With its revitalized Commons, many shops, and restaurants, downtown Ithaca is certainly an attractive destination. But for those visiting, finding a hotel room at the last minute can be an issue.
Building one downtown was years in the making.
"Every time we said, 'Somebody's going to build a hotel at the end of The Commons,' people were like, 'well, where? What are they going to demolish?' " said JoAnn Cornish, director of planning and economic Development for the city.
The reality of a hotel anchoring the Ithaca Commons took one giant step forward Wednesday.
"Topping out in construction is really a big milestone," said Urgo Hotels VP Matt Jalazo, "because once the structure's done, you shift all of your focus to finishing the actual hotel to get to opening."
Once open, local leaders hope the new Marriott will make it easier for people to travel to the area. That's especially important for families of Cornell and Ithaca College students.
"Parents weekends, on graduation weekends, on homecoming weekends, we don't have enough lodging opportunities for people stay right here in Ithaca," said Tompkins County Area Development Vice President & Director of Economic Development Services Heather MacDaniel.
The completed hotel will have 159 rooms, which will help tourism as well.
"It's going to bring probably 40,000 people a year in through this hotel that will embark on their journey through the Finger Lakes," MacDaniel said.
There's an economic benefit as well: Leaders say it will bring in $2 million in property taxes and $4 million in sales tax revenue. The city hopes to start reaping those rewards when construction is finished in August.