Partners Building, Rochester

The Partners Building is a landmark six-story structure located in Rochester’s historic High Falls district, originally built in 1881 to house the J.K. Hunt Paper Box Company. Designed with durability in mind, its arched brick and steel framework offered early protection against fire and earthquakes-an innovative approach at the time. Its Romanesque-style corner entrance, marked by elegant sandstone trim, remains a defining feature. Over the years, the building adapted to new uses, notably serving as home to the Canfield & Tack printing company, before eventually transforming into a modern office space. It now bears the name of its primary tenant, the advertising agency Partners + Napier.

Nestled in the Brown’s Race Preservation District, the building is recognized by both the State and National Registers of Historic Places for its architectural and industrial significance. In 1999, the Norry Company acquired the property and launched a full rehabilitation effort through the Federal Investment Tax Credit program. Spearheaded by architect James Durfee of Handler, Grosso, Durfee Associates and in cooperation with the State Historic Preservation Office, the project successfully merged historic preservation with contemporary design. The result is a thoughtfully restored space featuring loft-style interiors and exposed brick walls that honor the building’s industrial roots.

Just a short walk from major destinations like Innovative Field, Monroe Community College’s downtown campus, and the Genesee Brew House, the Partners Building is both historically significant and practically positioned. Today, it continues to serve as a dynamic workplace while contributing to the ongoing revitalization of Rochester’s oldest industrial neighborhood.