Ithaca Commons Redesign

Downtown Ithaca Before 'The Commons' - Circa 1901

Initial concepts for the redesign of Ithaca’s downtown pedestrian mall were unveiled today by Sasaki Associates.  The Boston firm, which designed the master plan for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was selected to provide recommendations and plans for a new Ithaca Commons.  These initial plans focus primarily on the spatial layout and considerations for the subterranean infrastructure, and they are a big step towards bringing a needed facelift to this central part of downtown Ithaca.  As a member of the Commons Advisory Board, I’m excited to see the city’s commitment to this, despite objections from a few groups that want the space returned to a street.  If grants can be secured and funding provided, this redesign will have a very positive impact on the economic health of downtown Ithaca.  It will bring the space back to its original conception as a community space for social exchange, entertainment and commerce.   If the opportunity passes or the appropriate funding for a full redesign is not secured, then the minority is right and it should be returned to a main street.  But what a loss that would be.

See the article from today’s paper here.