Rochester City Mark

2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the design of the Rochester City Mark. City graphic designer, Lee Green, created the mark in 1975 which was then approved in 1976. The design is rooted in Rochester’s dual identity as both the “Flour City” and the “Flower City.” Rochester was the largest manufacturer of baking flour in the early 19th century, and then became known for its large nursery and seed industries in the mid 19th century. Rochester also hosts the annual Lilac Festival in Highland Park, home to over 500 varieties of lilacs. The logo pays homage to this history by representing a stylized water wheel and the lilac’s five petaled shape. Today the mark can be found all around the city from banners, to T-shirts, and even to the bodies of proud community members who have gotten the mark tattooed.