City of Rochester: La Marketa
We partnered with the City of Rochester to redefine the International Plaza at La Marketa, creating a vibrant, multi-purpose community space designed to celebrate culture, commerce, and community connection.
La Marketa’s revitalization was anchored by modular shipping container structures that now serve as gateways to the plaza. These versatile installations were designed to maximize utility, offering food service areas, vendor spaces, and essential community facilities while enhancing the site’s visual appeal.
“The International Plaza is an exciting new City initiative to develop and construct a new Latin-themed event space and marketplace on North Clinton Avenue. The project will include a variety of vendors and vending options ranging from pop-up tents and carts to more permanent locations housed in retail kiosks, a performance pavilion, dedicated restrooms, and a service/storage building. The International Plaza will provide a community gathering space to celebrate and build on the tremendous arts and cultural assets of the surrounding neighborhood and a spot where local entrepreneurs and/or existing businesses can locate and sell their products and services in a low risk, low cost, flexible environment that is envisioned to become an incubator for neighborhood economic development.
The project’s design prioritized efficiency and thoughtful use of space, featuring robust container modules equipped with ventilation systems, grease traps, and commercial-grade kitchen setups for food vendors. Additionally, the modular retail units provide flexibility to support a variety of community events and entrepreneurial initiatives. These adaptable structures were placed strategically to ensure a seamless flow of visitors throughout the plaza, while maintaining an inviting, community-focused environment.
A true collaboration between the City of Rochester and local stakeholders, the International Plaza at La Marketa now stands as a vibrant destination that celebrates cultural diversity, economic growth, and community pride. This innovative project reflects the power of thoughtful design and modular solutions to create spaces that bring people together.
