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Tower 280 facts for kids

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This page is about the high rise building in Rochester, New York formerly known as Midtown Tower. For the skyscraper in Japan, see Midtown Tower.
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Tower 280 at Midtown
Tower 280.jpg
General information
Status Complete
Type Mixed use
Location 280 E Broad St, Rochester, New York
Coordinates 43°09′20″N 77°36′16″W / 43.155627°N 77.604378°W / 43.155627; -77.604378
Completed 1962
Renovated 2014–15
Owner Buckingham Properties
Management Morgan Management
Height
Roof 251 ft (77 m)
Technical details
Floor count 18
Lifts/elevators 8
Design and construction
Developer Buckingham Properties (2015 Renovation)

Tower280 at Midtown is a tall building in downtown Rochester, NY. It used to be known as Midtown Tower. Today, this building is home to many things. It has modern apartments, offices, and shops. You can also find a restaurant on its lower levels.

Tower 280: A Building's Journey

From Shopping Mall to Modern Tower

Tower 280 has an interesting past. It was first built in 1962. Back then, it was part of a big shopping center. This center was called Midtown Plaza.

The tower was once home to a hotel with 78 rooms. It also had offices. A famous restaurant and nightclub, "Top of the Plaza," was there too. This place was known for its amazing Jazz music. Famous musicians like Buddy Rich and Dizzy Gillespie played there.

Changes Over Time

As years passed, the shopping mall became less popular. The hotel closed in 1980. The restaurant also closed for good in 2000. Eventually, Midtown Plaza was taken down.

But the strong steel frame of Midtown Tower was saved! It was given a new, modern look. This process is called retrofitting. The building was completely updated.

Tower 280 Today

The renovated tower reopened in 2015. It was given its new name, Tower 280 at Midtown. Now, it has many homes for people. It also has space for businesses and stores. By 2016, most of the apartments were rented. Tower 280 is now a busy and important part of downtown Rochester.

Gallery

  • Midtown Tower, Rochester, cropped

    This picture shows the tower with its old look in 2010.

  • MidtownPlazaRemnants

    Here you can see the tower's steel frame in 2012, before its new walls were added.

  • MidtownTowerConstruction

    This photo shows the tower being updated in 2015.

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