Sibley Square (Sibley Building) - Image 1
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Sibley Square Sibley Building

4.4
·251 reviews·Rochester, United States

A historic landmark transformed into a vibrant mixed-use hub, blending Rochester's past with modern living and working spaces.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Sibley Square (Sibley Building) - Image 1

Sibley Square Sibley Building

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic landmark transformed into a vibrant mixed-use hub, blending Rochester's past with modern living and working spaces.

4.4
(251 reviews)

"Great space with so much history. You can see evidence throughout the building of the space being reinvented with respect for the building's history."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Know Your Entrance

Multiple doors exist; confirm the correct one for your destination to avoid confusion. :housewithgarden:

🚶‍♀️ Explore with Ease

Wear comfortable shoes to navigate the expansive building and its many levels. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Architecture

Historic Architecture

Throughout the building

Marvel at the preserved grandeur of the former Sibley's Department Store, a testament to early 20th-century design.

Instagram
Mixed-Use Revitalization

Mixed-Use Revitalization

Various floors

Experience the dynamic transformation into a modern space with housing, tech offices, and retail.

Instagram+1
Lobby Dining Options

Lobby Dining Options

Building Lobby

Discover a variety of restaurants offering diverse culinary experiences, a significant upgrade from its past.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Grand Sibley Square

Sibley Square is a vast, historic building with multiple entrances and a mix of residential, office, and retail spaces. Plan your entry point beforehand, especially if visiting during inclement weather, as signage can be confusing. InstagramReddit

Embrace the History and Modernity

Once a prominent department store, Sibley Square has been revitalized into a mixed-use hub. Appreciate the blend of its rich past with contemporary living and working spaces. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Enjoy amenities before peak
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

i need some new friends tho 💤 #fypppp #585 #rochesterny #wlw #parcel5 #libertypole #CapCut
@adellyoutro
8.6K likes • 62.6K views

🎯 Know Your Entrance

Multiple doors exist; confirm the correct one for your destination to avoid confusion. InstagramReddit :housewithgarden:

🚶‍♀️ Explore with Ease

Wear comfortable shoes to navigate the expansive building and its many levels. :athletic_shoe:

One of my favorite spots in the Rochester area! #rochesterny #585 #rochesternewyork #explorerochester
@archies__archive
4.5K likes • 41.4K views
Our Leasing Office is located on the Second Floor of the Sibley Square building. Take the main elevators up and turn left!
libertyloftsroc
1 likes • 203 views

📱 Use Building Navigation

Look for signage or ask staff for directions within the large, multi-use complex. Instagram :iphone:

☕ Enjoy the Ambiance

Take time to appreciate the blend of historical elements and modern renovations. Instagram :camerawithflash:

Sibley Square, a historic 1905 building in the Finger Lakes, once Sibley’s Department Store, spans 1.1 million square feet and now houses over 4,200 affordable units. The partnership between WinnDevelopment and HCR has preserved Rochester’s history while creating accessible housing and playing a key role in community revitalization. #SibleySquare #AffordableHousing #FingerLakes
nyshcr
24 likes • 901 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Know Your Entrance

Multiple doors exist; confirm the correct one for your destination to avoid confusion. InstagramReddit :housewithgarden:

🚶‍♀️ Explore with Ease

Wear comfortable shoes to navigate the expansive building and its many levels. :athletic_shoe:

📱 Use Building Navigation

Look for signage or ask staff for directions within the large, multi-use complex. Instagram :iphone:

☕ Enjoy the Ambiance

Take time to appreciate the blend of historical elements and modern renovations. Instagram :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(251 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Sibley Square for its impressive historical architecture and successful revitalization into a modern, mixed-use space. The kindness of staff and the variety of dining options in the lobby are frequently highlighted positives. However, some find the building's multiple entrances and internal navigation confusing, suggesting a need for clearer signage.

"Employees are extremely kind and helpful. I love the well thought out and colorful displays. My coffee was perfect. Fries were cooked to my liking."

Cherry Blossom

"Great space with so much history. You can see evidence throughout the building of the space being reinvented with respect for the building's history."

Ryan Brunk

"They have so many nice restaurants in the lobby, extremely different from when mcc was here"

Jennie Martin

What People Like

Historic architecture
Modern revitalization
Kind staff

What People Dislike

Confusing entrances
Navigation challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sibley Square is located in downtown Rochester. Public transportation, including buses, is a convenient option for reaching the area. Reddit Driving is also possible, with parking available nearby, though specific parking instructions might vary. Instagram

Yes, Sibley Square is well-served by public transportation. Many bus routes stop in the downtown area, making it easily accessible for those relying on public transit. Reddit

While specific parking details can vary, there are typically parking garages and street parking options available in the vicinity of Sibley Square. It's advisable to check local parking apps or signage upon arrival. Instagram

The building is large and mixed-use. It's recommended to confirm your exact entrance and floor with the specific business or resident you are visiting. Instagram+1

