The New 'Vanguard District': New Rochelle's Downtown Retail Strategy

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — There's a new retail district in town, but the name might take some getting used to.

The City of New Rochelle unveiled its Downtown Retail Strategy last week, including the creation of the "Vanguard District," and initiatives intended to further transform downtown New Rochelle into a destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. There will also be public realm and accessibility improvements, retail enhancements, and tenant incentives.

City officials say the strategy will "usher in a new era for downtown New Rochelle, pioneering a diverse and vibrant retail ecosystem and building on its historic downtown redevelopment" that is bringing 10,000 new housing units and $2.2 billion in private investment.

The Downtown Retail Strategy outlines several initiatives in the newly created "Vanguard District," which is the area bounded by LeCount Place, Main Street, North Avenue, and Huguenot Street, as well as in other areas downtown.

"Retail plays a crucial role in shaping thriving city environments, and this plan will help to cultivate a city that flourishes economically, socially, and culturally," New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert said. "The Downtown Retail Strategy will have a transformative impact on our city, generating bustling streets and enriching community interactions, while creating job opportunities, driving visitation, and elevating New Rochelle’s profile as a place to live, work and visit. This is an incredibly exciting time for New Rochelle, and we look forward to our continued work bringing this plan to life."

The Downtown Retail Strategy includes:

• A $2.25 million tenant improvement grant program to provide financial support for physical improvements and relocation costs to retail establishments interested in occupying vacant retail spaces downtown.
• Streetscape beautification and safety improvements: street furniture, parklets, decorative plantings, increased maintenance and cleaning, lighting upgrades, placemaking, and wayfinding improvements. The plan will also create safer pedestrian connections.
• Retail enhancements with pop-ups and revitalization of storefronts, support of local and new businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Vanguard District: modernizing outdated code restrictions to remove barriers that previously prohibited bars and experiential businesses, along with relaxed parking requirements, and transformation of ground-floor spaces. A diverse range of new tenants are expected: bars, gyms, live music venues, outdoor dining spots, and artisan production spaces.

"Our new strategy will support the wonderful business owners that call New Rochelle home and welcome an array of new businesses to an enlivened and attractive downtown," Adam Salgado, Commissioner of Development at the City of New Rochelle, said. "Locals, visitors, and newcomers can look forward to our City’s continued evolution into a diverse cultural hub with a mix of top-notch dining, outstanding local art, entertainment, and more."

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The Downtown Retail Strategy complements the developments that are already in progress, such as the upcoming construction of the LINC project and the redesign of the New Rochelle Train Station and Intermodal Transit Center.

The Downtown Retail Strategy was developed by the City of New Rochelle’s Department of Development with recommendations from the Retail Task Force, which was convened by the New Rochelle City Council in 2022 to spearhead a comprehensive study and support the implementation of a plan. The New Rochelle City Council received the proposed plan on September 10, 2024, and it was approved on October 15, 2024.