Historic Piano Works Building in East Rochester Up for Auction

Former piano manufacturing site could be reimagined with more energy and possibly nightlife, says local real estate group.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:15pm

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The historic Piano Works building in East Rochester, once the largest manufacturer of pianos in the world, is now up for auction. The mixed-use space currently houses retail, dining, office, and studio areas, but the future of the building depends on the vision of its new owner. Local real estate group SQ/FT Group has pointed to the Cannery project in nearby Fairport as inspiration, suggesting the Piano Works could see more energy and possibly nightlife under new ownership.

Why it matters

The Piano Works building represents an important part of East Rochester's industrial history, and its redevelopment could have a significant impact on the local community and economy. As a prominent landmark, its future use will be closely watched by residents and businesses alike.

The details

The Piano Works building on West Commercial Street in East Rochester was once the largest manufacturer of pianos in the world. It now serves as a mixed-use space with retail, dining, office, and studio areas. Derek Ritter, owner of the SQ/FT Group real estate firm, has said the building could see a continuation of its current use or a complete reimagining, pointing to the successful Cannery project in nearby Fairport as inspiration for adding more energy and possibly nightlife to the Piano Works site.

  • The Piano Works building is currently up for auction.

The players

Piano Works

A historic building in East Rochester that was once the largest manufacturer of pianos in the world, and is now a mixed-use space with retail, dining, office, and studio areas.

SQ/FT Group

A local real estate group that has pointed to the Cannery project in Fairport as inspiration for how the Piano Works building could be reimagined with more energy and possibly nightlife under new ownership.

Derek Ritter

The owner of the SQ/FT Group real estate firm, who has commented on the potential future of the Piano Works building.

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What they’re saying

“It could be a continuation of as is or could be completely reimagined, we look at Cannery project in Fairport as a good project that has happened here in the Rochester market over the past few years. As sort of inspiration as what this could be, more energy, possibly nightlife.”

— Derek Ritter, Owner, SQ/FT Group

What’s next

The future of the Piano Works building will depend on the vision and plans of its new owner, who will be determined through the ongoing auction process.

The takeaway

The redevelopment of the historic Piano Works building in East Rochester represents an opportunity to preserve an important part of the city's industrial heritage while also potentially transforming the site into a new hub of energy and activity for the local community.