It was a natural disaster turned into a man-made renaissance. The flood of 1972 caused destruction across the cities and towns of the Twin Tiers.  As we continue to Explore New York, reporter Matt Jarchow takes a look at the impacts of the flood and how one city bounced back.

CORNING, N.Y. -- In 1972 Hurricane Agnes made it's way up the east coast.

Just as it appeared to die, it picked up steam and headed west. When it arrived in Corning, New York, it caused destruction like the city had never seen.

"For days, it rained and rained -- and rained," Corning historical author Tom Dimitroff said. "It was just horrible."

The rain quickly flooded the Chemung River and broke the cities dykes. With it's only protection gone, Corning was at the mercy of the storm. And, it was a storm that wouldn't let up.

"It was disastrous because it was a very major percentage of our residences were flooded, the entire industrial complex of Corning was flooded, and the commercial area of Corning was flooded," Dimitroff said.  

After the flood of '72 it was a variety of factors that helped the Crystal City rebuild. Market Street redevelopment plans were already underway. Corning Inc. also stayed committed to the area. However, officials say the most important factor was the people themselves.  

"It was a horrible event, but it really brought the community together and made us realize what we have, what is here, and what is worth saving," Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes director Jessica Cunningham said. 

Redevelopment started in the factories of Corning Incorporated. 

"The key was to get the factory back going because the people that had been flooded, the men and women who worked in those factories needed money," Dimitroff said.  

The flood also forced redevelopment of Corning's Market Street. With a plan already in place, the redevelopment ended in success. It also transformed Corning from a factory town -- to a tourist town, a transformation that still holds true today. It's all because of how the cities residents responded to the worst disaster they'd seen. 

"You look at the big picture, it's amazing," Dimitroff said. "I'm very, very proud to be from Corning."