A major issue in the urban planning of Ithaca is a sense of disconnect between the community and the waterfront. There are few developed areas near the water that offer food, entertainment, or leisure. This mixed-use library was built on a former industrial site on a bend in the inlet and seeks to connect visitors with the environment through the many programs of the center.

The tunnels between each node of the center offer sightlines to the inlet and beyond, with the building becoming a doorway rather than an obstruction. Entrances near the western sides of each tunnel offer different opportunities: a bistro, a café, a theater, and the library. Large step-seats in the library bridge the ground floor public spaces with the upper library sanctum, and the space beneath the seats creates space and focus for a gallery. By bringing together major community attractions, I hope to bring excitement to the Cayuga waterfront through desirable third spaces.