Ithaca Builds

Mapping, photos and information for Ithaca construction and development projects

Tag Archives: retail

Commons Rebuild Project Description

May 14, 2013 // by James Douglas

Commons render sasaki

The Commons is being rebuilt from the ground up, completely overhauling the original 1974 design. The Commons Rebuild will replace the existing water & gas mains, sanitary lines, storm drainage, telecom & electric service, and the existing surface design with an emphasis on open space (good-bye, pavilions.), and also serve as a hub for TCAT busses.
The Commons rebuild is being funded with $4.9m from the City of Ithaca, $3.5m from a Federal Transportation Administration State of Good Repair grant, $1.8 from the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council, $600,000 from the NYS Department of Transportation, and $500,000 from the Downtown Ithaca Alliance (the Commercial Business District’s “BID”, or Business Improvement District, funded through an additional tax levy on parcels in the CBD).
Phase one of the Commons Rebuild, including deconstruction of the current surface and replacement of the underground utilities is scheduled to wrap up before winter hits in December 2013. Phase two, the construction of new surface elements and amenities, is expected to last for five months, with an expected start date of March 1, 2014, ending in July.

Be sure to check out the project site for even more updates.

Commons_Repair_and_Upgrade_Project_Presentation_09_05_12 (dragged) 1Commons_Repair_and_Upgrade_Project_Presentation_09_05_12 (dragged) 2

Harold’s Square Project Description

May 9, 2013 // by Jason Henderson

haroldsq2_southface

Four-stories in the front, and seven additional stories in the back, Harold’s Square is a large mixed-used project slated to be added to the heart of the commons. The four-story commons façade will have ground floor retail with three stories of office space above it, and the rear will have a six-story apartment tower. At eleven stories, this would have the most floors in downtown Ithaca. Currently, a proposal before Common Council would amend the zoning district to cater to the 140 foot height of the proposed structure, a change from the current height restriction of 60-feet.
The new Harold’s Square project would replace the existing structures that housed Alphabet Soup, Race Office Supply, and the old Harold’s Army and Navy store. This project is still seeking site plan approval, and will have to resolve zoning variance issues before it proceeds. Though, with strong encouragement from the City and DIA, expect Harold’s Square to keep progressing.