Our history
Built in 1873. Still here for you.
Built in 1873 by the New York Central Railroad, our home is the historic Susquehanna Station — a two-story brick landmark designed by architect Isaac G. Perry. Today it beats on as the Cortland Community Center.
Interactive timeline
150 years, moment by moment.
1873
The station opens
The New York Central Railroad builds a two-story brick station on Central Avenue at a cost of $10,000. Architect Isaac G. Perry — who also contributed to the New York State Capitol — designs the depot.
1904
Renamed the Susquehanna Station
Originally the Cortland Station, the building is renamed Susquehanna Station, honoring the Susquehanna Valley Railroad that ran through it between Cortland and Elmira.
1950s – 60s
A quiet chapter
As passenger rail declines across the country, the station's role fades. It closes in 1971 and, for a time, faces demolition.
1982
Rescued and restored
The Susquehanna Station Preservation Society forms to save the building. Local residents raise the funds to restore and reopen the station — and it is added to the National Register of Historic Places the same year.
Today
The Cortland Community Center
Now owned by the City of Cortland, the station is home to concerts, plays, classes, civic meetings, celebrations, and — every day — neighbors gathering as neighbors.
On the record
Historic facts about the building.
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Designed by architect Isaac G. Perry — also known for work on the NYS Capitol.
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Built at a cost of $10,000 in 1873.
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Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
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Owned by the City of Cortland; operated as a nonprofit community center.
Help write the next chapter.
The next chapter
Become part of our story.
A hundred and fifty years of history — and every new chapter is written by neighbors like you. Show up, teach a class, tend a garden bed, or help keep the doors open. This place belongs to all of us.