- By Matt Montague
- Business & Technology
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Ithaca, NY – February 15, 2007 – Tompkins Trust Company will mark the grand opening of its new Tompkins Financial Center, 832 Hanshaw Road in Cayuga Heights, Thursday, February 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. The new office will provide mortgages, investments, insurance, and financial planning services for Trust Company business and personal customers.
The invitation-only opening will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours of the new facility; remarks by Gregory J. Hartz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tompkins Trust Company, and Stephen S. Romaine, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tompkins Trustco, Inc.; and refreshments and hors d’ouvres.
“Our new Financial Center is a tangible symbol of the bank’s commitment to the community and our philosophy of putting customers first,” Hartz said. “‘Tompkins Plus’ offers a complete array of financial products and services with a focus on quick decisions, flexibility, and enhanced personal attention – providing unparalleled service to our customers. And it all comes together in the Tompkins Financial Center.”
The landmark building is located in the Community Corners neighborhood of the Village of Cayuga Heights. According to the book “Enterprising families, Ithaca, New York: their houses and businesses” by Cayuga Heights historian Carol U. Sisler, the main house was built in 1829 for the Klines, a local farming family. The last of the Klines sold the house in 1907. A succession of families owned it until it was sold in 1919 to Charles and Eunice Taylor; Eunice was the daughter of Cornell founder Ezra Cornell.
In 1926, Eunice sold some of the property to her sister, Dorothy Cornell, who built a house in 1928 that now holds the Cayuga Heights village offices. Eunice’s house was sold in 1976 to Peggy Cornwall, who renovated it and opened a dress shop there. The Warren Real Estate company was the next tenant, followed today by the Trust Company.
Hartz explained that rehabilitating the historic structure and re-purposing it for the 21st century reflects Tompkins Trust’s investment in long-term relationships – not just with customers, but with the community as well. As part of that commitment, the bank has also furnished the Financial Center with artwork by local artists. The first artwork hung will be the pastel “Weep with Purple Shadows” by Ithaca artist William Benson.
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