If you’ve been back to Ithaca in the last two years, you probably know that the Commons downtown has been under construction. After more than $12 million in renovations— including new utilities beneath the street; all new pavers, trees, and signage; and a brand new playground and pavilion—the Commons reopened this past August with two days of festivities. This year also marked the 40th anniversary of the Commons being closed to traffic to create a pedestrian mall.

The giant ribbon-cutting ceremony included a ribbon that ran the full length of the Commons and was cut by many local dignitaries, including Ithaca mayor Svante Myrick and IC president Tom Rochon.

Read more about the newly renovated Commons.

Watch a video of the ribbon cutting: