Rochester School Building's Final Act Revealed

Rochester Public Schools has planned a final use for the former Friedell Middle School building before its eventual sale. The building is slated to house Phoenix Academy, a program for students with disabilities and intensive mental health needs, through the 2027-28 school year. This decision comes after the district struggled to sell the property, partly due to ongoing construction in the surrounding area. Parking constraints were a significant factor leading to the closure of Friedell Middle School as a traditional educational site. The district purchased the building in the 1990s and it later served as Friedell Middle School until its closure at the end of the 2021-22 academic year. The Rochester School Board voted to sell the building in 2025, with an estimated sale price between $3.6 million and $4.4 million. Despite multiple showings, no offers have materialized as of July 2026, attributed to external development projects and road construction. The proposed portfolio of changes, including the final use of Friedell, is scheduled for board approval on August 4. If sold before Phoenix Academy's relocation, the sale would include a stipulation for continued use until the end of the 2027-28 school year. The district anticipates patience will be needed for the sale due to the property's prime location and community development.