Cinch Art Space
The Cortland Corset Building at 75 East Court Street is a cathedral of industrial age America. Built in 1872 by the Cortland Wagon Company, the building boasts double brick construction, massive wooden beams, spacious enclosed stairways, and wide floor boards that give a satisfying creak with every step. And everywhere, the windows. Tall and plentiful, lined up to dutifully pull natural light into a space built before workers relied on electricity.
Fortunately, instead of being demolished in favor of strip mall architecture, this magnificent structure is going through a quiet renaissance of utility as its owners gradually fill the building with wellness facilities and tenants pursuing artistic endeavors. Dozens of small businesses are being incubated in the Corset Building: This is the bridge between Cortland’s industrial past and its post-industrial future.
Cinch Art Space – An all local gift shop and boutique, features the works of 60 local artisans and craftspeople. Jewelry, fine woodworking, pottery, handmade soap, and so much more. Cinch also offers classes. Go to CinchArtSpace.com for details. Tues – Fri 10 to 5, Sat 10 – 3 with late hours on Thursdays until 7 pm and Sundays in December 10 – 3.
Magpie – Promoting and teaching sewing, handicrafts, and the recycling and reuse of fiber and decorative materials. Magpie offers a community space to appreciate and purchase fine handicrafts while learning, first-hand, about the skill and artistry behind the creations. Go to MagpieCortland.com for more information.
Situated just 2 blocks from the courthouse on East Court between Pendleton and Pomeroy Streets, the Corset Building is also home to Cortland’s only comic book shop, a yoga studio, massage therapists, a chiropractor, an acupuncturist, and painting studios.
Watching a historic structure transition from a relic of manufacturing to a vibrant hub filled with makers, wellness practitioners, and small businesses highlights just how much potential can be found in buildings that many might overlook. Its wide floorboards, towering windows, and enduring craftsmanship offer more than charm; they remind us that commercial properties often carry stories worth preserving, even when their original purpose has long passed.
Yet not every building is destined for a renaissance, and not every owner has the time, resources, or desire to oversee such a transformation, which is why many begin to reassess their priorities when maintaining a property becomes more demanding than inspiring.
In those moments, streamlining the future of a commercial space can be the most practical step forward, especially when a quick transition supports new goals or frees up capital for other ventures. Owners who prefer a straightforward path often explore the option of selling a commercial property for cash, in its current condition, and without the delays tied to repairs, tenant turnover, or lengthy negotiations.
Somewhere in the middle of weighing those choices, you might decide to click here to see how a simplified selling process can deliver a fair offer without the usual complexities of the market. Taking this route allows property owners to move ahead confidently, knowing they secured the best possible price with minimal disruption while ensuring their next chapter unfolds with clarity and momentum.
And there is space available for more. Call 607-745-5656 to inquire.
