To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

ITHACA, N.Y. -- Part of Ithaca will undergo a transformation, as city leaders push to attract people downtown.

City leaders and project managers broke ground on a new development Wednesday. The Seneca Way site is the former home of Challenge Industries, a non-profit organization. It will soon be replaced by dozens of luxury apartments, offices and commercial space.

This is just one of several similar projects underway in Ithaca.

City leaders say building more housing downtown will benefit the community.

"If we can get more people to live in places that are near our bus lines, that are within walking distance of employment centers, walking distance of our restaurants and shops, we can improve their quality of life and also stimulate our own economy here in Ithaca," Mayor Svante Myrick said.

Challenge Industries has moved to South Hill. It will use money from the sale to continue the organization's work.