Micro-retail stores opening in downtown Ithaca

On Wednesday, July 2, 2014, the Downtown Ithaca Alliance and City of Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for Press Bay Alley, a unique downtown micro-retail environment, and will welcome its first two tenants, Boxy Bikes and Amuse: Modern Cottage Industry.At 11:00 AM, there will be a ribbon cutting for Press Bay Alley at 118 West Green Street, just west of Life’s So Sweet Chocolates. Press Bay Alley, a project by Urban Core LLC, provides small retail units (188 and 376 square feet) for startup businesses of all kinds. Each space has dedicated HVAC enabling year-round operation as well as modern overhead glass sectional doors that allow merchandise, tables, or other fixtures to extend into the pedestrian space in the alley during nice weather. For leasing information, contact John Guttridge at 607-227-6884.At 11:15 AM, there will be a ribbon cutting for Press Bay Alley’s first tenant, Boxy Bikes. Founded by Laurence Clarkberg in 2012, Boxy Bikes sells and rents custom electric bikes with motors and batteries carefully selected for Ithaca’s hilly terrain. Boxy Bikes have a top speed of 20 miles per hour and a range of 18 miles. Says Clarkberg, “And yes! They can go up Buffalo Street without pedaling!” Hours are Tuesday-Friday 9:00AM-4:00 PM and Saturday 11:00 AM-2:00 PM with special events most Fridays 7:00-9:00 PM. For more information, visit www.boxybikes.com.At 11:30 AM, there will be a ribbon cutting for Amuse: Modern Cottage Industry. Owned by Kristina Thelen of Funky Junk/Funky Fresh, Amuse features one-of-a-kind gifts under $50 for the whole family. Amuse showcases over 50 American makers, 20 of whom are from the Ithaca area. Amuse will hold a grand opening on July 1 and a Handmade in America Fest on July 5. Hours are Monday and Wednesday 11:00 AM-5:00 PM, Thursday 11:00 AM-7:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM-8:00 PM, and Sunday 11:00 AM-4:00 PM. For more information, visit www.ithacaisamusing.com.