In recognition of the 150th Anniversary of Cornell University, President David Skorton will visit the Ithaca Commons on Friday, April 24, 2015 for a special Charter Day weekend kick-off dedication event.

The event is hosted by the Downtown Ithaca Alliance and is open to the public. Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) Executive Director Gary Ferguson notes that “this event is another sign that the Commons construction is in heading into the home stretch.”

A limited number of tickets for Cinemapolis’s simulcast viewing of the Steve Squyres/Bill Nye Charter Weekend presentation are still available and can be obtained free of charge at the Commons dedication event, the Cinemapolis box office (120 E. Green St.), or the DIA offices in Center Ithaca (171 The Commons). The Squyres/Nye presentation begins promptly at 5:00 pm.

http://www.ithaca.com/opinion/living-downtown/article_cd9d0a26-e322-11e4-9b64-63fb6a308be3.html

On Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, the Downtown Ithaca Alliance will host their third semi-annual Downtown Living Tour, a self-guided open house of urban apartments and attractions. For those who have ever wondered what it would be like to live downtown, this event offers a new opportunity to get a sneak peek into a range of housing options in the heart of the city.

Apartments on the tour include the light-filled, streamlined Cayuga Place Apartments located along Six Mile Creek; spacious one- and two-bedroom lofts at Seneca Way that overlook the city and the lake; and the newly renovated Homegrown Apartments at 104 The Commons that juxtapose vibrant skylights and clean lines with original exposed brick walls dating back to the 19^th century. Participants will also have the chance to be among the first to preview downtown Ithaca’s newest green-friendly, energy-efficient apartments at Lofts@SixMileCreek.

Several downtown businesses will be offering samples and discounts during the tour. Cinemapolis will be giving away free movie passes; Ithaca Carshare will be giving away reflective safety lights and free applications; and 15 STEPS, Sunny Days, Bandwagon Brewpub, F. Oliver’s, Ithaca Coffee Company, and Life’s So Sweet Chocolates will be offering free gifts and samples to all participants. All will also be entered to win prizes including a $100 Downtown Ithaca gift card.

Says Allison Graffin, Marketing Director for the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, “Our Downtown Living tour is not just for those looking to move downtown, but anyone who has even a pinch of curiosity to experience what it might be like to live in Downtown Ithaca. Spoiler alert: it’s convenient, culturally rich, and extremely walkable!”

Participants should register on the day of the event at the Downtown Ithaca Visitor Center (Center Ithaca, 171 The Commons) starting at 1:00 PM. Tickets are $5.00 and entitle you to a lanyard pass, map, coupons, and a chance to win additional prizes including a $100 Downtown Ithaca gift card. Call 607-277-8679 or email info@downtownithaca.com with any questions.