A massive parking structure was built, as well as a pedestrian bridge that not only allows people to traverse the Genesee Gorge, but to observe the 96' High Falls and the gorge walls, scarred with the constructions if past industries. A museum, the Center at High Falls, was built to commemorate the historic district as a major factor in Rochester's success in industry.

Now in the shadow of Eastman Kodak's main offices, with little entertainment business remaining open, the High Falls area is still a attraction for those that work downtown. People come to sit on the benches of the Pont de Rennes bridge to eat lunch, read or enjoy the sights and sounds of the falls. A crowd usually gathers in summer prior to a ballgame at the adjacent Frontier Field, or to enjoy the weekend fireworks and laser show presented over the falls.

Rochester has developed the area to allow visitors to view the falls from all angles and learn about the history of the Brown's Race as well. Brown's Race is a channel built to divert water to parallel the river on the east rim of the gorge. Mills stationed along the gorge tapped the race to power their mills. The race still exists today and even powers an adjacent electric power plant. Unfortunately, due to the presence of this utility, the small park adjacent to the falls at the bottom of the gorge is off limits.

Although the city has done a great job in converting old buildings in the district into functional office buildings, including an old mill right next to the falls, there are currently plans brewing to scrap the focus on development for entertainment in favor of housing.

Sam Patch was a famous daredevil in the 1820's who is most noted as being the first surviving daredevil over Niagara Falls. In 1829 he came to Rochester to tackle the High Falls. He successfully made the jump his first two times. One as practice run and the second to what he considered a disappointing crowd. An advertising campaign lauded his second High Falls jump as his last [in Rochester], but ironically turned out to be his very last. Witnesses claim something must have gone wrong as his feet did not straighten and hit the water first and his body slammed into the water below. Despite speculation that he was hiding, waiting for a triumphant return, this Nov, 9th jump was his last. His body was found frozen in the ice in Charlotte the following spring.

The nightlife. Considered an entertainment district, High Falls  sports many bars restaurants and clubs. Many of which have outdoor decks with great views of the gorge. A personal favorite is Jimmy Macs, adjacent to the Pont de Rennes bridge.

Brown's race. Stemming from the Genesee river and  cutting right  through  the district is the historic Brown's Race. It was used to power the many mills along the gorge. The various tunnels on the gorge wall were cut as outlets for mills. The water would pass through these tunnels from the race, spinning a wheel that operated the mill and emptying into the bottom of the gorge. Today, RG&E substations use the race to generate electricity.

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High Falls - Rochester