Tompkins County is preparing to break ground on a $50 million Center of Government in downtown Ithaca, with construction expected to begin in early 2027, according to Tompkins Weekly. The new four-story building will consolidate county departments now scattered across rented offices.
Officials say rising lease costs, state court pressure, and long-standing space issues make the project urgent. The complex will replace three existing buildings and comply with green building standards. Funding will come from capital reserves and long-term borrowing, with additional grant opportunities being explored.
Public input is still being gathered, with a final design to be revealed in late July. The building is expected to open by early 2029 and anchor a more centralized, efficient county presence in downtown Ithaca.
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