About

The Refinery is a large warehouse complex being redeveloped into a home for a variety of artist studios, small businesses, community groups, and non-profit organizations. Our goal is to provide affordable spaces for people to pursue their passions. We are located along the river in the Plymouth-Exchange neighborhood, a quick walk, bike ride, bus, or drive from downtown, the South Wedge, Corn Hill, the University of Rochester, and the 19th Ward.

Our address is 936 Exchange Street, and there are several entrances along both Exchange Street and Flint Street as well as from the parking lots. Access to the parking lots is from Flint Street.

The complex was originally built between the 1860s and 1930s by the Vacuum Oil Company. After the original plant closed, the property was split up into several parcels, and parts were used by Sears Roebuck, Genesee Brewing, Rochester Distilling, Kolko Paper Company and other businesses over the years. From 1999-2012, the complex was used by Foodlink for food storage and distribution. As Foodlink continued to grow, they consolidated operations to one site on Mt. Read Boulevard, leaving this complex largely unused. Environmental testing and remediation work was initiated in 2015 to prepare the site for continued use and redevelopment, and renovation and build-out for new tenants work is ongoing.

For more information about the Refinery, please contact Luke Stodola at info@refineryrochester.com or (585) 708-3733