester City Hall is usually free. However, special tours or access to specific historical sections may require tickets or reservations. Reddit

Operating hours for the public areas of Rochester City Hall typically align with standard business hours on weekdays. It's advisable to check the official city website for the most current information. Reddit

Yes, the historical society often conducts guided tours that offer unique insights into the building's history, including its underground subway station. Reddit

Visiting the exterior and public areas of Rochester City Hall is generally free. Tour fees, if applicable, will vary and should be confirmed with the tour provider. Reddit

The old subway station is not typically open for public access outside of special organized tours. These tours provide a rare opportunity to see this historical site. TikTokReddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Inside, you can admire the impressive vaulted tile ceilings by Rafael Guastavino and learn about the building's history as the Lincoln First Bank Tower. TikTok+1

A unique feature is the presence of peregrine falcons nesting on the rooftop, offering a chance for wildlife observation. Reddit

While specific accessibility details may vary, most public areas of modern city halls are designed to be accessible. It's recommended to contact the building management for precise information. Reddit

It was built in 1973 as the Lincoln First Bank Tower and has a fascinating history, including the abandoned subway station beneath it. TikTok+1

Photography for personal use is generally permitted in public areas, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions or ask for permission if you plan extensive photography. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The vaulted tile ceilings inside offer stunning architectural shots. The exterior provides a grand view, and the surrounding downtown area offers urban photography opportunities. TikTok+1

Photography inside the abandoned subway station is usually only possible during organized tours, which often have specific rules about photography. TikTok

While personal photography is generally allowed, professional or commercial photography might require permits. Always check with building management if unsure. TikTok

Mornings often provide softer light for exterior shots, while interior architectural details can be photographed throughout the day, depending on lighting conditions. TikTok

Searching social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram with hashtags like #RochesterNY and #CityHall can provide great visual inspiration. TikTok+1

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