Rochester's Wyndham Hotel, a legendary landmark with a rock star past, has been temporarily shut down by the city due to critical fire and building code violations. This closure highlights the hotel's tumultuous history, which has seen it transform through various names and purposes over the decades.
The hotel's story begins in the late 1960s with the aim to revitalize the Genesee Crossroads district and address the lack of accommodations downtown. It started life as the Grenadier, then became the Flagship-Rochester, named after American Airlines' pre-jet Flagship fleet. This name change was short-lived, as the hotel became the Americana-Rochester in 1973, a name that would soon become synonymous with rock star lore.
On March 21, 1976, David Bowie and Iggy Pop were arrested in a suite at the Americana-Rochester on marijuana charges following a concert. This event not only made headlines but also solidified the hotel's place in music history. The charges were dropped, but Bowie never performed in Rochester again, leaving a lasting impact on the city's music scene.
The Americana-Rochester hosted many notable musicians, including Tom Jones and Billy Joel, who were drawn to its proximity to the Community War Memorial (now Blue Cross Arena). The hotel also played a significant role in charity, with Chuck Mangione organizing a benefit concert in 1980 to raise funds for earthquake victims in Irpinia, Italy. This concert featured an all-star lineup, including Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea, and Steve Gadd, further cementing the hotel's place in Rochester's cultural history.
Despite its musical legacy, the Americana-Rochester closed in 1982 and reopened a year later under new ownership. It underwent several name changes, becoming the Rochester Plaza Hotel in 2008. The hotel hosted the Rochester International Jazz Festival, featuring after-hours jam sessions with jazz legends like George Benson and Wynton Marsalis.
In recent years, the hotel has had a more controversial role. Between 2023 and 2024, it housed asylum-seeking migrants who arrived by bus from New York City. This use of the hotel has sparked debates about the city's approach to immigration and the treatment of asylum-seekers.
The Wyndham hotel's closure due to code violations is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by older properties. It also underscores the hotel's complex history, which has seen it serve various purposes and face numerous transformations. The closure raises questions about the hotel's future and the potential for its rich history to be preserved and celebrated.
In my opinion, the Wyndham hotel's story is a fascinating blend of music, history, and social issues. It serves as a reminder of the impact that hotels can have on a city's culture and community. As Rochester continues to evolve, it is essential to reflect on the past and consider how to best preserve and honor the legacy of such a significant landmark.
