We are saddened today to announce the passing of Andrew Dixon, a long-time consultant/contractor with the Downtown Ithaca Alliance and an ardent booster of downtown development. Andrew died at Cayuga Medical Center on Tuesday, March 4 where he was unexpectedly hospitalized over the past weekend.

Andrew served as a consultant with the DIA for more than a decade, working on business development programs and projects of all sorts. He provided assistance and advice to several key downtown landlords and property owners, including the Travis family and Ithaca Renting. He was an important part of the Gateway projects development team, helping to bring these key building projects to the community. He was a member of the DIA’s Business Retention & Development Committee and was a frequent participant in our regional business attraction visits to other cities. He also spearheaded our NY Main Street program and served as a contract and construction manager for this important downtown Ithaca initiative. Andrew’s behind-the-scenes work also benefited such entities as the State Theatre and the former Wine Center project.

For many years, Andrew lived and worked with illness as a frequent companion, but that never stopped his willingness and determination to assist downtown, his real estate development clients, and his community. In fact, in the past several years Andrew stepped up to serve on the CSMA board and was serving as their Board President.

We will miss his dogged determination and his many contributions to making downtown Ithaca a better place.