Tompkins Chamber sells East Shore Drive property, will remain tenant through spring 2022

ITHACA, N.Y. — The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce recently announced the completion of the sale of its property at 904 East Shore Drive in Ithaca.

Steven Wells of Start of the Diamond, LLC bought the property and intends to use it for professional offices, per a news release about the sale. The Tompkins Chamber didn’t disclose the price. Jill Burlington and her colleagues at Warren Real Estate represented the Tompkins Chamber during the sales process.

The chamber and the Ithaca/Tompkins Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) intend to remain in the building for the next nine months while they search for their next location in the greater Ithaca area.

“We have loved our home at 904 East Shore Drive dearly, and particularly appreciated the views of the lake, proximity to Stewart Park and access to the Cayuga Waterfront Trail,” Jennifer Tavares, president & CEO of the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, said. “Our team at the Chamber and CVB is considering locations that will make us more accessible to stakeholders and create new synergies with our members, tourism partners, and the community at large.”

The Tompkins Chamber has more than 650 active members.

The buyer of the chamber’s property is excited about it. “The views of Cayuga Lake, the easy on and off access to Rt. 13, and the Cayuga Waterfront Trailhead all within a stone’s throw, I’m not sure how it gets much better,” Wells, of Start of the Diamond, said. “While there are no immediate plans for 904 East Shore Drive, I’m incredibly excited about the possibilities, and I’m keeping an open mind to all options of what’s to come. The Town of Ithaca was extraordinarily receptive and has adopted the rezoning of this location to open the door for various uses. Additionally, I’m pleased Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce will be remaining as a tenant until they find a suitable location.”

The Tompkins Chamber & CVB have formed a special committee to explore new locations in the Ithaca area over the next five months, a process that will involve staff, board, and stakeholder input. With the support of a consultant, the organization will consider “suitable” locations, with plans to present final recommendations in November or December.