Local News on WXHC.com is brought to you by:
The City of Cortland Planning Commission met last night at City Hall for their monthly meeting. One of the proposed items brought to the commission was the façade and entrance alteration & future change of use to the upper floors at 37-39 Main Street in the City of Cortland.
The building is known for what you could call a “modern approach” towards building design. Developer, McNeil Development Co. LLC has applied for a building permit to restore the façade and change the front entrance. Ainslie Design of Ithaca is the architect chosen for the project by McNeil.
The changes will bring the building back to as close to its original look and match other characteristics with the surrounding historic buildings on Main Street. Additionally, a ramp will be added for handicap access and the entrance will be moved 5 feet back and moved to the center of the building from the current location (which is located on the right side). The ramp addition will allow the building to become ADA compliant. Cost of the project is estimated at $55,000.
McNeil Development also looks to renovate the upper floors of the building for future residential units. However, due to an unclear market, it is unknown at this time how many units will be on the second floor.
Overall the planning commission liked the idea of the building returning to its original look. The commission voted unanimously to approve the site plan for the façade and entrance alterations. The commission did table voting on a change of use from commercial space to residential on the second floor until a more detailed plan is presented.
