MCC's first home — Rochester’s former East High School at 410 Alexander Street — had been condemned by the city as a fire hazard in 1960. However, that did not deter MCC founders who immediately went to work making the necessary renovations. On September 9, 1962, the doors of MCC’s original campus swung open and welcomed 720 students. MCC’s campus spirit was undoubtedly born in this communal, resourceful and informal setting, where collegiality and cooperation first turned the dream of accessible education into a reality for the Rochester community.

Alexander Street was MCC's address for 6 years. In June 1968 the college responded to the increasing enrollment population by opening a new campus in Brighton.