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Tompkins County committee hears refined site plan, classical brick-and-stone exterior for proposed Center of Government
Summary
Architects presented a refined schematic design that moves the new Center of Government closer to Buffalo Street, reduces hardscape, increases plantings and tree canopy, and explores a classical brick-and-stone exterior shaped to respect the nearby Boardman House and new FEMA floodplain guidance.
Tompkins County architects presented an updated site and exterior design for the proposed Center of Government during the legislature's Downtown Facility Special Committee meeting on Sept. 2, 2025, emphasizing reduced hardscape, more tree canopy and a brick-and-stone facade that recalls local civic buildings.
Project designers said the building was moved a few feet closer to Buffalo Street to reduce an earlier "deep setback" that felt suburban, while keeping a deep setback on Tioga Street to align with the courthouse. Quay Thompson, principal at Holt Architects, told legislators the team "wrapped up very close to wrapping up schematic design" and will send the design for estimating later this month.
The change of setback on Buffalo Street also aimed to improve fire access, designers said, while reducing paved surfaces and increasing planted areas to improve sustainability and maintenance outcomes. "We've increased some of the planted areas, and trees being planted, and in doing so have decreased the…
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