The City of Rochester is pleased to announce that the long-vacant building at 60 Wakefield Street, formerly home to Ben Franklin’s Crafts, will soon be subleased by NAPA Auto Parts.

After securing a 10-year lease agreement in early 2024 to take control of the vacant building and its adjacent parking lot, the City has finalized a sublease agreement with NAPA Auto Parts. The company will relocate from Hancock Street to expand its operations.

The decision to lease the building was made in part to alleviate parking concerns in the downtown area. The site includes more than 100 parking spaces, which will remain open to the public.

According to Finance Director Mark Sullivan, NAPA Auto Parts expressed a need for a larger, more accessible location to support its growing operations.

“The newly signed sublease allows NAPA to achieve their goals while generating revenue to help the City offset the cost of the property—without compromising public access to downtown parking,” said Sullivan.

Economic Development Director Michael Scala noted that this is the kind of outcome the City was aiming for—keeping parking accessible to the public while generating income and activating an underutilized building.

“NAPA has been a part of our community for years, and we’re excited to support their growth while also bringing life back to a building that’s been vacant for too long,” said Scala. “This effort is a win-win for Rochester. We’re addressing a long-standing vacancy, helping a local business grow, and preserving public parking for those who live, work, and visit downtown.”

City officials affirm that downtown parking remains a top priority. The nearby municipal parking lot on Union Street is scheduled for major refurbishment this year. The $1.75 million project aims to improve both functionality and environmental sustainability. The lot’s capacity will increase slightly—from 97 to 99 spaces—and will include handicapped-accessible spots, electric vehicle charging stations, and a consolidated dumpster corral for nearby businesses and residents.

Scala added that although some parking spaces will remain available throughout the construction period, the new municipal lot on Wakefield Street will be needed to ease parking challenges while the Union Street refurbishment is completed.

For more information, contact the Department of Economic Development at (603) 335-7522.