The historical society and its Hold the elevator! campaign plan may eventually move the elevator to a new location next to the Clinton River Trail.

Meeting participants discussed having the elevator serve as a welcome center for trail users and including displays of the elevator's history. It also could provide office space for local community groups.

Based on the meeting discussion, Hold the elevator! volunteers have developed a vision statement that will guide the elevator's adaptive reuse:

For the Rochester Elevator to be a viable community resource, it must balance historical and educational goals with generating revenue for management and maintenance. Located between the Clinton River and the Clinton River Trail, it will serve as a focal point for both while fostering heritage tourism for downtown Rochester and the local area. Exhibits will interpret the history of the elevator and local agriculture. As tenants rent office and retail space, the elevator will help to spur future business uses along the trail. Building interior and site uses will proceed in phases, ensuring flexibility in response to changes in the area’s demographics. Grants and other donor support will continue to play a major role in achieving this vision.

The historical society welcomes additional suggestions for the elevator's adaptive reuse. Please send us an e-mail with specifics about your idea.

Saving the Rochester Elevator is the first phase of a larger initiative to create a historic tourist destination along the Clinton River Valley. The elevator would be one of the historic landmarks included in the multi-year Clinton River Valley Heritage Area project.