5 Reasons to love the new Ithaca Commons
Construction started on the Ithaca Commons in 2013, and while there were delays in the work, the final product has received good reviews! A visit to the Commons will now give you a more open walkway from Cayuga to Aurora streets, clearer views from east to west, and a downtown that is bustling more than ever before.
Here are five reasons to love the new Ithaca Commons:
1. It Looks New!
If you remember the Ithaca Commons in 2013 and before, you remember an often-dreary downtown pedestrian mall with not a lot of buzz. But now, there's life! Even the historic buildings, which, in our humble opinion, make downtown so great, look like they've been spruced up. The walkways are new. The playground equipment is new. The benches and tables are new. And, the spirit is new.
2. A Better Walkway For All
Speaking of those new walkways, wow! You don't realize what a luxury it is to be able to walk in a downtown area without fear of spraining your ankle. That's what you get now. It's simple, but it is awesome to see.
3. It Got Fixed At The Right Time
Aging pipes. Aging technology below the surface. If it didn't get fixed now, there were going to be major problems. Imagine spending millions to rip up the Commons because of a busted main pipe, then spending millions on top of that to make it look nice again. The city knew it needed to be done, and avoided a big-time mess by getting it done now.
4. It's Fun!
We could go on and on, but this picture, taken by Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick September 3rd at the Talib Kweli concert, says it all.
5. Something To Be Proud Of
Say what you want, but our bet is that when your parents, sister, brother, boyfriend, girlfriend or third-cousin on your mom's side comes to visit, you're going to take them downtown. Why? Because it's something to be proud of.
