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Originally a private club for College faculty, staff, and their guests when it opened in the 1960s, the Tower Club has been open to the public for the past two decades. "Our customer base has been declining steadily over the years, despite our best efforts to market the Tower Club as a dining destination," said David Prunty, director of campus life services. "While it is a wonderful facility to have available on campus, in this economic climate it just isn't sustainable from a financial standpoint." Since 2000, the Tower Club has been open only for lunch Monday through Friday and for special events. Prunty notes that the closing will free up space that can be used by the College for a variety of programming purposes. He says that for at least the coming year, it will still be available for catered events by both on- and off-campus customers. The closing will eliminate five full-time positions in Dining Services, which is run by Sodexo. General manager Jeff Scott says that Sodexo is working with the affected employees to find appropriate placement in other Dining Services positions on campus. For information about Tower Club events and reservations, visit http://ithacadiningservices.com/tower_club/ or call 274-3393.
Tower Club Set to Close Comment from
mdispensa on
04/02/09
I saw the date 4/1 and thought it was an April fool's joke. But no joke I'll be sad to see it go.
Tower Club Set to Close Comment from
mrogers on
04/02/09
I wonder what impact this will have on recruiting faculty. The tower club was an
excellent place to take candidates to for lunch during campus visits. This is a classic example of not using systems thinking to fully evaluate a situation. The full cost of the decision to close may have far reaching negative implications. Tower Club Set to Close Comment from
kwikoff on
04/03/09
I agree -- we are taking three candidates to lunch on their interview days this coming week. I do understand about the financial situation, but it's a shame and will be an inconvenience when we are interviewing candidates on campus or letting vendor reps buy us lunch. The Tower Club affords a stunning view which really makes IC look good to visitors, candidates, etc., and it's a semi-elegant place right here handy on campus -- no need to move your car and lose your parking place, or waste time in a busy day trying to get downtown during lunch hour.
But -- if it doesn't support itself, it doesn't support itself. Just a terrible pity. Tower Club Set to Close Comment from
millman on
04/03/09
The Tower Club was one of those places that was always great to take guests
and friends from out of town - there is nothing like it in Ithaca. It is a shame that this closing will happen without any input from the Ithaca College and Ithaca community. Tower Club Set to Close Comment from
eperkins on
04/03/09
Comments I have heard over the years from the general public visiting the Tower Club is they don't like coming to the club when the students are here and riding the elevator with them. Could be a reason for off campus customer decline? Not much can be done to fix that without a lot of money to provide other access.
Tower Club Set to Close Comment from
jpotter on
04/04/09
I am sad about this decision, I hate to see it close. I wish it was marketed better. I go to lunch there often, take recruits there and have a function there once a year. Please find a way to save the tower club. Danine does a great job!!!
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Changing times have caught up with the Tower Club, Ithaca College's restaurant with a view from high above Cayuga's waters. The Tower Club, located on the 14th floor of the East Tower residence hall, will close on Monday, May 18, the day after Commencement.