Billionaire Tom Golisano withdrew his $25 million pledge for a new Rochester performing arts center on Wednesday — saying the new, expanded concept was "not in line" with his philanthropic priorities.

But Mayor Lovely Warren said Golisano did not express such reservations when they spoke before the city announced the revised and expanded concept just two weeks ago.

"Before we had moved the project to the new location, I just wanted to inform him and get his thoughts on it and, you know, he seemed OK with it," the mayor said Wednesday, adding that Golisano indicated "it was fine to proceed with the larger project." "So I don't know what happened last night that was a trigger."

Warren called Golisano's decision "just a setback ... not a deal killer."

But it was a major blow for the Rochester Broadway Theatre League. The local nonprofit has advocated for a new venue since the mid-1990s, with only Golisano's public pledge and numerous discarded proposals to show for it.

The latest concept would raze the Rochester Riverside Hotel, across from the downtown convention center, making way for a 3,000-seat Broadway theater, plus a smaller stage, a hotel, apartments and green space. Project cost: $250 million. The plan that Golisano initially committed to had only the large theater and attached housing, plus some retail space, and was proposed for Midtown's Parcel 5 with a $135 million pricetag.

Officials said at the time that location was immaterial to Golisano.

“I originally made this decision to support the Performing Arts Center in 2016," Golisano said in a news release. "Now two years later, the project is no closer to becoming a reality. It has dramatically changed in scope, becoming part of a larger entertainment complex, which is not in line with my philanthropic priorities. It has also not garnered the financial support it needs from the community. It is time for me to move on to the many other projects we are working on in this region that need support and that are more aligned with my philanthropic priorities.”

Both the news release and a spokeswoman for Golisano stated that he would have no further comment.

There always was the thought of phasing development, said Dave Christa, who owns the property. Whether that involves not just the residential elements but also the theater components is possible.

"This is not going to stop redevelopment of the site," Christa said. But he added there also is no "line in the sand," for a go-no go on the theater: "We are not going to rush into anything and make a wrong decision."

Golisano notified RBTL of his decision in a phone call Wednesday morning.

"We did not anticipate this, and we are disappointed," RBTL Chairman and CEO Arnie Rothschild said, having not yet had the chance at midday Wednesday to speak with staffers let alone potential donors.

He expressed gratitude to Golisano "for his patience," and acknowledged the significance of losing "Rochester's greatest philanthropist" as a benefactor. But he also echoed Warren in saying that Golisano had been consulted about the re-envisioned concept.

"We kept him informed," Rothschild said. "But I think that entertainment is not in keeping with his priorities, so it is what it is."

Warren and Rothschild remain optimistic that others might step forward, seeing the opening now to put their name on the project. Public and private sources still could be tapped to fund the project, they say.

Warren, already pivoting from the previously dubbed "Golisano Entertainment Complex," said the "Riverside Performing Arts Center" has "never been more viable" — calling the project "too important to give up.”

More:Proposed riverside theater site part of $250M high-rise hotel and retail complex

More:Rochester Broadway Theatre League now on 19th proposed site in 25 years

BDSHARP@Gannett.com

