Upper Falls in Rochester in Monroe County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

On this site stood the Standard Brewing Company's main Brewery Building.

Photographed By Yugoboy, September 12, 2012

1. On this site stood the Standard Brewing Company's main Brewery Building. Marker

Inscription. The Standard Brewing Company was established in 1889. The ornate building was designed by famed architect A.C. Wagner. The brewery specialized in porter and other ales. By 1915, the brewery was producing 50,000 barrels a year. Standard closed during prohibition. After prohibition, the Cataract Brewing Company began operations in the old Standard brewery building. Cataract was noted for their lagers and ales and also produced Canandaigua beers and ales. Rochester was at one time home to over twenty breweries. Cataract was one of only five to operate between 1935-1991. Cataract ceased operations in 1940.

Erected 2012 by High Falls Brewing.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.

Location. 43° 9.813′ N, 77° 36.857′ W. Marker is in Rochester, New York, in Monroe County. It is in Upper Falls. Marker is on Cataract Street just east of St. Paul Blvd., on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rochester NY 14605, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Genesee Brew House Building (a few steps from this marker); Genesee River Gorge: 20,000 Years in the Making (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Genesee River Gorge: Centuries of Conflict in Pleasant Valley

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(about 400 feet away); Welcome to the High Falls (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pont de Rennes Pedestrian Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Original Site of Frederick Douglass Monument (approx. ¼ mile away); Morning of February 18, 1861 (approx. 0.3 miles away); Genesee River Gorge: Industrial & Urban Development (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rochester.

More about this marker. This maker is on what's left of the building. As late as May of 2012, the building was standing, but had been vacant for years. High Falls Brewing demolished the building to make room for the parking lot needed for the Brew House. The controversy over this decision was intense and nearly prevented the Brew House from becoming reality. The building's historical importance can't be denied, but its candidacy for rehabilitation was very much in doubt. Ultimately the champions of progress won, and the Brew House is doing great business. As a historian I could see both sides, but this outcome is probably best for the community.

Standard Brewing Company's main Brewery Building. Marker as seen facing East image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Yugoboy, September 12, 2012

2. Standard Brewing Company's main Brewery Building. Marker as seen facing East

From the parking lot located in the footprint of the Brewery Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Yugoboy, September 12, 2012

3. From the parking lot located in the footprint of the Brewery Building

Brewery Building as seen in May 2012 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Yugoboy, May 5, 2012

4. Brewery Building as seen in May 2012

Photographed By Yugoboy, May 5, 2012

5. Brewery Building as seen in May 2012

Photographed By Yugoboy, May 5, 2012

6. Brewery Building as seen in May 2012

Photographed By Yugoboy, May 5, 2012

7. Brewery Building as seen in May 2012

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 23, 2012, by Yugoboy of Rochester, New York. This page has been viewed 588 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on December 23, 2012, by Yugoboy of Rochester, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.