A Message from Our Senior Leaders

Spring is the best time of year in the South Wedge, and we're excited to see the first signs of the season! We're stepping outside to tidy up our grounds and get ready for the events that are a special part of the South Wedge neighborhood.

We take pride in making the hospital landscaping cheery, bright, and welcoming. Our grounds crew is busy with spring cleanup, which includes clearing debris collected during the winter months and preparing the hospital campus for mulching and plant installation. In the coming weeks, you'll see them installing mulch in the Rockingham Avenue area, reshaping shrubs, and planting colorful petunias and other annuals to enhance the campus landscape. Those who pass by the hospital on South Avenue will see the "GAMA Garden," which includes colorful tulips and daffodils, cared for by staff from our Geriatric and Medicine Associates practice.

Spring in the South Wedge brings us together through cherished traditions and community events. We're continuing our support of Southside Little League with a sponsorship that helps the organization's operational costs and funds its scholarship program, which expands access by covering the cost for boys and girls who are in the baseball or softball program.

We are proud to support the Lilac Festival! Through our sponsorship, the Lilac Festival will offer:

• A hydration station, which provides fresh, filtered water for attendees to fill up their reusable drink containers.
• New this year, the Highland Hospital Bloom & Breathe Lounge is a thoughtfully designed area for moms, caregivers and little ones to recharge and take a break from the sights and sounds of the festival.
• You'll see our staff marching in the Lilac Parade and handing out colorful wands with lilac-colored streamers.

Food trucks are rolling back to Highland during the warmer months, bringing a taste of Rochester’s vibrant street food scene to our doors. Our staff enjoys stepping into the sunshine to purchase lunch or a midday treat from these local vendors. You're invited to check them out! The schedule is included below in this newsletter.

Spring brings the vibrancy and energy of a new year, along with opportunities to step outside and reconnect with nature and each other. We look forward to sharing the moments that bring our community together with you!

In appreciation,

Upcoming Hospital Projects

We want to keep you updated on scheduled facilities projects needed to maintain a safe and high-quality environment for patients, staff, and visitors. The planning of this essential work includes considerations to minimize disruptions. We are committed to reducing noise, traffic, and any other disturbances that may affect our neighbors.

Directional signage on Mt. Vernon and Rockingham

In response to neighbors' feedback, we are moving forward with the replacement of panels on the signs located near the corner of Mt. Vernon Avenue and Rockingham St. and South Avenue and Rockingham Street. The installation of the panels will be scheduled in the upcoming weeks.

Ramp Garage Maintenance Work

On May 11, we'll begin maintenance and concrete repair work on the hospital's Main Parking Garage. To reduce disruption to parking, work will be completed in small sections, with 10 parking spaces unavailable at any given time.

Work will be from Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Intermittent construction noise may be heard in the area of Rockingham Street while crews are working.

In addition, routine cleaning will be performed on all parking garages (Main, Professional Office Building and South Avenue) on June 13-14 and June 20-21. The equipment used is similar to a street sweeper.

POB Ramp Garage Lighting Upgrade

Consistent with the Main Parking Garage, the lighting and fixtures in the Professional Office Building Garage are being upgraded and modernized to LED. This work will begin in mid-April. Crews will work from 5 to 11 p.m. to test the lighting.

North Lot Wall Maintenance

The North Wall, which acts as a sound and visual buffer between the hospital and homes on Rockingham Street, is in need of maintenance work. Work is scheduled to begin mid to late spring, and will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., mostly on weekdays. Residents may hear intermittent construction noise during the project, which is expected to take four to six weeks.

Roof Replacement Projects

Multiple roof replacements and restorations are due, particularly in the north/north-east building areas, which are located in the Mt. Vernon Avenue area of the building. This work will begin in late August or early September, and is expected to take six weeks.

Crews will be working weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For pedestrian safety, there will be a temporary closure of the sidewalk closest to the hospital on Mt. Vernon Avenue.

Air Handler Return and Supply Fan Replacement

This is a critical replacement of the AC‑1 return and supply fans to improve system reliability, efficiency, and overall performance. This air handler serves the OB Operating Rooms.

The work will be conducted in the area of the Southeast Tower and Bellevue Drive from May 29-31.

A crane to lift the new motors and supplies into place and remove the old parts will be parked on campus. Residents in the area of Bellevue Drive will experience construction noise while crews are working over the weekend. Anticipated working hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

If you have a question or concern, please call us!

Food Trucks Coming to Highland Hospital

Meet Director of Facilities Aaron Newton

In January, Aaron Newton joined Highland as our new Director of Facilities.

Aaron brings more than 20 years of experience in hospital facilities and project management, with a depth of knowledge that supports safety, reliability, and operational excellence.

He provides oversight and strategic leadership for Facilities, Boiler Operations, Environment of Care, and Project Management teams. He works closely with leaders and staff throughout the hospital to ensure we maintain a safe, compliant, and high-performing physical environment for our patients, visitors, and team members.

Aaron has a long history of community service, including serving as a Fire Chief in his local volunteer fire department and as Director of Operations for a local ambulance corp.

Stay in Touch with Us!

We want to hear from you!

If you have a question, comment or concern, please email it to highlandpr@urmc.rochester.edu.

Please include your name, address, and the best way to reach you in your email. Thank you!

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