ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The fate of the former Richford Hotel remains up in the air, but it looks like developers will be able to repair and rebuild.

On Thursday, workers were inside the Chestnut Street building, inspecting the interior of the structure that has been vacant for nearly a quarter-century. That information will be used to help the owners and City of Rochester determine the future of the building, according to a city spokeswoman.

Based on the preliminary reports, they liked what they saw.

Development isn’t scheduled to star until August, but the plan is for apartments, some office space, and retail.

The original establishment opened in 1915. It served as a hotel until 1961, when it was converted into an office building.

In April 2022, a portion of the building’s metal exterior was ripped off during high winds.

Last fall, the owners, Midtown Reborn LLC, announced a plan to turn the place into a multi-use building, with a mix of 80 apartments, office space, and retail. The $20 million project can’t advance until the City of Rochester determines that the building is in good enough condition. In October 2023, a hearing was held on whether to demolish the building.