Building on Momentum

The Ithaca DRI builds upon years of public and private investment in Downtown Ithaca and surrounding neighborhoods. Through infrastructure improvements, housing initiatives, economic development projects, public space enhancements and cultural investments, Ithaca has laid the foundation for continued growth and revitalization.

Then
Founders Way
Founders Way

$27M | Completed 2022

A mixed-income housing development providing 75 rental apartments and four permanently affordable townhomes. The project also includes space for community-serving organizations and supportive housing for individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness.

Ithaca Bikeshare
Ithaca Bikeshare

$190,000 | Launched 2022

The Center for Community Transportation's shared electric bike program expanded mobility options throughout the city while improving access to jobs, services, and destinations in and around the corridor.

Library Place
Library Place

$32M | Completed 2023

A mixed-use development with 66 apartments for adults aged 55 and over, along with ground-floor commercial space. Designed as part of the Ithaca 2030 District, the building incorporates sustainability measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Personal Best Brewing
Personal Best Brewing

$1.35M | Opened 2023

An adaptive reuse project that transformed a former gymnasium into a locally owned brewery and beer garden. The project has helped activate the surrounding block while creating a new community gathering space within the corridor.

New York Main Street Program
New York Main Street Program

$483,750 | Completed 2023

State funding supported rehabilitation projects within the corridor, including the renovation of residential units in a historic mixed-use building on West State Street, helping preserve existing housing and strengthen the downtown housing stock.

Ironworks Ithaca
Ironworks Ithaca

$40M | Completed 2024

This infill mixed-use development introduced 129 market-rate apartments and new commercial space along West State Street. Inspired by the site's industrial heritage, the project demonstrates continued demand for housing and investment within the corridor.

Then

Now
The Stately Apartments
The Stately Apartments

$30 Million | Expected Completion 2026

Currently under construction on West State Street, this mixed-use affordable housing development will provide 58 apartments, ground-floor commercial space, and accessibility-focused amenities for residents.

Theory Ithaca
Theory Ithaca

$125 Million | Expected Completion 2027

A large-scale residential development that will add 371 apartments and 518 beds while introducing new amenities and strengthening connections to Six Mile Creek and the surrounding trail network.

Tompkins County Center of Government
Tompkins County Center of Government

$50 Million | In Planning

Tompkins County is advancing plans for a new Center of Government that will consolidate public services, strengthen the civic presence of downtown, and bring additional activity to the area.

SouthWorks
SouthWorks

$38 Million | In Development

SouthWorks is a project of historic proportions that is set to become a lively place for residents, businesses, and visitors. The 95-acre site includes 850,000 square feet of existing, highly flexible space, with plans to add approximately 900,000 sq. ft. of new development, equaling a total of 1,700,000 sq. ft. of commercial/office space, and 250,00 sq. ft. of manufacturing space.

Now

Next
Housing & Mixed-Use Development
Housing & Mixed-Use Development

Underutilized and redevelopment-ready sites in and around the DRI Area have the potential to support new housing options, mixed-use development, and increased residential activity.

Arts & Cultural Destinations
Arts & Cultural Destinations

Future investment can help strengthen existing cultural institutions, expand programming opportunities, and reinforce Ithaca's identity as a regional center for arts, culture, and creativity.

Small Business Growth
Small Business Growth

Targeted investment can help activate vacant storefronts, support entrepreneurs, and create new opportunities for locally owned businesses throughout the corridor.

 

Public Realm & Connectivity
Public Realm & Connectivity

Improvements to streets, sidewalks, public spaces, and multimodal connections can create a more welcoming, accessible, and cohesive experience between The Commons, the West End, and the waterfront.

Upcoming

City Initiatives

Housing

The City has advanced policies and housing initiatives that support the creation of new housing opportunities, improve affordability, and encourage mixed-use development throughout Ithaca.

Housing Dashboard

Neighborhood Growth

The City is currently updating it’s Zoning Code. The revised land use regulations will ensure that new development and redevelopment opportunities occur in a sustainable manner that supports both the environmental and economic well-being of the City.

Zone Ithaca

Climate Leadership & Sustainability

Through the Ithaca Green New Deal and participation in the Ithaca 2030 District, the City has established ambitious goals for climate action, building decarbonization, equity, and long-term resilience.

Ithaca Green New Deal

Downtown Planning & Investment

Through the Downtown Ithaca Plan, the City established a long-term vision for growth, public investment, mobility, housing, and economic development that continues to guide decision-making today.

Downtown Ithaca Plan

Downtown Partnerships

The Downtown Ithaca Alliance works with businesses, property owners, residents, and community partners to support downtown through events, placemaking, marketing, beautification, and economic development, helping to create a vibrant and welcoming city center.

Downtown Ithaca Alliance

Transportation & Mobility

The City continues to advance transportation investments that improve safety, accessibility, connectivity, and
travel options for residents, workers, students, and visitors.

Move Ithaca

Economic Development & Entrepreneurship

The City continues to work with local businesses, institutions, and economic development partners to support entrepreneurship, attract investment, and strengthen Ithaca's role as a regional economic hub.

Ithaca Area Economic Development

Strategic Redevelopment

The City has supported major redevelopment initiatives that transform underutilized sites into opportunities for housing, jobs, recreation, and economic growth. SouthWorks, an ACHIEVE Award-winning redevelopment recognized for its scale and transformative vision, is one such project.

SouthWorks

Arts, Culture &
Public Space

Investments in public spaces, cultural institutions, community programming, and placemaking initiatives have helped strengthen Ithaca's identity as a vibrant center for arts, culture, and civic life.

Visit Ithaca