The Plymoouth-Exchange Neighborhood

Curving with the Genesee River as it heads north through the city, and near that amazing spot where the Erie Canal and river cross in a unique four-way water intersection, is the Plymouth Exchange (PLEX) neighborhood. Close to downtown and the University of Rochester, PLEX is experiencing a surge of redevelopment, including Carlson Commons, Plymouth Manor, and the University of Rochester's attractive Riverview Student Apartments. College students are doing more than just living on the west side of the river: they are engaging in the life of the neighborhood. In PLEX, David Knoll and David Skinner own Ant Hill Cooperative, a hub of a diverse set of progressives living and working together to further improve the neighborhood and city as a whole.  Their like-minded neighbors have transformed vacant lots into gardens (such as the playfully named Mount Pleasant Park Park on the street called Mount Pleasant Park!), and in other ways brought new life to the riverside.  

One of the newer and most exciting developments in PLEX is the transformation of an empty Exchange Street industrial building by the Church of Love Faith Center. When this 650-member community outgrew its former location it went looking for a space not just roomy enough for Sunday worship, but large enough to hold community outreach programs as well. Two years of renovations and nearly $2 million later, they have stunningly transformed the building into a lovely church and community center, featuring a sun-drenched foyer overlooking the Genesee River and Ford Street Bridge, leading into an expansive 800-seat sanctuary.