The City of Ithaca will permanently close the Seneca Street parking garage after determining that the aging structure’s deterioration and repair costs make reopening it impractical, city officials announced Thursday.
The downtown garage has been closed since April 10 after officials identified unexpected structural safety concerns that posed risks to vehicles and pedestrians. Since then, the city has conducted additional engineering analysis and concluded that remediation efforts would not be in the city’s long-term financial or operational interests.
“Public safety must remain our top priority,” Acting City Manager Dominick Recckio said in a statement. “The condition and age of the structure combined with the scale and cost of work to safely reopen it, make closure the most fiscally and operationally responsible decision.”
City officials had initially hoped repairs might allow the garage to reopen. However, additional review found extensive structural deterioration and mounting concerns about the building’s long-term viability.
The decision now shifts focus toward redevelopment of the downtown property, which city leaders are framing as a major opportunity for future investment in Ithaca’s urban core.
During a presentation to Common Council this week, City Director of Planning and Development Lisa Nicholas outlined a possible path forward that would transfer the property to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency for future redevelopment planning and eventual sale.
The site falls within the area covered by Ithaca’s recently awarded $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant from New York state, which supports housing, economic development, and public space projects.
Mayor Robert Cantelmo described the garage site as a “generational opportunity” for downtown redevelopment.
“Aligning with the vision of our Downtown Revitalization Initiative, this builds momentum behind Ithaca’s Renaissance,” Cantelmo said. “Supporting long-term housing goals, strengthening our local economy, and contributing to a more active, welcoming city.”
Even as redevelopment planning begins, city officials said immediate safety work remains necessary around the structure.
The city plans to hire a contractor to remove deteriorating exterior concrete panels that officials say present a falling debris hazard due to years of moisture intrusion. The work is expected to help reopen nearby sidewalks safely.
Officials also said they are continuing to coordinate with Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit on bus route and stop adjustments affected by the closure. A temporary relocation of the “Seneca at Commons” bus stop is already in place, and city officials said they are evaluating a more permanent location.
The closure has added pressure to downtown parking availability and raised concerns among business owners, residents, and visitors. City officials said they will continue monitoring parking capacity, improving wayfinding, and working to prioritize customer parking while exploring transportation alternatives for employees.
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