One block north of Ithaca Commons [1], at the corner of Seneca and Cayuga Streets, is the DeWitt Mall. This former school building now contains about 20 shops, galleries, and restaurants, including the famed Moosewood Restaurant (607/273-9610).
Among the galleries are the Sola Art Gallery (607/272-6552, 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Mon.–Sat.), which specializes in graphic arts, and the Upstairs Gallery (607/272-8614, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Tues.–Sat.), exhibiting the work of area artists, many affiliated with Cornell or Ithaca College.
The oldest buildings in the city are located on or near DeWitt Park, a peaceful retreat at East Buffalo and North Cayuga Streets one block north of DeWitt Mall. Many buildings in this National Historic District date back to the early 1800s.
On the park’s north side stands the 1817 Old Courthouse (121 E. Court St., 607/273-8284), thought to be the oldest Gothic Revival building in the state; and the First Presbyterian Church, designed by James Renwick, the architect of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City [2]. On the east side is the Romanesque First Baptist Church, built in 1890.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-state/the-finger-lakes/ithaca/sights/ithaca-commons
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-city-long-island/manhattan/midtown/fifth-avenue