City and county officials are preparing to reopen the residential tower at 118 East Green Street following a March 4 evacuation order.
The order could be lifted as early as March 20, pending results of a required fire safety test and final review by the Ithaca Fire Department.
The evacuation order was issued after unsafe conditions were found that could increase the risk of a wind-driven fire and prevent stairwells from functioning as safe exits.
The property owner reported that repairs are nearing completion, including work on damaged windows and fire doors. A stairway pressurization test is scheduled to evaluate whether the building’s system can prevent smoke from entering stairwells during a fire.
Officials said the test must meet specific life-safety standards before residents can return. The fire department will review the results before making a decision on lifting the order.
Even if the building reopens, a 24-hour fire watch will remain in place until permanent repairs are completed and full compliance is confirmed.
City officials said additional repairs will continue after residents return, including work on some individual units that remain under separate vacate orders.
The fire department will continue inspections until all code violations are resolved and will conduct periodic checks afterward.
Officials said details on resident reentry will be shared directly with tenants once available.
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