The Cornell Daily Sun (https://cornellsun.com/tag/ctb/page/2/)
Major demolition began on the Chacona Block building, which has stood on the corner of Collegetown and Cornell for over a century, on June 18. The property will be razed to make way for a new housing development at the cusp of campus.
This is my last article. I’ve been writing for the Dining Department for four years now, and, to be perfectly honest, I am not ready to say goodbye. But, that’s mostly because I have annoyingly discovered that I have multiple thoughts left to tell all of you about! So, I guess instead of multiple separate posts, you’ll have to deal with the abridged versions. Boba is not that good.
Despite closures of several businesses, CTB and Green Castle Asian Market remain open in Collegetown — and have not recently laid-off any employees, despite decreases in business.
Collegetown businesses are scrambling to stay afloat, as statewide regulations restrict them to takeout-only operations to reduce the coronavirus’ spread.
A Collegetown staple is transitioning to provide food for the community with a “pay what you can” system, takeout only services and an option for patrons to “pay it forward” by purchasing meals for those in need.
“We used to have a nine-month business and now we’re down to seven,” Collegetown Bagels and Rulloff’s owner Gregor Brous said. “So if we lose April and May then we’re down to five this year.” George Papachryssanthou, who owns a downtown restaurant and two Collegetown stores, said “There’s no way to sugarcoat it. … It’s gonna hurt.”
Five years ago, Collegetown Bagels began discussions with Cornell over purchasing space in Sheldon Court. Now that their current location is going to be demolished, they will enact this plan and ensure their stay next to campus.
By now, it’s old news that Collegetown Bagels and Ruloff’s on College Ave. are set to be demolished next semester to make way for new student housing. But the true reality of the situation has yet to hit us as the corner of College and Oak still looks as lively as ever. While it’s hard to imagine what Collegetown will be like without CTB in just one short semester, The Sun’s dining department writers are already starting to reminisce on what CTB has meant for them during their time at Cornell.
It’s basically a ritual for newly arrived, over-eager freshmen: Flock into Collegetown on a blustery weekend night and live it up in one of the many fraternity annexes surrounding Eddy Street. After we’ve had our fill, this sizable portion of the Cornell population stumbles back to Collegetown’s late-night cafes and restaurants, exhausted and ravenous from a long day of studying and partying.
The Ithaca Planning and Development Board gave the official go-ahead for next June’s planned demolition, which will level the historic Chacona Block building in favor of six stories of sleek new apartments during its meeting on Tuesday.