119-121 E State St Ithaca

“Plans were announced today by H. Karch, proprietor of Holley’s for a two-story, medernistic[sic], fire resistant structure on the vacant lot at 119-121 E. State St. Mr. Karch has just concluded negotiations with R. C. Osborn for a long-term lease….Many modern innovations will be included in the structure which will be of steel frame, with cinder block sidewalls. The State St. front will be built of prism glass blocks and terra cotta with aluminite aluminum trim…. The building will have herculite glass front doors, carpeted and magnastite terrazzo floors, a fluorescent lighting system and year-around air-conditioning. Customers will enter the main entrance into the accessories department, from which they will through an arched passage flanked on each side with displays, into a spacious ready-to-wear department. A spiral stairway to the mezzanine will have an aluminite aluminum stair rail, with rope swag to harmonize, and a drinking fountain.”

“New Structure To Be Built For Holley’s,” Ithaca Journal, October 4, 1940, 5.

“Finishing touches and final preparations for opening were in progress today at the new Holley’s Fashion Center at 119-121 E. State St. The doors will open to the public for inspection from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. ….The building, deigned by Richard E. Metzger, was on property owned by R. C. and Mary Osborn…. 

‘Fifth Avenue has come to State St.,’ Ralph Smith, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce stated today. ‘Not only will Hy Karch and the owner, architect and builder receive personal credit, but Ithaca’s already enviable reputation for having unusually fine, modern stores will be greatly enhanced by this addition to its business life.’”

“Holley’s Fashion Center To Be Opened Tonight,” Ithaca Journal, March 20, 1941, 3.