With a big city vibe, NextCorps is at the center of the Rochester Innovation Zone at Sibley Square. More than 60 startups are innovating technologies at the downtown facility.

The site integrates the historic design and architectural elements of the onetime department store with the technology and site needs of the future. Ergonomic workstations are at home next to the linen credenza that adorns the old tea room; ping pong tables and outdoor furniture take up residence on the rooftop patio, while a mural of High Falls in the 1800s decorates the student incubator.

The space was designed to provide peer-to-peer and expert support for entrepreneurs as they grow their staff, companies and technologies. The space offers a fabrication lab with 3D printers, wet labs and comes equipped with optics and electronics labs that allow business leaders to further develop their innovations at one location.

A large auditorium commissary and rooftop patio support group learning, networking and special events, while individual, small and large conference rooms allow entrepreneurs and teams to have private or group meetings. The facility features both open co-working space and private offices of all sizes.

TAT — The Architectural Team from Boston — was the designer, and DiMarco Constructors handled the construction.