The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and President Jennifer Tavares are pleased to announce that the sale of their iconic East Shore Drive location is complete. The Buyer is Steven Wells, of Start of the Diamond, LLC, and the immediate intended use is for professional offices.
The Chamber and the Ithaca/Tompkins Convention & Visitors Bureau intend to remain in the building for the next nine months while they search for their next location in the greater Ithaca area.
Jennifer Tavares, Tompkins Chamber President & CEO said: “We have loved our home at 904 East Shore Drive dearly, and particularly appreciated the views of the lake, proximity to Stewart Park and access to the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. Our team at the Chamber and CVB is considering locations that will make us more accessible to stakeholders and create new synergies with our members, tourism partners, and the community at large.”
Peggy Coleman, Vice President & CVB Director said: "We've seen the successful engagement of our team assisting visitors at the Overlook at Taughannock Falls. The sale of the building gives us the flexibility to assist more visitors at key attractions throughout the community."
Board Chair Dr. Jeffrey Matteson said: “We are excited about the opportunities that are now available to the Chamber and CVB with the sale of our building. While that site has been associated with our organization for some time, our current team have distinguished the fine work of the Chamber and CVB from our place of business. The financial benefit associated with this sale will give our team the freedom to continue to develop innovative models to support our members. In so doing, we trust that our entire community will benefit.”
Steven Wells of Start of the Diamond, LLC said: “The views of Cayuga Lake, the easy on and off access to Rt. 13, and the Cayuga Waterfront Trailhead all within a stone's throw, I'm not sure how it gets much better. While there are no immediate plans for 904 East Shore Drive, I'm incredibly excited about the possibilities, and I'm keeping an open mind to all options of what's to come. The Town of Ithaca was extraordinarily receptive and has adopted the rezoning of this location to open the door for various uses. Additionally, I'm pleased Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce will be remaining as a tenant until they find a suitable location.”
The Tompkins Chamber & CVB have formed a special committee which will explore new locations in the greater Ithaca community over the next five months, through an inclusive process with staff, Board, and stakeholder input. With the support of a consultant, suitable locations will be considered, and final recommendations are expected to be presented in a November – December time frame.
The Chamber would like to express gratitude to Jill Burlington and the team at Warren Real Estate for their representation and support during the last nine months.
“Ithaca is growing, and there are attractive developments and locations throughout our community – we look forward to the work of finding our next home with enthusiasm and optimism. We are so excited about this opportunity and what it means for our future as an organization,” said Tavares.
