Walk through downtown Rochester, New York, and your eyes eventually hit the "mushroom." That’s what locals call it. You know the one—the 21-story skyscraper with the circular, spaceship-like structure perched on top like a concrete crown. Officially, it’s the First Federal Plaza building. It’s weird. It’s bold. Honestly, it’s a bit of a time capsule that shouldn't work in a modern city, but somehow, it totally does.
Architecture usually plays it safe. This building didn't.
Completed in 1976, the First Federal Plaza building was the brainchild of the architecture firm Corgan & Balestiere. If you look at it from the Genesee River side, it’s basically a masterclass in Brutalism, but with a funky, space-age twist that defined an era of Rochester’s economic peak. It’s 282 feet of ribbed concrete and glass. While most buildings from the 70s feel dated and depressing, this one feels like a statement. It was built during a time when First Federal Savings and Loan Association was a powerhouse, and they wanted a headquarters that screamed "we’ve arrived."
The Mystery of the Rotating Top
Let’s talk about the thing everyone asks about: the top floor. That saucer-shaped level used to be the Changing Scene Restaurant. It actually rotated. It took about an hour to make a full 360-degree turn, giving diners a slow-motion panoramic view of the city, the river, and on clear days, even a glimpse of Lake Ontario.
It was the place for anniversaries. It was the place where big Kodak and Xerox deals were probably signed over martinis. But the gears stopped turning a long time ago. The restaurant closed in the late 1990s, and the revolving mechanism was eventually decommissioned. Today, it’s mostly office space, which feels like a bit of a letdown for such a cool piece of engineering. Imagine sitting in a cubicle where the floor used to spin.
Why the Design Matters Now
Brutalist architecture gets a bad rap. People see "big concrete block" and think "ugly." But the First Federal Plaza building is different because of its verticality and the way the light hits those deep concrete ribs. It creates shadows that change throughout the day.
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It’s one of the few buildings in Rochester that feels truly three-dimensional. Most skyscrapers are just glass boxes. This one has texture.
From a business perspective, the building has seen a lot of turnover. When First Federal was acquired by HSBC in the 90s, the name technically changed, but nobody in Rochester calls it the HSBC building. It’s always been First Federal. Currently, it’s owned by local developers who have fought hard to keep it relevant. Managing a mid-century skyscraper isn't cheap. The HVAC systems are nightmares, the windows are custom shapes, and the concrete requires constant maintenance to prevent "spalling"—where water gets into the rebar and causes chunks to fall off.
Inside the Concrete Giant
The lobby is surprisingly airy. You expect it to be dark and cave-like, but they used a lot of glass to bridge the gap between the street and the elevators.
There are over 300,000 square feet of office space in there. It’s a mix of law firms, tech startups, and government offices. What’s interesting is how the interior layout has had to adapt. In the 70s, it was all about tiny, windowless offices and massive secretarial pools. Now, everyone wants "open concept." Tearing down walls in a building designed with heavy structural concrete columns is a literal headache.
If you're wondering about the "mushroom" top today, it's mostly used for private events or high-end office suites. You can't just wander up there for a drink anymore, which is a shame. The view from the 21st floor is still arguably the best in the Finger Lakes region.
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The Economic Struggle of the Rochester Skyline
Rochester’s downtown has had a rough go of it over the last twenty years. With the decline of the Big Three (Kodak, Xerox, Bausch & Lomb), occupancy rates in towers like the First Federal Plaza building plummeted. For a while, there was talk of converting it to apartments.
That hasn't happened yet.
Instead, it’s stayed a business hub. It’s a testament to the "bones" of the building that it’s still standing and mostly full while other downtown structures have been gutted or demolished. The First Federal Plaza building is a survivor. It represents a pivot point in history when Rochester thought it was going to be the next Chicago.
What You Might Not Know
- The "Ribs": The vertical concrete columns aren't just for looks; they provide a huge amount of the structural integrity, allowing for more flexible floor plans inside than a traditional load-bearing wall setup.
- The River Connection: It was one of the first major buildings to really "embrace" the Genesee River frontage, helping kickstart the idea that the river could be an aesthetic asset rather than just an industrial sewer.
- The Wind Tunnel: Because of its shape and its proximity to the river, the base of the building can get incredibly windy. On a cold January day, the "First Federal wind" is legendary among locals.
Is it Still Worth Seeing?
Absolutely. Even if you can't get to the top floor, the sheer scale of the building from the corner of Main and State Street is impressive. It’s a relic of a time when we weren't afraid to build things that looked slightly ridiculous.
In a world of boring, blue-glass rectangles, we need more First Federal Plazas. It has personality. It has a "hat."
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If you are planning a visit or looking to rent space there, you have to appreciate the history. You aren't just moving into an office; you're becoming part of the architectural fabric of Western New York. The building has lived through the rise and fall of the film industry, the birth of the digital age, and the current "RE-naissance" of downtown Rochester.
How to Experience First Federal Plaza Today
If you want to get the most out of this Rochester icon, don't just look at it from the car.
1. Walk the Riverside. Head to the Genesee Riverway Trail directly behind the building. This is the best angle to see the "saucer" and appreciate the scale of the concrete work.
2. Check the Lobby. While it’s a secure office building, the public areas are often accessible during business hours. Look for the original 1970s design cues that haven't been scrubbed away by modern renovations.
3. Photographers' Tip. The best light hits the building at sunset. The concrete turns a warm orange, and the windows of the top floor reflect the sky in a way that makes it look like it's actually hovering.
4. Business Logistics. If you're a business owner, realize that "First Federal" is a landmark. Giving directions to your office is as simple as saying, "The building with the mushroom on top." You can't buy that kind of brand recognition.
5. Stay Updated on Events. Occasionally, the top floor is opened for "Open House Rochester" or local charity galas. If you see a ticketed event there, buy it. The 360-degree view of the city is worth the price of admission alone, even if the floor doesn't spin anymore.