I’ve spent my entire life in Upstate New York and I’ve learned there are only 2 seasons: Winter and Construction. Some of my favorite sights and sounds occur during Construction Season – the gentle chirps of cement trucks backing up, the blooming?of bright perennial orange cones, romantic mating calls of the jackhammer. And for the next 2 weeks, there’s no better place to experience these miracles of nature than right in the heart of downtown Corning.

A city as beautiful and well-maintained as ours?doesn’t just “wake up like this,”?as the kids say these days. It takes a little bit of work behind the scenes, some attention to detail, and occasionally ripping up the entire street in the middle of downtown and laying new pavement and blacktop with fresh?striping and updated crosswalks all in one fell?swoop. Beginning today (Monday, June 12), that’s exactly what’s happening.

Bulldozer enthusiasts can find free parking for this excavation extravaganza on the East and West ends of Market Street (map provided at bottom of post). All sidewalks will remain open for your viewing pleasure, but we ask that you do not attempt to feed the workers.

Most importantly, the businesses on Market Street will remain open as they usually would. Some have easily-accessible rear entrances, so keep an eye out for signage in the alleys. The rest can be reached from the sidewalks on Market Street, which is no different from any other time.

An event like this only happens once every 10 years (or less), so if you’re going to post photos on social media, now is your chance! We encourage you to tag @UrbanCorning during this limited engagement opportunity: the BEST photo of Market Street construction will receive a $20 gift card to your favorite Gaffer District?restaurant and 2 tickets to the Palace Theatre (we’re not kidding).

Oh, and if you’re not sure about walking an extra 3 minutes?to your destination, read this post from last month.

From all of us at Urban Corning, Happy Construction Season!

Free parking can be found on the East and West ends of Market street, in Lots 11 and 15, respectively. Parking is also free in all municipal lots after 5pm on weekdays and throughout the weekend. The CMOG shuttle is free from the parking lot at the Museum, transporting people to Market Street via Centerway Square.

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.