Based on discussions, living downtown offers walkability and proximity to events, with the flexibility of not owning a house. Reddit The building itself has been revitalized with housing units. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Sibley Square is a mixed-use building with residential, office, and retail spaces. Generally, entry to common areas like the lobby is free, but specific businesses or residences may have their own access requirements. Instagram

Operating hours can vary depending on the specific businesses or offices within Sibley Square. The lobby and common areas are typically accessible during business hours, but it's best to check with individual tenants for their specific hours. Instagram

Yes, the building itself is a historic landmark. While some areas are private residences or offices, the common areas and lobby showcase the building's history and renovations. InstagramReddit

There is no general admission fee to enter the public areas of Sibley Square. However, individual shops or restaurants within the building will have their own pricing for goods and services. Reddit

The building has multiple entrances and floors. It's best to confirm the exact entrance and follow signage or ask for directions upon arrival. Instagram+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Sibley Square offers a unique experience with its blend of history and modern amenities. You can dine at various restaurants, visit offices, or explore the revitalized spaces that showcase the building's past. InstagramReddit

Yes, the lobby of Sibley Square features several restaurants that offer a diverse range of dining options, noted as a significant improvement. Reddit

Sibley Square is a mixed-use development housing residential apartments, tech offices, and retail spaces, reflecting its revitalization. Instagram+2

The historic architecture and modern renovations offer interesting visual contrasts for photography enthusiasts. Instagram+1

Sibley Square was originally the Sibley's Department Store, a prominent establishment that closed in 1990. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The grand architecture of the former department store, combined with modern interior design elements, provides excellent photo opportunities. Look for the blend of historic details and contemporary spaces. Instagram+1

Yes, you can generally take photos in the public areas of Sibley Square. However, be mindful of private residences and offices. Instagram

Sibley Square is ideal for architectural photography, capturing the transition from a historic department store to a modern mixed-use building. Instagram+1

While general photography is usually permitted in common areas, it's always a good idea to be respectful of residents and businesses. Avoid intrusive photography in private spaces. Instagram

Weekday afternoons might offer fewer crowds, allowing for more relaxed photography. Weekend mornings can also be good before the building gets too busy. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sibley Square offers a unique glimpse into history that can be engaging for families. While not a traditional attraction, the sheer scale of the building and its transformation from a department store to a modern hub can spark curiosity. Instagram+1 Consider visiting the lobby area to see the dining options and appreciate the architecture. Reddit It's a good spot for a brief educational stop, especially if you're exploring downtown Rochester. Remember to confirm your entry point beforehand to avoid confusion. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Sibley Square offers opportunities for affordable exploration. While there's no admission fee for the common areas, you can enjoy the historic ambiance and perhaps grab a more budget-friendly meal from one of the diverse lobby restaurants. Reddit The building's revitalization into affordable housing units also speaks to its role in providing accessible options within the city. Instagram It's a great place to experience a piece of Rochester's history without spending a lot of money. Instagram

🏢 Business Travelers

Sibley Square is a hub for businesses, including tech offices. Instagram+1 If you're visiting for work, familiarize yourself with the building's layout and your specific office location beforehand, as it's a large complex. Instagram The presence of various dining options in the lobby makes it convenient for business lunches or quick meals. Reddit The revitalized atmosphere offers a modern and historic backdrop for professional activities. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Transformation of Sibley Square

Sibley Square, originally the grand Sibley's Department Store, stands as a significant piece of Rochester's architectural history. Opened in 1905, it was a retail landmark for decades before its closure in 1990. Instagram+1 The building's revitalization into a mixed-use complex, housing over 4,200 affordable units, tech offices, and retail spaces, represents a major community revitalization effort. Instagram This transformation preserves the building's historical essence while adapting it for modern needs. Reddit

Visitors can witness this evolution firsthand by exploring the common areas. The blend of original architectural details with contemporary design elements creates a unique atmosphere. InstagramReddit This adaptive reuse project highlights how historic structures can be given new life, contributing to the vibrancy of downtown Rochester. Instagram+1

The project is a testament to thoughtful urban planning, demonstrating a commitment to preserving local heritage while fostering economic growth and providing much-needed housing. Instagram

Navigating the Sibley Square Labyrinth

Sibley Square is an expansive building, and navigating its various entrances and internal spaces can be a challenge for first-time visitors. InstagramReddit With its history as a large department store, the building has multiple access points, and it's crucial to identify the correct one for your specific destination, whether it's a residential unit, an office, or a retail establishment. Instagram

Travelers have noted that more information at the initial entry points would be beneficial, especially during inclement weather. Reddit For those visiting offices or apartments, confirming the precise location and recommended entrance beforehand is highly advised. Instagram+1 Once inside, the building offers a mix of historical charm and modern amenities, including several dining options in the lobby that have been praised for their variety. Reddit

To ensure a smooth visit, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the large space and to utilize any available signage or ask for assistance from building staff to find your way efficiently. Instagram

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