Detroit City Wire

Constellation Brands has inaugurated its new headquarters in downtown Rochester, NY. The building, located across Broad Street from the Blue Cross Arena, features a rooftop workspace offering notable views of the city. This move follows the end of Constellation's lease in Victor and aims to foster employee collaboration and contribute to downtown revitalization.

Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the project's significance: “More people walking the streets, going to activities after work, stopping at a local bar. Suddenly it all starts clicking again,” she said. Bill Newlands, President and CEO of Constellation Brands, echoed this sentiment: “I think it’s important that we as a company recognize our roots here and that it is a bright future we expect for both our company and for the Rochester area.”

The state provided $9 million in tax credits and incentives, while Constellation invested $50 million into the project. Mayor Malik Evans highlighted its importance by noting, “We are welcoming the first Fortune 500 company in downtown Rochester in decades.”

News10NBC Chief Investigative Reporter Berkeley Brean drew parallels between this development and Detroit's recent resurgence driven by private investment. Sandy Baruah, CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, underscored this point: “Private investment is absolutely key... until private investment is really able to step up and make a big difference the rest of it is frankly for not.” He added that significant investments like Constellation's could attract further private investments.

The new headquarters will host approximately 300 employees daily. Mayor Evans assured employees about various downtown events they can enjoy post-move from Victor while addressing safety concerns with assistance from RPD during peak hours.