158 Ithaca Commons (158 East State Street)

In 1986, I purchased this pre-eminent, iconic, corner building, at the center of the Ithaca Commons. This building, built in 1862, has always been the prime visible commercial location in downtown Ithaca since the days of horse-drawn carriages and dirt roads. I can show you photos!

We began a comprehensive renovation of the exterior facade on Super Bowl Sunday in Jan. 1987, with temperatures that morning of 20 degrees below zero! The facade had been covered in 1950s-era plastic laminates, aluminum siding, and awnings which were attached to the facade with tar adhesive! The gorgeous inherent architectural details and materials we uncovered were a treasure to behold! Cast iron Corinthian columns, decorative cast iron arches, surrounding the plethora of south- and east-facing windows, along with bull’s-eye hand-blown glass tiles adorning the transom below the cast iron lintel, were all a sight to behold.

We have received many acknowledgements and awards from 'Historic Ithaca' and the State of N.Y., for our renovation and restoration of Ithaca’s premier downtown retail location.

Over the years, we have renovated all 5 levels of our beloved building, and my ‘American Crafts by Robbie Dein’ store, which occupies the basement and street level floors, has been the aesthetic and commercial small business anchor of our proud and vibrant Ithaca community.

The second-floor commercial space underwent a complete renovation a few years ago. There are new white oak floors, protected with a multi-coat water-based sealant. New fine-quality ceiling tiles were installed along with efficient, low voltage, LED, 2400-degree, gallery-quality recessed lighting. The east wall of the unit was stripped to expose beautiful, natural red brick, which was re-pointed and sealed to add warmth and texture to the space. The present tenant completed her own interior renovation and improvements as well. Both bathrooms were upgraded as well. The second-floor commercial space has its own HVAC, heating, and cooling system and the tenant pays for their own utilities.

In recent years the third and fourth floors also have undergone complete renovations and feature solid rock maple flooring. New kitchens, baths, and laundry systems were all completed with excellent design standards. All floor levels enjoy this very special corner location, affording lovely views of Ithaca's East Hill as well as fabulous morning light, along with an abundance of light from many south-facing windows.

My building has been a downtown anchor and a historic resource for the Ithaca community. University alumni, parents of past students, international guests, and regional shoppers along with their friends and families from all over the world visit Ithaca and marvel at our building, and it is on the 'Must Enjoy' list!