By declaring the building a local landmark, council affirmed “it possesses special character or historic or aesthetic interest or value as part of the cultural, political, economic, or social history of the locality, region, state, or nation,” embodies a distinct architectural style, and is the work of an influential designer.

Christine O’Malley, preservation services coordinator for Historic Ithaca, voiced the organization’s support for the historic designation during public comment.“The building has great potential for adaptive reuse,” she said.

The building served as an intercity bus station for many years until September. Council member Seph Murtagh, who chairs PEDC, said a tour of the now vacant site helped highlight the building’s architectural features. Before voting for the designation, he said, “Seeing it in a fresh light – not as a bus station, but seeing its historic details – I’m proud to support it.”

As the city weighs future uses for the building, its designation as a local landmark will ensure that changes are compatible with the site’s historic character.

"Former Ithaca rail station close to historic designation after PEDC approval," The Ithaca Voice