Residents of a downtown Ithaca apartment building are being allowed to return home after city officials lifted an emergency order to vacate on Friday.
The City of Ithaca announced the order for the residential tower at 118 East Green Street was lifted at 2:30 p.m., following successful life-safety testing conducted earlier in the day.
Officials said the building had been evacuated after an immediate life-safety concern was identified. During testing on Friday, the building’s pressurization system—designed to reduce fire-related risks—performed as intended, clearing the way for residents to reoccupy the building.
The property owner, the Vecino Group, said it will implement a phased return plan, beginning Friday, with residents currently staying at one hotel location. Transportation assistance may be available for those returning from the Quality Inn between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Additional residents housed at other hotels will return in stages starting Monday, with accommodations extended through the weekend to support the transition. The company said staff will be on-site to assist residents throughout the re-entry process.
City officials say permanent repairs at the building will continue, including full window replacements and addressing remaining, non-life-threatening fire code issues. Fire watch operations will remain in place daily until all violations are resolved, and the Ithaca Fire Department will continue regular inspections.
To support safety during the return, fire police and a law enforcement presence will be stationed on East Green Street.
The city also announced that, in coordination with Foodnet Meals on Wheels, two frozen meals will be provided to each of the building’s 138 residents early next week.
Ithaca Fire Chief Michael Moody said the successful testing shows the building’s safety systems are functioning as designed, while noting that additional fire code violations have already been corrected.
Acting City Manager Dominick Recckio credited the coordinated response among city departments, agencies, and the property owner for ensuring residents could safely return.
City officials say routine inspections will continue as part of ongoing oversight of the building.
