Welcome to Kendal at Ithaca

Kendal at Ithaca emerged from a dream which began in the Fall of 1990, when a small group of Ithacans met to design a plan whereby people could remain in Ithaca to enjoy lifelong friends and the educational and cultural amenities of the area.

Since at the time there were no such retirement communities in New York State, this was an enormous undertaking.  The original organizing committee sought a developer, and selected the Kendal Corporation, which was nationally known for its well-run, financially stable communities.  Venture capital was raised locally, and intensive work with State government officials, local government groups, university and college officials, financiers, architects and contractors, resulted in the first residents' moving in on December 26, 1995. 

The 105-acre site was chosen because of its convenient location and scenic beauty,  and was purchased from Cornell University. The selection of the site was of special interest to Dale Corson, President Emeritus of Cornell University. As a young physicist, he was being recruited to join the faculty at Cornell in the 1940's, and was sent a letter offering him a choice of sites in a faculty housing project "soon to be built" on University property in Cayuga Heights. Dale Corson and his wife Nellie did accept the position at Cornell, but the houses were never built. Exactly 50 years later they moved into Kendal at Ithaca, on the very site of the promised homes!

Kendal at Ithaca, became the first continuing care retirement community to open in New York State, and has brought to this area people from 21 states and 2 other countries.  It has been the focus of national media attention, especially because of its college/university connections, and has become a positive and respected presence in the local community.