The Mercantile on Main

Rochester, NY

In 1939, at 1.1 million square feet of space, Sibley’s was the largest department store between New York and Chicago. Artfully restored to new use, the novel, bold theater-style marquee entrance serves as the grand entry to The Mercantile on Main, which thoughtfully blends art deco era details within a modern food hall communal space. The Mercantile offers a highly curated and visually appealing experience to showcase local restaurants while realizing a larger vision for the surrounding downtown’s ongoing revitalization.

Embodying a refined brand aesthetic – elegantly restrained and more intentional than most hyper-eclectic food halls – The Mercantile on Main’s dynamic four-sided bar anchors the space and serves as the social hub. Incorporating a layered palette that combines a myriad of colors and textures on every plane, the interiors successfully pay tribute to the past while simultaneously imparting a forward-looking approach. Contemporary materials create a vibrant, authentic, and welcoming vibe. The classic Rochester line, “Meet me under the clock” is given meaning again by re-suspending the historic copper clock in a place of prominence within the food court. A thoughtful selection of dining and lounge furniture extends the warm, inviting palette and provides visitors with a variety of ways to engage with the reimagined space.

  • SERVICE

    Architecture

    Interior Design

  • TYPE

    Commercial

    Historic Preservation | Restoration + Adaptive Reuse

    Hospitality + Mixed-Use

  • CLIENT
    WinnDevelopment
  • SIZE
    15,000 sf
  • STATUS
    Completed in 2021