The?building at 20-22 W. Market St. has been vacant since the short-lived asian fusion restaurant?Panasia shut down. With all of its kitchen equipment and decorations still in place, there has been much speculation about what type of business could occupy the space, but so far there’s been little interest. However, on Friday, a new lease was recorded and filed under the name of “Anne Jacqueline Hathaway.”

This is very exciting, though not entirely surprising.?Lots of people remember when Anne Hathaway spent several days in Corning in August 2012:

Anne Hathaway ate dinner in my brother’s restaurant this week. In Corning NY! Apparently she is on vacation in the Finger Lakes?!

? CAB (@carrie_AB_) August 18, 2012

Anne Hathaway is on vacation in Corning. Why does everyone complain about what a boring place this is?

? Dave (@JimmerGrimmer) August 16, 2012

It’s widely known that her family has a vacation house in the Finger Lakes, though Hathaway’s own connections to the area are vague at best. According to Wikipedia, the actress grew up in a small town in New Jersey so it’s not too far-fetched to believe she may enjoy the slower pace of life outside of Hollywood and New York City. In addition, Hathaway has no plans for films, TV shows, or stage appearances in 2017. The only movie currently listed in production is?Ocean’s Eight, scheduled for 2018.

The building at 20-22 W. Market St. has been vacant since the beginning of 2015.

When Anne Hathaway was here in 2012, lots of people mentioned seeing her at The Cellar and Wegmans. Of course, those are a couple of our favorite places, as well, so that comes as no surprise. And Corning is no stranger to celebrity connections. Just recently at a Corning-Painted Post Sports Hall of Fame induction, for example, ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian was in town for the recognition of his wife Kathy.

This interesting news comes at the same time as a movie?filmed entirely in the Southern Tier announced its international launch. Here Alone,?written by Corning Resident David Ebeltoft?even received praise from the New York Times.

Of course, the least surprising bit of all is that?Urban Corning is playing another April Fools joke on you. Anne Hathaway’s name isn’t on a lease… sorry, folks. But perhaps it’s even more disappointing that the old?Panasia?building is still empty. Anyone interested? Anne? Please?

Sean Lukasik

Sean is the owner and partner at Creagent Marketing in Corning, NY. He helps businesses find their voice on social media and build their audience online. He helps individuals find delicious meals and great drinks throughout the Southern Finger Lakes.