Saying Goodbye to an Ithaca Landmark: The Kinney Drugs on N. Cayuga to Close

Ithaca is a town that cherishes its history, and sometimes, that means bidding farewell to places that have been cornerstones of our neighborhoods for generations. It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the upcoming permanent closure of the Kinney Drugs at 513 North Cayuga Street on March 5th, 2026.

I've been working hard to find out about this history of this location, and here's what I've pieced together. While it currently operates as Kinney Drugs, for many, this corner store has always been more than just a pharmacy. Its roots stretch back through decades, embodying the spirit of local commerce that once thrived in every Ithaca neighborhood.

For the older generations, this building was once the bustling Atwaters Grocery, a place where families did their weekly shopping and neighbors exchanged greetings.

Then, for a significant period in the 1960s and early 70s, it transformed into Hill’s Supermarket, a familiar and essential stop for countless Fall Creek and Northside residents. Its orange "h" logo was a landmark, and its aisles were filled with the everyday necessities of Ithaca life.

As times changed, so did the storefront. It became Fay’s Drugs in the late 70s, transitioning from a grocery hub to a vital pharmacy. Later, it changed hands to Eckerd Pharmacy and, most recently, Kinney Drugs, continuing its role as a crucial service provider for prescriptions, household goods, and last-minute essentials.

Generations of Ithacans have walked through its doors, whether to pick up groceries for a family dinner, fill a prescription, grab a forgotten item, or simply feel the pulse of the neighborhood. It was a place you could count on, a steady presence amidst the ever-changing landscape of our city.

The closure on March 5th marks the end of an era for this iconic location. It leaves a void not just in terms of convenience for local residents, particularly seniors and those without easy transportation, but also in the fabric of the Fall Creek and Northside communities. These are the kinds of local institutions that foster connection and provide a sense of place.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the countless memories made within those walls, and perhaps, share your own stories of the Atwaters, Hill’s, Fay’s, Eckerd, or Kinney Drugs that you remember. It's a reminder that while physical stores may close, the memories and their impact on our lives endure.

What are your fondest memories of the 513 North Cayuga Street location? Are there inaccuracies in my research? please let me know. Share your memories in the comments below.