Consisting of a series of micro-retail spaces, the Alley is a converted row of storage bays that borders on the former Press Bay where the Ithaca Journal newspaper was printed. The Press Bay warehouse is presently home to Ithaca's own circus school Circus Culture, while the micro-retail spaces include The Press Cafe artisan expresso bar, Sparks + Embers lifestyle boutique, Mama Said hand pies, Luc
ky Hare Brewing Company, and Tru Dat barber shop. In 2019 Press Bay expanded to include Press Bay Court, now home to Rashida Sawyer bakery, Ithaca Halal Grocery, Boxy Bikes electric bicycles, Bramble community herbal apothecary, Joe's Big Time Barber Shop, the Traditional Center for Indigenous Knowledge and Healing, Adrina Dietra lingerie, Hair-Color-Art salon & art gallery, and One Ring Donuts! The vision that created the Press Bay district was one of creative reuse and urban revitalization. A project of Urban Core, LLC, partners John Guttridge and David Kuckuk sought to "Drag civilization a block westward" injecting new life into a neglected corner of our city. Press Bay seeks to serve as a signpost for how cool downtown can be, clearly visible to motorists who might just pass through as they approach downtown from the west. Press Bay creates a vibrant and engaging environment by combining the energies of many entrepreneurs, makers, and doers in one place as we build a more exciting and resilient downtown environment.
