Feasibility Study
Mixed-Use Development
Residential + Retail

THE GOODMAN CORNER STUDY

655 S. GOODMAN ST. & KARGES PL., ROCHESTER, NY
PREPARED BY CLEAR SITE ANALYTICS
JANUARY 26TH, 2026
Gross Building Area

10,500 SF

Use Type

Mixed-Use (Retail + Residential)

Zoning

C-2 Commercial District

Residential Units

6 Apartments

90
Walk Score
Walker's Paradise
71
Bike Score
Very Bikeable
41
Transit Score
Some Transit
The Goodman Corner Study Cover

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & SITE CONTEXT

Objective:

To determine the highest and best use for the corner lot at S. Goodman & Karges Pl. under current C-2 zoning.

Site Strategy:

The proposed design maximizes lot coverage while respecting the urban edge. By pushing the building mass to the corner (0-5' setback), we activate the streetscape and conceal the parking in the rear, creating a pedestrian-friendly mixed-use development that fits the neighborhood character.

Target Demographic:

Young professionals and medical staff from nearby hospitals.

Executive Summary & Site Context

Executive Summary

ZONING ANALYSIS

The following table outlines the current zoning status for the proposed development:

RegulationCode RequirementProposed DesignStatus
Permitted UsesMixed-Use, Retail, Office, ResidentialMixed-Use (Retail Ground, Res. Above)Compliant
Building HeightMax 45 FT (3 Stories)3 Stories (Flat Roof)Compliant
Front Setback0 FT - 5 FT (Build-to line)5 FT (Active Frontage)Compliant
Side SetbackMin 5 FT5 FT (Buffered with landscaping)Compliant
Rear SetbackMin 5 FT5 FTCompliant
Parking Ratio1 Space / 300 SF Comm.15 Spaces ProvidedVariance Required
Lot CoverageMax 80%75% (Estimated)Compliant

Data Sources: https://ecode360.com/12535018

Site Requirements

Front Setback
5'
Side Setback
5'
Rear Setback
5'
Parking Spaces
15
Variance Required
Zoning Analysis Table

Zoning Analysis

SITE CONCEPT

Key Features:

Key Features:

Site Concept Layout

Site Concept

MASSING & VISUALIZATION

Massing & Visualization

Massing & Visualization

Key Site Features

Urban Edge Activation

Building mass pushed to corner (5' setback) to activate streetscape

Tactical Urbanism

Enhanced pedestrian buffers with tree planting strips along S. Goodman St.

Pedestrian-Friendly Design

Concealed rear parking creates walkable, engaging street frontage

Optimized Circulation

Vehicle entry off Karges Pl. preserves S. Goodman frontage

Design Narrative:

The massing utilizes a traditional red brick façade to blend with Rochester's historic vernacular, while the flat roof line emphasizes a modern mixed-use profile. Ground-floor transparency activates the corner, increasing commercial viability for potential retail tenants.
Commercial Footprint
3,500 SF
Residential Density
6 Units
Gross Building Area
10,500 SF

Development Metrics

6
Total Units
Apartments
3,500 SF
Commercial Area
Ground Floor Retail
7,000 SF
Residential Area
Floors 2-3
75%
Lot Coverage
Under 80% maximum

DEVELOPMENT YIELD & UNIT MIX

Development Yield:

Residential Program (Floors 2-3) The proposed massing accommodates a "Market Balanced" mix designed to minimize parking impact while maximizing square footage value.

Residential Program (Floors 2-3):
  • Total Unit Count: 6 Apartments
  • Unit Breakdown: 2x Two-Bedroom Corner Units (1,000 SF) + 4x One-Bedroom Units (850 SF)
  • Target Demographic: Young professionals and medical staff from nearby hospitals.
Commercial Program (Ground Floor):
  • Net Leasable Area: ~2,800 SF
  • Potential Tenant Profile: Coffee Shop, Boutique Retail, or Co-working space.
Unit Configuration Options:
Option A: Max Density:

Best for maximizing the number of potential tenants. Smaller units, higher turnover.

Total Units: 8 Units (4 per floor)
Mix Per Floor:
(2) 1-Bedroom (approx. 650 SF)
(2) Studio / Junior 1-Bed (approx. 500 SF)

Parking Note: Requires 12 residential spaces (1.5 ratio). With commercial needs, this triggers a Variance Request.

Option B: Market Balanced:

Best for stability and minimizing parking conflicts. Larger units attract long-term tenants.

Total Units: 6 Units (3 per floor)
Mix Per Floor:
(1) 2-Bedroom Corner Unit (approx. 1,000 SF) – Premium rent for corner views.
(2) 1-Bedroom Units (approx. 850 SF)

Parking Note: Requires 9 residential spaces. Leaves 6 spaces for Retail customers.

Development Yield & Unit Mix

Development Analysis

Zoning & Parking Viability

Parking Provided: 15 Spaces

Parking Required: ~18 Spaces

Feasibility Note: The site plan utilizes a shared-parking model (Commercial active during day / Residential active at night). A minor variance of 3 spaces may be required, justified by the site's high "Walk Score" and proximity to transit on S. Clinton Ave.

INVESTMENT SUMMARY

The Opportunity

This feasibility study confirms that the S. Goodman corner is underutilized in its current state. By activating the corner with retail and capturing the air rights for residential units, we can transform a standard lot into a high-yield income-producing asset.

The Path Forward

The zoning envelope is defined. The yield is calculated. The next step is execution.

Clear Site Analytics, LLC

Alexander Panzera

apanzera@clearsiteanalytics.com

585.755.5772

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Disclaimer: All site plans, renderings, and layouts provided are for conceptual and visualization purposes only. Verify all zoning and site data with licensed professionals.